Julie Brewer Smith is Back in Business!

Dear Friends, Associates, Clients and Candidates,

Today I would like to formally announce the beginning of my new venture. Today I would like to announce the beginning of Westbrook Consulting Services. Westbrook Consulting Services is a professional recruiting firm specializing in the placement of professionals in the household goods moving and storage industry.

For the past 5 years, I have been recruiting in the household goods moving and storage industry. When I began my recruiting career in 2003, I worked for a company called The Myers Group based in Bourbonnais, IL. At that time, I was Julie Brewer. Many of you heard my voice on the other end of the line as I called around the country to get to know you, this industry, and how it all works.

By 2006, I had seen much success in recruiting some of the country's most experienced and knowledgeable professionals and in placing those candidates with the nation's most influential movers. Through a lot of hard work and dedication, I learned as much as I could from each person I met either in person or over the phone.

In May of 2006, I was married and changed my name to Julie Smith. It was also in May of 2006, that I went to work for Wilson-Gray based in Roswell, GA. I was most pleased with the opportunity to join Wilson-Gray and work directly with my strongest competitor, Mark Gray.

Just 4 short months into my employment with Wilson-Gray, Mark decided to take a positive step in his career by reopening his own business, Movers Search Group. I stayed with Wilson-Gray as the company transitioned to Canton Street. It was with a heavy heart that I decided to resign from Canton Street at the beginning of 2008, but it was with much enthusiasm that I leapt forward in creating Westbrook Consulting Services.

As I now work as a sole proprietor, I can honestly say that I haven't missed a beat. I am enjoying more than ever the chance to prove my abilities as one of the nation's most knowledgeable, ethical, and professional recruiters. While I make this formal announcement today, I have been working for the last few weeks and have been truly humbled by the number of people who have reached out to me to not only congratulate me, but also to ask me for help in recruiting for them. I am extremely gratified for the support I have been shown already and I am excited to move forward with my career. I look forward with much anticipation to hearing from the rest of you out there who may have been looking for me over the past few weeks.

Without further ado, I would like to provide you with all of my new contact information.

Julie Brewer-Smith
President/Owner Westbrook Consulting Services
Direct Phone Line - 708-946-1300
Direct Fax Line - 708-231-9802
e-mail address - Julie@WestbrookConsultingServices.com
Website - www.WestbrookConsultingServices.com

Address - PO Box 1231, Beecher IL 60401
Industry News Blog - www.WestbrookConsultingServices.blogspot.com

Please pass this contact information on to anyone else that you know in the moving and storage, third party relocation, or logistics industry.

Please check out the new website and let me know what you think of it.

Bookmark this blog and check back often. This is a place where I will post industry news, events, photos, and articles. If there is anything you would like posted here, just email me and I will put it up for you. Notice that as you read posts here you are able to leave comments pertaining to each post. If there is a link that you think is worthy of adding to this blog, just send it over to me.

While I have been busy starting my business, taking care of administrative functions, designing the website and blog, and creating a company logo, I have still managed to find time to recruit! Now that everything else is in place, I will be spending all of my time recruiting.

If you are interested in hiring someone for your company, please give me a call or send me an email. No matter what your needs are, there is way that I can help provide a solution for you. If you are thinking about making a career change, we should talk!

Here is a partial list of jobs I am currently recruiting for. If you or someone you know might be interested in one of these positions, please contact me directly at 708-946-1300.

General Manager - Louisiana, Minnesota, Florida
Operations Manager - Massachusetts, California
Local Dispatcher - Texas
COD Sales - Louisiana, California, Texas, Kansas
O&I Sales - Maryland, California, Minnesota
National Account Sales - Texas
International Sales - Connecticut
Spec Comm Sales - New York

Remember that this is just a partial listing. If you would like to discuss other confidential opportunities, please call me directly.

Once again, I would like to truly thank each and every one of you for the support your have shown me in making this career change. Without the encouragement from my husband, family, friends, associates, competitors, and from you this would not have been possible. With nothing to hold me back any longer, I am confident that my effectiveness as a recruiter for the HHG moving and storage industry will continue to improve. Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,

Julie Smith

Graebel Promotes Company Veterans to Operations Managers

Congratulations to Joe Stephenson and Brian Huff.

Stephenson is the new Operations Manager for Graebel Northeastern Movers, the tri-state moving and storage facility based in Randolph, NJ.

