Saturday, December 18, 2010

Back to work

For the past year, I have continued to work and build up Westbrook, but I was not exactly working full time. After our first child war born in 2009, I took some time to be with her. While 2010, was not the best year of my professional life, it was the best year of my personal life, as my husband and I watched our daughter grow and change. For those of you who are parents, you already know how amazing it is to watch a child grow up. We are only 1 year into this parenting thing, and so far we are loving every minute of it. 2010 gave brought to us incredible moments of watching Angelica roll over, crawl, eat, talk, walk, play, climb and dance, all for the first time. While I cherish every minute I get to spend with her, I am also dedicated to my career as a Recruiter for the moving industry. Angelica turned 1 this December. Being with her most of the time during her first year of life is something I would not change. However, part of being her parent is also setting a good example and being able to take care of her. These are motivations in addition to my professional motivations that have renewed my commitment to Westbrook in the new year. I have worked hard to build a successful business and I plan to take it to even higher levels in 2011. I will be spending more time in the office and will be able to dedicate more of my time to my career. Several moving and storage recruiting firms have closed over the past 2 years, and I am proud to say that I am still in business and have plenty of work to keep me busy. Westbrook is here to stay.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Rest In Peace

I was saddened to learn the news that one of my competitors passed away on September 1, 2010. Mike Michelson of Worldwide Search Consultants in Arizona is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Michelson family during this time.

http://www.tributes.com/show/Michael-Michelson-89363144

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

SALES JOBS!!!

I am working on filling the following sales positions:

COD Sales in Miami / Fort Lauderdale
COD Sales in Chicago
COD Sales in Southern Suburbs of New Jersey
COD Sales in Charlotte
O&I Sales in Charlotte
COD Sales in Mount Vernon, NY
National Account Sales in Phoenix
O&I Sales in Phoenix
National Account Sales in Philadelphia
National Account Sales in Pittsburgh
National Account Sales in Dallas
High Value Products Sales in Boston
National Account Sales in Los Angles
National Account Sales in Orlando

Please call me for more details on any of these positions. Interviews are being scheduled now!

Thanks!
Julie Smith
708-946-1300

Leave of Absence

If you called into my office or sent me an email over the past 2 months, you know that I was out of the office for an extended period of time as we welcomed our first baby into our family. My husband Dennis and I are the proud parents of a little girl. Angelica was born early in the morning on December 18, 2009 weighing 8lbs 10 oz and 19 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing great. Since returning home with our new daughter we have been spending time adjusting to life with baby. With the help of many friends and family members, I am now getting back to work. Thanks for all of your kind messages during my leave of absence. I hope everyone had a great holiday season. I am looking forward to getting back into my work as I continue recruiting for the moving and storage industry.

Kind Regards,
Julie Smith

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

SEPTEMBER, 2009

Dear Transportation Professionals,

Welcome to September! With school back in session and Labor Day right around the corner, yet another summer season is over. In past years we found “summer” to be synonymous with “busy.” While the summer of 2009 was busier than the winter, it didn’t prove to set any records for most movers. The talk of the bad economy looms in almost every conversation and we are all wondering, “When is it going to get better?”

GOOD NEWS – SPENDING IS UP
Here is some good news based on the numbers of the last week of August. The latest data from the Commerce Department says that wages are flat but spending is up. While we are only talking about a 0.2% rise in spending, this is the third straight monthly gain, which is in line with economist’s forecasts. While personal incomes are laying flat for now, they are 2.4% below the levels of last year.

EVEN BETTER NEWS – NEW HOME SALES ARE UP!
The really good news is that new home sales are way up! In July 2009, new home sales increased by a whopping 9.6% which is the fourth straight monthly gain. Inventory of new homes is finally starting to shrink. An estimated 271,000 new homes were on sale at the end of July, a low not seen since March of 1993. Sales rose in 3 of the nation’s 4 geographic areas with an impressive 16.2% in the South. Sales fell only in the Midwest by 7.2%. It is predicted that buyers will continue to have the upper-hand in new home sales for the next 12-18 months.

