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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-oversmith-33965a1a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=alan-oversmiths-leap-from-general-manager-to-owner-sparked-a-dual-brand-franchise-journey-in-ann-arbor-michigan-2729663" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alan Oversmith</a> found his footing in the trades after high school thanks to a family friend who encouraged him to join&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=alan-oversmiths-leap-from-general-manager-to-owner-sparked-a-dual-brand-franchise-journey-in-ann-arbor-michigan-2729663" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*</a> as a general manager. That role eventually turned into an ownership opportunity.“I worked as a general manager for the franchisee who originally opened the&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.com/movers/mi/ann-arbor?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=alan-oversmiths-leap-from-general-manager-to-owner-sparked-a-dual-brand-franchise-journey-in-ann-arbor-michigan-2729663" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ann Arbor TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a>,” he said. “When he decided to retire, I was already familiar with the operational side of the business, and he approached me about buying him out. For me, it made sense to make the leap.”Now, Oversmith is expanding with a&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandajunktruck.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=alan-oversmiths-leap-from-general-manager-to-owner-sparked-a-dual-brand-franchise-journey-in-ann-arbor-michigan-2729663" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK</a> franchise in Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and Brownstown. He sees it as a natural complement to his moving business and a way to meet community demand with responsible, service-driven solutions. “What excites me most is the opportunity to bring a trusted, community-focused service to a city that values innovation, sustainability, and small-business support,” he said. “Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and Brownstown are all vibrant and diverse communities, and I’m excited to provide a service that not only helps people declutter and move forward, but also emphasizes responsible disposal and recycling.”1851 Franchise spoke with Oversmith about his franchising journey with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and his expansion into junk removal through TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Alan Oversmith: I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school, but I eventually found my path in the trades. A family friend — who owned a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise — kept encouraging me to come work for him as a general manager. I finally accepted, and that decision changed everything. I’ve been in the moving industry ever since, and I haven’t looked back.TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been an incredible brand to grow with. The support, training and values behind the name have made a real difference in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had — not just to learn and lead, but to keep growing every step of the way.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Oversmith: I worked as a general manager for the franchisee who originally opened the Ann Arbor TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. When he decided to retire, I was already familiar with the operational side of the business, and he approached me about buying him out. For me, it made sense to make the leap.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Oversmith: Before becoming a franchisee, I viewed franchising primarily as a “business-in-a-box” — a simplified path to entrepreneurship. I believed that if you followed the model, success was almost guaranteed. I assumed the franchisor would handle most of the difficult parts, like branding, marketing and operations, leaving me to simply manage day-to-day tasks.Now that I’m in it, I’ve learned that while franchising does offer a proven system, it’s far from passive. You still need to be an engaged, strategic business owner. Success depends on how well you execute the model, lead your team, adapt to local market conditions and connect with your community. It’s not a shortcut — it’s a framework.What I want people to know is this: Franchising gives you tools, not guarantees. It’s ideal for people who want to be in business for themselves but not by themselves. But it still takes grit, resilience and strong business sense to thrive. The support is there — but so is the responsibility.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Oversmith: I’ve been in the moving industry since 2010. Junk removal and moving go hand in hand, so this was a great growth opportunity for what we are already doing.What excites me most is the opportunity to bring a trusted, community-focused service to a city that values innovation, sustainability, and small-business support. Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills and Brownstown are all vibrant and diverse communities, and I’m excited to provide a service that not only helps people declutter and move forward, but also emphasizes responsible disposal and recycling.Being part of a growing franchise like TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK allows me to blend entrepreneurial ambition with a mission that aligns with the values of this area.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Oversmith: First, to become the go-to name for junk removal and donation pickup within our franchise marketing territories by consistently delivering top-notch customer service.Second, to build strong partnerships with local charities, recycling centers and community organizations to ensure that we’re contributing to the greater good, not just clearing space.And third, to grow a team that’s proud to work here — providing opportunities, training and a positive culture that reflects the professionalism and care our brand is known for.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Oversmith: I was already working as a general manager for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand in Ann Arbor when the opportunity to purchase the business came up. It wasn’t something I had thought about until the opportunity presented itself. I took the risk and have continued to grow.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Oversmith: Know yourself first. Ask yourself why you want to be a franchisee. Are you comfortable following someone else’s system? Do you prefer structure, or do you want creative freedom? Franchising suits those who want to run a business within a proven model — not reinvent the wheel.Do your research thoroughly. Not all franchises are created equal. Look beyond the brand name. Investigate:<ul><li>Financials: What are the real costs — initial investment, royalties, marketing fees, etc.?</li><li>Franchisor support: What kind of training, ongoing help, and marketing assistance do they provide?</li><li>Franchisee satisfaction: Speak with current (and former) franchisees to get honest insights.</li></ul>Understand the commitment. Franchising is not passive income. It often requires long hours, especially in the beginning. You’re buying into a system, but you’re still the one responsible for making it work.Read the FDD carefully. The Franchise Disclosure Document is your blueprint. Read it with a fine-tooth comb — and have a franchise attorney review it. Know your obligations, restrictions and rights.Have a financial cushion. Unexpected expenses will arise. Make sure you have enough capital not just to start, but to sustain the business through the ramp-up period — which can take months, even years.Be ready to lead. You’re not just buying a brand — you’re becoming a leader. Whether it’s managing staff, building a customer base, or solving problems, your success depends on your ability to lead people and operations.Franchising can be a powerful path to entrepreneurship, especially if you’re aligned with the brand and willing to work hard. But go into it with eyes wide open — informed, prepared and realistic.ABOUT TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK:Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is a full-service junk removal company that is committed to conquering your clutter. The company handles furniture pickup, appliance removal, debris cleanouts, and more, offering a hassle-free experience for residential and commercial customers. With over 70 locations across 23 U.S. states, the brand operates as a franchise-based business, and each location is independently owned and operated. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is part of ServiceMaster® Brands, a leading franchise provider of needs-based residential and commercial services in the restoration, cleaning, moving, and bioremediation industries. ServiceMaster was founded as one of America’s first franchise businesses and does business under seven brands today across 50 states and nine countries that generate more than $3.5B in system-wide sales. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK is the sister brand of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, a trusted moving company founded in 1985, which operates 430 locations in 48 U.S. states, as well as in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Alan Oversmith’s Leap from General Manager to Owner Sparked a Dual-Brand Franchise Journey

Alan Oversmith Expands TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in Ann Arbor

1851 Franchise

With over two decades in the moving industry, Oversmith has expanded his footprint by launching a TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK franchise focused on community and sustainability.

Alan Oversmith’s Leap from General Manager to Owner Sparked a Dual-Brand Franchise Journey in Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Alan Oversmith’s Leap from General Manager to Owner Sparked a Dual-Brand Franchise Journey in Ann Arbor, Michigan

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