TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

When Erik Andersen left behind a decades-long legal career, he didn’t expect his next chapter to involve hauling couches instead of cases. But when his cousin and business partner, Rikki Forgwe, invited him to join the family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=two-men-and-a-junk-truck-expands-mchenry-2730792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®</a> operations, Andersen saw a way to build something lasting — and community-focused.With their second&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandajunktruck.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=two-men-and-a-junk-truck-expands-mchenry-2730792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK</a> location now open in McHenry, Illinois, Andersen and Forgwe are growing what began as a family effort to help people through life’s biggest transitions. To Andersen, junk removal isn’t only about clearing space, it’s about finding new purpose for the things people leave behind. From hosting warehouse sales to donating furniture and home goods, the duo is focused on keeping reusable items out of landfills and helping their neighbors in the process.After years in the courtroom, Andersen has found joy in something far more hands-on — seeing families breathe easier after a move or cleanup, knowing they helped turn a stressful task into a positive experience. For him, that’s what success looks like now.1851 Franchise spoke to Andersen about his franchise journey with TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Erik Andersen:&nbsp;I was a trial lawyer for about 25 years and needed something new. When the pandemic came along, my cousin and partner, Rikki, had been running two moving franchises for some time. The old owner always told him, “When I’m ready to sell, you get first dibs.” Rikki brought me in, and we bought the two moving companies.We’d always wanted to do junk removal, but it took time to get our footing on the moving side and get established. Once we did, we started the junk business. We bought a new, larger building in North Aurora and doubled our space in McHenry, which allowed us to expand into junk removal.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?Andersen:&nbsp;My perception of franchising was very different. As a lawyer, when I represented a franchisor or franchisee, the goal was always to keep them as separate as possible so one wouldn’t be liable for the other.What’s been great about working with the TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/twomenandatruck/info">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a> franchises is that it’s the opposite. Other franchisees root for you to succeed and help you out. The home office has struck a great balance — supportive but still giving you the freedom to do things your own way.Especially with the junk side, they’ve been very helpful. I was lucky to come into moving with an established business, but getting the junk removal off the ground was new. The franchise has been really supportive and has a solid playbook to help you get started.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Andersen:&nbsp;For me, it was my partner, Rikki, and the opportunity he gave me. Rikki knew the business, and going into business with a family member you love and trust made it an easy decision. The franchises were already well established in our communities — TWO MEN AND A TRUCK had been here for about 20 years between the two locations — and I could see it was a successful business.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Andersen:&nbsp;What I hope to achieve is to be a one-stop shop for families and community members who are transitioning — whether they’re moving or just doing a spring cleaning. What really got us into junk removal was seeing a need. We’d be helping someone move, and they’d say, “I don’t want 20 percent of my furniture. Can you help me?” At the time, I had to say no and watch them call another junk removal company. There’s such a natural connection between moving and junk removal, and it was frustrating not to offer the full range of services our customers needed. I want to change that.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Andersen:&nbsp;We’re trying hard not to take everything to the dump and rehome items instead. We’re having a sale this weekend where we’ll be giving away a lot of old furniture and knickknacks. I have a large warehouse that’s basically turned into a thrift store. What we don’t sell, we plan to donate. We’re trying to connect with local organizations that can make use of extra furniture and household goods.It does save us money on disposal fees, but more importantly, many customers care about where their belongings end up. They want to know their family heirlooms aren’t going to waste.It’s a challenge finding outlets to donate or store items. Most people in this business take everything straight to the dump so they don’t have to handle it again, but we’re trying to do better. We want to make a difference by repurposing, rehoming and upcycling what others might call junk. The saying is true — one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Every load has at least one piece worth saving.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Andersen:&nbsp;My advice would be to talk not just to the franchisor but also to other franchisees. If you can find a franchise like TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, where both the franchisor and other franchisees support you and work together, then the franchise model is a great one to be part of.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. From furniture pickup and removal, getting rid of appliances, debris cleanouts, and more, TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK will do it all, so you don’t have to. 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 which is a national, full-service franchised moving company with each franchise being independently owned and operated. Currently, there are more than 430 locations and 3,000 trucks operating in 47 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland, and the UK. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has performed more than 9.5 million moves since its inception in 1985.

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Erik Andersen & TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK logo

Family-Run TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Expands With Second Location in McHenry

1851 Franchise

After 25 years in law, Erik Andersen found a new purpose in helping families transition — now expanding his family-run operation with cousin Rikki Forgwe.

Former Trial Lawyer Expands Family-Run Moving Business With Second TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK® Location

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Marks 40 Years of Success With New Signings, New Franchisees and System Growth

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Proudly Serves Those Who Serve: Supporting Veterans on the Move and in Business

Treasure Coast Business: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Treasure Coast Expands Under New Ownership

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<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.com/movers/fl/treasure-coast">Treasure Coast</a> is now owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-wallace-b12b04b9">Rob Wallace</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-jent-74489716b/">Anthony Jent</a>, who took over the Port St. Lucie, Florida, location in September, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tcbusiness.com/local-interest/two-men-and-a-truck-moving-business-under-new-ownership-on-treasure-coast/">recent Treasure Coast Business article</a>.Both owners started their careers with the brand as movers in Ohio. Wallace joined the company in 1996 while in college and later moved into leadership and ownership roles. Jent began as a mover in 2012 and worked his way into operations and management before becoming a co-owner of multiple locations.Today, Wallace and Jent own locations in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, along with additional territories in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The Treasure Coast acquisition is their fourth market together.The location will continue offering local and long-distance moving, packing services and the sale of boxes and packing supplies. The new owners plan to keep the existing team in place and remain involved in the local community.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tcbusiness.com/local-interest/two-men-and-a-truck-moving-business-under-new-ownership-on-treasure-coast/">here</a>.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&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | The Movers Who Care</a>.