SUMMER 2009 SYNOPSIS – LOOKING FORWARD TO 2010
While summer 2009 didn’t prove to be exciting for many movers, it gave most movers enough work to get through the summer and save up for a slower winter. This wasn’t a big surprise as most people predicted that this summer would produce less than desirable results as far as revenues were concerned. While it takes time for a suffering and uncertain economy to mend itself, we have seen people become more proactive about taking positive steps to move forward and we predict that 2010 will be a better year for us all.

WESTBROOK STILL STANDS WHILE OTHERS CLOSE THEIR DOORS
Of course we are still in the business of recruiting top notch professionals for the moving and storage industry. While we have watched some of our competitors close their doors, we have worked hard to persevere forward and to put some creative energy in coming up with affordable solutions for our clients. Right now it’s all about the money and we recognize that. Of the nation’s dozen or so moving and storage recruiting firms, we have seen 3 get out of the business since the calendar opened in 2009. Others are pursuing other types of work as well, but we are proud to continue servicing this industry and to be able to work with our candidates and clients alike to put some of the most impressive candidates with some of the most impressive companies all while reducing both the cost and risk involved.

WESTBROOK’S TOP 12 CANDIDATES
Are you looking to hire? Do you need to add to your team? Do you need to upgrade your staff with some stronger employees and proven revenue producing salespeople? In a market like this, the company with the best talent will win. We are working with many very qualified candidates who are discreetly looking for new opportunities. You will find that in an uncertain market, the best candidates are concerned about the privacy of their search and therefore choose to work with a professional recruiter to help them source opportunities.

Here are some examples of the types of candidates we are currently working with:

1 – Operations Manager, Southeast US – willing to relocate, major van line experience, general management experience, proven record of turning a branch from unprofitable to profitable, complete understanding of P&L, very hands-on

2 – National Account Sales Producer, Northeastern US – averaging sales of over $100,000.00 per month in line-haul alone, exceptional ability to close business and create long term relationships with large clients, very diverse background and can also secure GSA, International, O&I and COD business

3 – General Manager, Texas – strong sales background, ability to lead a diverse sales team while also producing personal sales, P&L experience, looking for a medium/small company to serve as a general manager

4 – Operations Manager, Midwest US – willing to relocate, experience working for freight, household goods, and truckload carriers, quality oriented, leadership ability to build teams and develop strategies to improve overall operations

5 – Sales Manager, New York – proven ability to produce household goods sales and lead a team, looking for an opportunity to advance career as a manager in NY.

6 – O&I / Commercial Salesperson , Chicago IL – 20+ years of personal sales production specializing in the office and industrial sector of the business, proven history of booking $1 Million + in annual sales

7 – General Manager, California – willing to relocate, manager of a multi-location agent for a major van line, strong operations background, full management and P&L responsibility for $12+ Million company, looking for an opportunity outside of CA

8 – Customer Service / Inside Sales / Marketing, Minneapolis, MN – proven history and ability to work from either home or office, extensive knowledge of local marketplace, looking for a more stable company in the twin cities metro area

9 – Operations Manager, Midwest US – willing to relocate, 14 years experience as a driver, 3 years in sales and 10 years in operations, has managed up to 150 drivers and crews, experienced in HHG, O&I, International and Logistics, Excellent driver recruitment and retention, looking for operations management opportunity outside of the Midwest

10 – Customer Service / Coordinator, Texas – 10+ years experience working in customer service and quality control, experienced in dispatch and accounting as well, Texas native looking for a more stable company.

11 – International Relocation Specialist, Midwest US – RIM certified, Global Mobility Specialist, Extensive experience in International Relocations, Progressive experience as a trainer and team builder, ability to grow a company’s revenue through full service relocations and international moving

12 – General Manager, Louisiana – Louisiana native, knows the marketplace and how to succeed there, existing relationships with local drivers and crews, quality oriented with full P&L understanding, proven ability to turn around less than desirable branches, looking for a local opportunity

Because most of these candidates are working, we cannot list more specific information about them. To discuss them, or any other candidates that might not be listed here, in more detail, please call us at 708-946-1300 or email Julie@WestbrookConsultingServices.com

WESTBROOK’S MOST URGENT SEARCH ASSIGNMENTS
Are you looking for a new job? Would you consider a new opportunity if it meant working for a more stable company? There has certainly been talk about the exorbitant number of lay-offs, required furlough days off and drastic pay cuts. A new opportunity may afford you a better peace of mind, especially if your income is essential in taking care of your family. If you aren’t looking for a new opportunity, please still browse the list. You may be able to help out a friend by sending them in our direction. We always appreciate referrals.

