TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Moves Employees Forward with Scholarship to Open Their Own Franchise Locations

Always Moving People Forward®, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, the full-service franchised moving company with more than 430 locations, has found ways to support its network through and through, including local managers who show potential to lead their own franchises. Each year, the Mary Ellen’s Moving People Forward Scholarship guides deserving managers through classroom learning, online courses, presentation opportunities and business development plans in preparation for them to step into their new roles as franchisees.

“The Mary Ellen’s Moving People Forward Scholarship is truly one of my favorite programs at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK because it embodies our core purpose of ‘Moving People Forward’ so perfectly,” said Randy Shacka, president of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. “Each year, it’s inspiring to see managers from around the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK network put in countless hours to learn the ins and outs of the business and write a business plan for their very own location.”

The scholarship program grants managers the funds they need to cover up to 100% of their respective franchise fees, offering scaffolding that will propel them toward success in their new roles with the brand. This year, Tanya Nickel, director of sales and marketing for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK of Sacramento, California, and Lucas Keefe, move manager for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK of Boise, Idaho, received scholarships to open metro market and mod market locations, respectively.

Lucas Keefe Partners with Boise Franchisee to Open Pocatello, Idaho Franchise

A hallmark of the scholarship program is managers’ partnership with existing franchisees or outside investors. To launch his Pocatello franchise, Lucas Keefe has partnered with Franchisee Terry Bruns of the Boise location where he formerly worked as a manager.

Keefe and Bruns

"Lucas works incredibly hard. He is determined to go above and beyond to complete the task at hand," said Bruns. "He is perceptive and flexible. He is aware of the value of serving those he leads and putting others before himself. I'm confident he has what it takes to successfully establish this new office after seeing how committed he was to the scholarship application process.”

Keefe has been with the company for nearly five years now and says he has wanted to own his own business since he graduated high school. Through TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, he has been able to give back to members of his community, embracing the brand’s core values and Moving People Forward in their journeys with the brand or elsewhere.

“I learned how to work effectively within a team environment, how to better manage my time, and am continuously learning how to manage multiple people effectively,” added Keefe. “I have also learned that I love helping the community and helping people get through the moving process, which can be a very stressful/emotional journey, and I have learned how to assess and handle difficult situations. I have learned a multitude of amazing things while working here, but those are just a few.”

Looking to his future with the brand, Keefe said he is most excited to learn more about the financial aspects of running a business. As a manager, he has developed time management, leadership, networking, and community connection skills, and learning how to manage the financial demands of a business is one of the remaining steps for him to take on to becoming a successful business owner.

After completing his training, Keefe was surprised virtually by Shacka and the Boise team by his side with a $30,000 check, which will cover the entire cost of the franchise fee for the new Pocatello location.

“It’s been a pleasure watching Lucas take part in this journey — he embodies the brand’s core values so well and is incredibly driven to learn all he can to be a successful franchisee in the future,” added Shacka. “I look forward to watching Lucas grow in his new role as franchisee with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.”

Tanya Nickel Partners with Sacramento Franchisee to Grow in Berkeley

After over eight years with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and a lot of learning, Tanya Nickel said the natural next step to continue growing was to “take the big step” and work toward running her own franchise. With the support and collaboration of Mark Snyir, who owns the Sacramento location, Nickel will be opening a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK location in  Berkeley this year.

"Tanya has worked closely with me at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for the past eight years, so she has expertise that would make her an excellent owner,” said Snyir. “She demonstrates genuine care for the staff members and handles problems head-on and quickly."

Snyir, Nickel and Jeffrey

“I’m so proud of the time and commitment Tanya has put into this year’s program — she is passionate about the brand and the team that surrounds her,” added Shacka. “I can’t wait to watch her future success in opening her new California location.”

As she grows with the company, Nickel will play a crucial role in supporting her own team through her knowledge and support of her own employees.

“I firmly believe in treating my employees like the company's biggest asset and, if we do that, I feel the customers benefit from exemplary service,” she explained. “Being able to do every role in your company gives you insight into those positions and enables you to be a better mentor and manager to your staff.”

Both Keefe and Nickel’s commitment to the brand, dedication to their own development and that of their employees, and strong work ethics have prepared them well to take this next step and succeed as franchisees. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK congratulates and celebrates its two newest franchisees!

For more information on moving with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, franchising or to find an open position with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, please visit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | The Movers Who Care.