Rob Wallace and Anthony Jent, both former movers, take over the Port St. Lucie location and plan to continue serving the local community.

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Former Lawyer Jason Morais Finds Purpose in the Moving Industry Through TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Franchise in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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After 27 Years in Moving, Longtime Partners Bring TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK to Jackson, Mississippi

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LANSING, Mich.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®</a>,&nbsp;the full-service moving franchise with more than 430 locations and 3,000 trucks operating worldwide, is closing out 2025 after a successful year that included new franchise signings and openings across North America, expanded systemwide hiring, and the celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary.Founded in 1985 as a small side business for two high school students in Lansing, Michigan, the brand has grown into an international moving company that has completed more than 10 million moves. Forty years later,&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a> continues to build on that legacy with a 96% customer referral rating and an expanding portfolio of services that includes local and long-distance moving, storage, packing, and boxes and supplies.“At the end of each year, it’s always important for us to reflect on whether we’re winning together,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/randyshacka/">Randy Shacka</a>, president of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. “That means our franchisees, our customers, our communities and our internal teams as a franchisor. When I look back at 2025, I truly believe we are stronger today than when the year began.”Throughout 2025, the brand continued to strengthen its franchise network across the United States and Canada. The system recorded 35 franchise transfers, 19 new franchise openings and 15 new franchise signings, welcoming eight owners or ownership groups that were new to the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK brand.A major highlight of the year was the brand’s annual Career Move Season, a systemwide hiring initiative held from March through May to prepare franchises for peak moving season. The goal for 2025 was to hire 6,500 team members across North America — a target the brand exceeded with 7,006 hires from more than 259,000 applicants.While many roles filled were movers and drivers, franchises also added customer service representatives, marketers, office managers and bookkeepers. The initiative reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to career development, with one in three franchisees having started as frontline employees and more than 75% of managers promoted from within.“Providing opportunities has always been part of our DNA,” Shacka said. “Our goal is that people come to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and grow — whether that means building a long-term career here or leaving better prepared for whatever comes next.”June once again proved to be the busiest month of the year, culminating in the brand’s Busiest Move Weekend from June 27-29. Across those three days, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK teams completed 4,967 moves, drove more than 721,000 miles, deployed 6,043 crew members, and moved more than 15.3 million pounds of belongings.Shacka said the weekend highlighted the experience, preparation, and culture across the franchise system, with many locations finding ways to celebrate their teams while delivering high-quality service during peak demand.As TWO MEN AND A TRUCK marked its 40th anniversary, the brand reflected on a journey that began with a single pickup truck and grew into a global moving network. Over four decades, the company has logged more than 556 million miles traveled, delivered nearly 32 million service hours, and moved more than 21.6 billion pounds of belongings.The brand has also remained committed to giving back, continuing the legacy started by founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ellen-sheets-43485a3/">Mary Ellen Sheets</a>. In 2025, franchises across the system participated in campaigns including&nbsp;Movers for Moms®,&nbsp;Movers for Meals®,&nbsp;Movers for Military®,&nbsp;Movers for Mutts® and&nbsp;Truckload of Warmth®, in addition to contributing to&nbsp;<a href="https://convoyofhope.org/">Convoy of Hope</a> and partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://cheeriodicals.com/">Cheeriodicals</a>.In 2025, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earned multiple national accolades, including recognition from Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur, as well as Newsweek’s America’s Best Customer Service award. The brand was also ranked No. 122 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, taking first place in the moving and junk-removal category.“These recognitions aren’t our why,” Shacka said. “They’re simply a reflection of the people who show up every day to serve customers and communities. When we stay focused on moving people forward, the results will follow.”In 2026, the company expects to continue operating across its moving, storage, packing, and long-distance services while maintaining its technology and franchise support programs. It is also looking to expand with franchise partners in New York, Texas, and California. To learn more about booking a move, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://twomenandatruck.com/">https://twomenandatruck.com</a> and to learn more about franchising opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com">https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com</a>.ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK:&nbsp;Headquartered in Michigan, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is an international, full-service franchised moving company with more than 430 locations and 3,000 trucks operating in 47 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland and the UK. Each location is independently owned and operated and together, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK network has performed more than 10 million moves since its inception in 1985. In 2025, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK was named a top franchise brand by Franchise Business Review and was also featured on Entrepreneur’s Franchisee 500 list, where the brand was ranked No. 1 in the Moving/Junk Removal Services category. The moving company known for moving people forward also received the No. 1 spot for Best National Moving Company in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards contest. In 2021, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK was acquired by ServiceMaster® Brands, which is 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. For franchising opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://franchise.twomenandatruck.com">franchise.twomenandatruck.com</a>.&nbsp;

The moving franchise entered new markets, added new owners and expanded hiring across the United States and Canada during 2025.

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Former Trial Lawyer Expands Family-Run Moving Business With Second TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK® Location

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