Brian Huff is the new Operations Manager for Graebel Eastern Movers located in Moorestown, NJ serving the greater Philadelphia area.

UniGroup Names Man and Woman of the Year

Martin G. Lesko and Elaine M. Valentine have been named Man and Woman of the Year for 2007 by UniGroup, Inc., the parent company of United Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, and other transportation-related companies. The announcement was made by Richard H. McClure, president and chief operating officer of UniGroup.

Lesko and Valentine were selected on the basis of professional performance and contributions to the achievement of corporate and departmental goals. The company has honored a Man and Woman of the Year annually since 1969.

Lesko joined the company in 1991, as a loss control specialist. Prior to being named to his current position as director of loss prevention, he held progressively responsible positions within the company, including supervisor and manager of loss prevention. Lesko holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. Louis University and a master’s degree in business from Webster University. He is also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

Valentine began her career at UniGroup in 1993. Prior to being named to her current position as project manager, Valentine held progressively responsible positions within the company’s IT department. Valentine holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from St. Louis University.

Jim Stamm promoted to Chairman of Atlas World Group

Jim Stamm completed his transition into the top spot at Evansville, IN-based Atlas World Group Inc., on Jan. 1.

In 2006, Stamm assumed the role of vice chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group and Atlas Van Lines. Following the retirement of long-time leader Mike Shaffer on Dec. 31, 2007, Stamm was promoted to the role of chairman of the board of Atlas World Group. He remains CEO of Atlas World Group and Atlas Van Lines.

As chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group, a nearly $1 billion company, Stamm is ultimately responsible for Atlas World Group and Atlas' subsidiary companies, including Atlas Van Lines, Inc., its largest subsidiary, together with leading the board of directors.

Stamm's climb to the top has been 20 years in the making. The Fort Wayne, Ind. native has held leadership positions within the company since joining as president of Atlas Van Lines' Specialized Transportation Group in 1987. He was named president and chief operating officer of Atlas Van Lines in 1999 and of Atlas World Group in 2004.

The 80 / 20 Rule

Here is an excerpt from an interesting article written by Simon Bailey, discussing how to capture the hearts and minds of employees.

"....Employees today are being asked to do more with less. The good news is they are more willing to go the extra mile when they know their hard work is respected, valued, and sincerely appreciated by management.

Now for the bad news: According to a recent Gallup study of some 300,000 organizations, if you have an average-size organization of 100 employees, 60 of your people are not doing their best work. In other words, they have no passion about their organization's goals and they are unclear about the significance of their daily contribution. Furthermore, if your company is similar to those Gallup has surveyed, you have 20 employees who are 'actively disengaged.'

They're just showing up for a paycheck and waiting for the economy to rebound so that they can find work at another company. That means that 20 percent of the people you work with are carrying the load for the 80 percent who are just showing up every day....."

The article goes on to discuss ways to improve your workforce. The entire article can be foung online here http://promover.timberlakepublishing.com/files/2008ConferenceForms/EngagedforLife.pdf

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Events for February include:

Feb 5 - 8: Self Storage Convention - Las Vegas Expo at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino / Sands Expo & Convention Center - www.insideselfstorage.com

Feb 6 - 8: Allied Van Lines Convention - Sawgrass Mariott Resort & Spa - Jacksonville, FL email Brooks.Popowitch@alliedvan.com for information.

Feb 7-8: Mid-West Truck Show - Peoria, IL - www.mid-westtruckers.com/truck-show.html

Feb 9-12: northAmerican Van Lines Convention - Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa - Jacksonville, FL - email Brooks.Popowitch@alliedvan.com for information

Feb 14: Valentine's Day

Feb 14-15: Atlas Symposium - Dallas, TX - email dewitts@atlasworldgroup.com for information

Feb 14: NAID - National Association for Information Destruction Inc. - Canada Management & Compliance Fundamentals Seminars - The Sutton Place Hotel - Toronto, ON - www.naidonline.org

Feb 18: Presidents Day

Feb 21: Southwest Movers Association Winter/Spring Board of Directors and Committee Meeting - Sheraton, Austin TX - email Dorothy@tmta.com for information

Feb 24 - 27: UniGroup Learning Conference - Renaissance Grand Hotel / America's Center in St. Louis, MO - email donna_bretz@unigroupinc.com for information

IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING FOR THE AMSA ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO IN ORLANDO,FL - This year the conference will be held April 1 - 5 in Orlando, FL at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate. E-mail mmorgan@moving.org for information!