Here are some of the positions we are currently working on filling:

1. GENERAL MANAGER in SAN DIEGO, CA
This candidate must be a sales oriented manager with van line experience and should have experience handling diverse business lines.

2. GENERAL MANAGER in TAMPA, FL
This candidate should be operations oriented and be willing to work in a very hands-on environment.

3. GENERAL MANAGER in BALTIMORE, MD

4. WAREHOUSE MANAGER in LOS ANGELES
This candidate needs to be willing to work odd hours as needed. The company prefers someone who is bilingual and can fluently speak Spanish. This person should have experience with DOT, shipping, inventory and logistics.

5. COD SALES in the following locations:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Houston, TX
- Orange County, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Tucson, AZ

6. O&I SALES in the following locations:
- Houston, TX
- San Francisco, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Tucson, AZ
- Tampa, FL
- Harrisburg, PA
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX


7. NATIONAL ACCOUNT HOUSEHOLD GOODS SALES in the following locations:
- Phoenix, AZ
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Dallas, TX
- Minneapolis, MN
- Boston, MA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Hartford, CT
- Orlando, FL
- Jackson, MS

8. GSA SALES in HARTFORD, CT

Because of the confidential nature of our job orders, we cannot provide specific information here. If you would like more details on any of these positions or others that might not be listed at all, please call us directly at 708-946-1300 or email Julie@WestbrookConsultingServices.com

LinkedIn
As we all strive to network more and work together, LinkedIn has really taken off in the moving and storage industry. More and more professionals are creating profiles on LinkedIn to showcase their experience and skill sets. If you’d like to take a look at my LinkedIn profile, you can find it here:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebrewersmith
Click on “Add Julie Smith to your network” and I will gladly accept your invitation whether or not we have connected in the past. I am happy to network with and get to know new people in the industry each day.

Everyone needs to have a good doctor, a good accountant and a good recruiter. Let me be your eyes and ears in the marketplace and discretely help you to find what you are looking for. It’s my job. It’s what I do and I do it well. I am committed to delivering results and will help you in any way I can. As we come to a close at the end of this 3rd quarter, I wish you the best in wrapping up your year and for a very positive and productive 4th quarter.

Warm Regards,

Julie Smith

President, Westbrook Consulting Services
Executive Recruiter for the Moving & Storage Industry
708-946-1300
Julie@WestbrookConsultingServices.com

Friday, March 20, 2009

AMSA Buyers Guide is up and running!

If you haven't already done so, you need to bookmark this website:
www.AMSABuyersGuide.com
The American Moving and Storage Association has partnered with MultiView Inc. to create a complete directory listing of all vendors that cator to the moving and storage industry. Whether or not you are a member of AMSA you can navigate this site to find the things you are looking for to improve your business. The good news is that this site is designed specifically for movers. There is no need to waste time doing google searches or paging through an entire phone book. Every vendor you could ever need is listed right here.

If you need help with advertising, legal services, collections, recruiting, software, supplies, services, etc. there are numerous vendors listed on this site who can get you what you need. The good news is that these vendors all specialize in working with movers, just like you.

Go ahead and bookmark www.AMSABuyersGuide.com today and use it at your resource for future needs.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Moving Company Fined for Illegal Interstate Moves

I have received several phone calls about this issue yesterday. The full article is below. The company that was fined $305,000.00 by the GA Public Service Commission is called Atlantic Relocation Inc. This company is in NO WAY related to Atlantic Relocation Systems, agents for Atlas Van Lines, and headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Please see the article below for complete information on this matter.


PSC Levies Fine of $305,000 Against Illegal Moving Company

ATLANTA, December 2, 2008, – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) today
unanimously approved a recommended fine of $305,000 against Atlantic Relocation, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia for operating as a household goods moving company without proper authority from the Commission. The Commission found that the Company, operated by Mr. Yair Knafo, had conducted 61 illegal intrastate moves without proper authority and levied a civil fine of $5,000 per illegal move.