Johnson Storage & Moving Company Vice President of Sales & Marketing Names to 2008 Rocky Mountain Relocation Council Board

CENTENNIAL, CO—Johnson Storage & Moving Co.-agent of United Van Lines, the nation’s largest moving company- is pleased to announce that Julie Johnson has been named as a new member to the 2008 Rocky Mountain Relocation Council (RMRC) Board.

The RMRC is a not-for-profit association of relocation professionals concerned with “relocation trends and issues and the increase in the general awareness of relocation as a profession.”

“I have been a member of the RMRC for 10 years and I am thrilled to join the Board,” said Johnson.
Johnson has held the position of Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Johnson Storage & Moving Co. from 1998 to present. Her term on the RMRC Board expires in 2010.

Julie Johnson

Johnson Storage & Moving Company Wins Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics

CENTENNIAL, CO—Johnson Storage & Moving Co.-agent of United Van Lines, the nation’s largest moving company- is pleased to announce they have been named the winner of the Denver/Boulder BBB 2007 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
Thursday, October 18, the Better Business Bureau held the fifth annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics celebration at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Johnson Storage & Moving Co. was named this year’s winner, after prevailing in the following selection process:
· 475 nominations
· 14 selected for consideration
· 9 semi-finalists
· 3 finalists

The award highlights the BBB’s undertaking “to promote and foster the highest ethical marketplace relationships.” There is just one Torch Award winner because the BBB “believes that amid our diverse and growing regional business community, there is a core belief in building relationships based on trust.” This award reflects the work of the Johnson Storage & Moving Co. locations of Centennial, Denver and Longmont for overall business in the Denver/Boulder area.

For more than 100 years, the Johnson family has been in the transportation business. The firm is now owned and operated by fourth generation family members; Mark Johnson & Jim Johnson. Since its founding in Denver in 1900, the company has expanded to nine locations in five states.

Here are some pictures from the event!

(pictured from left to right): Tony Kovaleski-Channel 7 News, Jim Johnson, Bill Ebbert, Mark Johnson, Bob Rohrig, Don Johnson, Jeanne Herman-President BBB, Libby Bland, Lori Tubaya, Lorenzo Tubaya, Kim Grinstead, Rexine Wasinger, Dennis Smith

(pictured from left to right): Mark Johnson, Don Johnson, Jim Johnson.

Smart Move, Inc. and Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. Announce Strategic Alliance for a New Service Product Offered by Bekins' New Chronos Division

DENVER, CO and LIVERMORE, CA -- Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc., headquartered in Pennsylvania, with 20 branch locations throughout the United States, and Smart Move, Inc., a Denver, CO based logistics company today announced a strategic alliance to help Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc.'s new Chronos division deliver an exciting new service for its customers. In a unique partnership with Smart Move Inc., (Amex: MVE - News), Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. is making an innovative alternative method available to its customers for transporting household and commercial goods securely and quickly through containerized shipping. Utilizing Smart Move’s proprietary GPS-enabled shipping container, the SmartVault™, this containerized shipping model increases the strength and flexibility of the already robust service offerings of the Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. companies. Smart Move uses its proprietary logistics software and the strengths of its primary transportation providers to deliver the vaults on a guaranteed time basis.

Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. in conjunction with commonly owned Bekins Moving Solutions, Inc., has created a new division to manage and facilitate all aspects of this containerized shipping program. The newly created division, Chronos, was designed to enhance the revenue stream of each of the branch locations and provide a new consumer service product. Chronos is based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, managed by Scott Harvey, Vice President of Business Solutions, who stated:

“Chronos was designed to help customers move faster…. from Point A… to Point Done. Utilizing SmartVault™ technology, we will help our customers with the fastest, most secure, and most economical method possible for moving their personal effects. In our fast-paced society, time is money. The quicker and more secure we can get their personal effects moved across the Country the more they save throughout their relocation process. Chronos is built around the customers’ schedules, not ours.”

Chris Sapyta, CEO of Smart Move, Inc., added:

"Smart Move's alliance with Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. has resulted in an innovative product offering using the SmartVault™ and Smart Move's logistics model and expertise. The new Chronos division being launched by Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. is further evidence of how important industry partners are to Smart Move's business vision. By leveraging their areas of expertise, assets and infrastructure, Smart Move and Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. have developed a cost effective solution where customers win."

About Chronos:

The Chronos model of business offers specific competitive advantages over other methods of long distance transportation. Security, scheduling flexibility, expedited service, and ease of use are the backbone of the program. This service is unlike anything else in the industry.

Chronos benefits:
SmartVault™ technology, GPS-enabled
Flexibility to move on any schedule: coast-to-coast in 7 days
$10,000 worth of Insurance per SmartVault™
Eliminate loss and theft
Expert Bekins A-1/BMS loading teams
Up to 28 days of free storage
Self-move option
Easy-to-understand pricing based on number of vaults shipped
Customer locks the unit and keeps the key

Each Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. /Bekins Moving Solutions branch location will be introducing Chronos and the roll out should be completed in January of 2008.

About Smart Move:
Smart Move is an innovative logistics company providing services through deployment of a fleet of Company-owned, GPS equipped SmartVaulttm shipping containers to execute the movement of goods. Smart Move utilizes its proprietary and licensed technologies to efficiently manage its fleet of assets, providing superior security, scheduling flexibility and expedited service on behalf of its customers and alliance partners. Smart Move sales it services direct to moving consumers as well as providing moving capacity and guaranteed logistic services to van lines and agents nation wide.

About Bekins A-1:
Bekins A-1 started in 1936 in Wilkes Barre, PA it has grown to become Bekins Van Lines' largest agency family with 19 full-service locations around the country. Bekins A-1 Agency Family of Movers have developed a proven commitment to service excellence for their customers. With offices strategically located around the country, their well trained professional team of some 500 employees can service many moves beginning to end.
Bekins A-1 Branches Include: Ace Moving & Storage (Harrisburg and Wilkes Barre), BekinsA1 Movers (Washington), BekinsA1 Movers of Atlanta, Bekins Moving Solutions (Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Diego), Gates Moving Systems (Sarasota), Legacy Worldwide Moving & Storage (Palm Springs), National Moving & Storage (Las Vegas), Pinnacle Worldwide Relocation (Chicago), Tri-Valley Worldwide Moving & Storage (San Francisco).

DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The statements in this news release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding expected benefits of the product, adoption by customers, continued innovation and other statements identified by forward looking terms such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate” or “project,” are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, including, among others, risks relating to developments in the moving industry, competition and risks of failure to obtain consumer acceptance of innovations. Smart Move has included a discussion of these and other pertinent risk factors in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB most recently filed with the SEC and disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact information….
CHRONOS, Bekins A-1, Scott Harvey, 925-373-0512, sales@movechronos.com

Smart Move, Inc. Pete Bloomquist, 303-339-9558, pete@gosmartmove.com

CHRONOS - Bekins A-1 Movers

LIVERMORE, CA-- Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc., headquartered in Pennsylvania, with 20 branch locations throughout the United States, announces an exciting new service for their customers. In a unique partnership with SmartMove Inc., a Colorado-based company, Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. is launching an alternative method for transporting household and commercial goods securely and quickly through containerized shipping. Utilizing SmartMove’s proprietary GPS-enabled shipping container, the SmartVault™, this containerized shipping model increases the strength and flexibility of the already robust service offerings of the Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. companies. The logistics of the program are handled by SmartMove’s primary transportation provider, UPS Freight.

Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. in conjunction with commonly owned Bekins Moving Solutions, Inc., has created a new division to manage and facilitate all aspects of this containerized shipping program. The newly created division, Chronos, was designed to enhance the revenue stream of each of the branch locations and provide a new consumer service product. Chronos is based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, managed by Scott Harvey, Vice President of Business Solutions, who stated:

“Chronos was designed to help customers move faster…. from Point A… to Point Done. Utilizing SmartVault™ technology, we will help our customers with the fastest, most secure, and most economical method possible for moving their personal effects. In our fast-paced society, time is money. The quicker and more secure we can get their personal effects moved across the Country the more they save throughout their relocation process. Chronos is built around the customers’ schedules, not ours.”

The Chronos model of business offers specific competitive advantages over other methods of long distance transportation. Security, scheduling flexibility, expedited service, and ease of use are the backbone of the program. This service is unlike anything else in the industry.

Chronos benefits:
SmartVault™ technology, GPS-enabled
Flexibility to move on any schedule: coast-to-coast in 7 days
$10,000 worth of Insurance per SmartVault™ used
UPS Freight – Secure pick up and delivery
Elimination of loss and theft
Expert Bekins A-1/BMS loading teams
Up to 28 days of free storage
Self-move option
Easy-to-understand pricing based on number of vaults shipped
Customer locks the unit and keeps the key


For more information, please contact 800-473-9197 or email sales@movechronos.com. Shortly each Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. /Bekins Moving Solutions branch location will receive a Chronos roll out package which outlines, in detail, all of the working aspects of the program.

Bekins Van Lines Announces Drivers of the Month

December 2007 – Steve Yacko, Director of Fleet for Bekins Van Lines announced the Bekins Drivers of the Month for July and August 2007. Drivers of the Month are elected for their superior professionalism, timeliness, communication and customer service skills. All Drivers of the Month are eligible to receive 2007 Driver of the Year awards. The following are the Bekins Drivers of the Month winners:

July Winners:
· Household Goods Fleet: Ed and Bev Worthen Milton, WA
· Agent Household Goods Fleet: Eugene Rinaldi Taylor, MI
(Driver for Boyer-Rosene Mvg & Stg)
· Metro/Truckload Fleet: Jerry Stubblefield Huntsville, TX
· High Value Products Fleet: Thomas Shaw N. Las Vegas, NV
· Agent High Value Products Fleet: David Strickland El Paso, TX
(Driver for Tri-Valley Trade Show)
· High Value Products Mileage Fleet: Elmore Atkins Sand City, CA

August Winners:
· Household Goods Fleet: Scott Hostetler Granite Bay, CA
· Agent Household Goods Fleet: Doug Nelson West Jordan, UT
(Driver for Dixie Mvg & Stg)
· Metro/Truckload Fleet: Joe Rodriguez Elgin, IL
· High Value Products Fleet: Lemuel Brinkley, Jr. Highland Ranch, CO
· Agent High Value Products Fleet: Jim Church Flemingsburg, KY
(Driver for Miami Valley Mvg & Stg)
· High Value Products Mileage Fleet: Robert Rainey Winston, MO

September Winners:
· Household Goods Fleet: Pernell Baker Roanoke, VA
· Agent Household Goods Fleet: Mario Martinez Novato, CA
(Driver for A and P Moving)
· Metro/Truckload Fleet: Robert Streit Newhall, CA
· High Value Products Fleet: Dallas Grathler . Peoria, IL
· Agent High Value Products Fleet: Joseph Hardin Hazelwood, MO
(Driver for A. Frisella Mvg. & Stg.)
· High Value Products Mileage Fleet: Surajudeen Giwa Alief, TX

About Bekins Holding Corp.
Bekins Holding Corp. is the parent company of Bekins Van Lines. Bekins Van Lines divisions include Bekins International Group and Bekins Tradeshow Services. The company has been providing quality household goods relocation services and high value products transportation services domestically and internationally for corporate accounts and private relocation customers since 1891. More information about Bekins can be found on the company’s website at www.bekins.com.

Website Launched

I am pleased to announce that the Westbrook Consulting Services website has been launched and is up and running. Please take some time to visit it and share your feedback with me. The web address is www.westbrookconsultingservices.com Make sure to bookmark both the company website as well as this blog so you can check back often for updates and to read the latest news.

Westbrook Logo

Here is the new logo for Westbrook Consulting Services! What do you think? Let us know! If you are in the market for a new logo for your company, I highly recommend using "The Logo Company" based in New York. They were easy to work with and provided many options. With a very reasonable pricing schedule they can develop your new logo, and create other marketing materials in less than one week!

Westbrook Blog Information

Welcome to Westbrook Consulting Services' Blog. This blog has been designed to share information with the moving and storage industry. You will see articles, pictures, events, and announcements posted here on a regular basis. There is also a place for you to leave feedback and share your thoughts on each post - whether you are a registered blogger user, or wish to be anonymous. All posts will be moderated through the Westbrook Blog owner before they are publicly posted. If you wish to add your business to our link list on the right hand side of the blog, just send an email to blog@westbrookconsultingservices.com and we will review your request and respond within 24 hours. As this blog is to serve as a resource for the moving and storage industry, we will welcome any links that may be useful to movers. If there is an article or announcement or even a picture that you would like posted, just email it to us and we will post it within 24 hours. At the end of each month, all of the posts will be archived but will remain accessible through a link on the right hand side of this page. Thank you for visiting the Westbrook Blog. We hope that this will be a useful tool for the Moving and Storage Industry.