“Our action today sends a message to all household goods movers operating illegally in Georgia,” said Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton, “that this Commission will not allow rogue movers to continue taking advantage of consumers.”

The Commission staff discovered the illegal moves during an audit of the Company on September 4, 2008. Staff presented this evidence during a hearing before a Commission hearing officer on September 26, 2008. The hearing officer recommended the civil penalty of $305,000 which the Commission adopted today.

You can find more information on this issue under docket number 28097 on the Commission web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.

Contact:Bill Edge
Phone 404-656-2316
www.psc.state.ga.us
Georgia Public Service Commission
244 Washington St S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Phone: 404-656-4501
Toll free: 800-282-5813

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Vantage Blue Sells Record Storage Business; Acquirer Looking For More

Lisle, IL based Vantage Blue (aka Suburban Moving & Storage) has sold its record storage division to document management specialist Vanguard Archives. The recently completed transaction was the second such acquisition by Vanguard Archives, and the company sees logic in purchasing additional record storage businesses from moving & storage companies around the country.

“We continue to have an appetite to acquire record storage businesses and believe there are many moving & storage companies out there that may not realize the true value of the record storage businesses they are sitting on,” commented Chris Pearson, President of Vanguard Archives. “Further, the management burden of maintaining a record storage business is increasing as the legal and regulatory environment becomes more complex and clients demand a more sophisticated product offering including such services as document imaging and Internet accessibility.”

Vanguard Archives, which was once part of Werner-Kennelly Moving & Storage, is headquartered in Chicago. Companies interested in discussing a possible transaction with Vanguard Archives should contact Chris Pearson at (773) 268-6713 or chris@vanguardarchives.com

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Moving and Storage Video Clips

While doing some searching earlier, we found that many of the moving and storage companies who have television commercials have posted those commercials on YouTube. We are excited about this because having a moving and storage blog, we can post these videos directly to the blog for everyone to enjoy. As you will find below, we have embedded several video links. Just click on the main picture and watch the short video. We hope that you enjoy this new feature on our blog!

Mayflower Television Commercial

United Van Lines Commercial

As I started doing some searching on YouTube, I realized that the commercials I mentioned previously are posted on YouTube. Take a look for yourself!

Pat Murphy - 2007 Driver of the Year - Barrett United - HHG Continental

David Campbell - 2007 Driver of the year - Safeway Moving - Special Products Division Continental - United Van Lines

Allied Van Lines Commercial

North American Van Lines Commercial

Wheaton Van Lines Commercial

Bekins mention on YouTube

This is just for fun, but at 2 minutes, 12 seconds into this clip - Bekins gets their name mentioned. Enjoy!

Movers on TV

If you have had a chance to watch television over the past couple of months, you may have noticed that some moving and storage companies are starting to use this form of media for advertising. I have seen commercials for both Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines. In the Mayflower Transit commercial, there is a new bride standing on the front porch with her husband. Before he traditionally carries her over the threshold, he wraps her in bubblewrap, and then proceeds to pick her up. In the next scene you can see that he is a Mayflower employee - and he takes extra care in moving all things precious. These really are great commercials and have gotten the attention of the public. Keep of the good work! We hope to see more movers advertising this way in the future!

John C. Murphy - New Bekins Agent

John C. Murphy Moving & Storage Joins Bekins Family of Agents

July 15, 2008 – John Alianello, Vice President of Agency Development for Bekins Van Lines announces its’ newest full service agent, John C. Murphy Moving & Storage. John C. Murphy has two offices: 20 Branch Road, Brewster, NY (their corporate office) and 458 Danbury Road, New Milford CT. Their locations provide relocation services to families and corporations in Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven Counties in CT and Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Rockland Counties in NY. John C. Murphy serves as President, with Frank O’Brien serving as Vice President of Operations and John C. Murphy, Jr. as Sales Manager.

John C. Murphy Moving & Storage, Inc. was established in 1990 and is a full service, family owned moving and storage company. The Murphy name has been associated with the moving business for over 45 years and the fourth generation members of the Murphy family are now a part of the business. John C. Murphy added, “We are thrilled to be part of the Bekins Van Lines system. Everyone at Bekins has worked very hard to make our transition go as smoothly as possible. Bekins has strong brand recognition and being agent owned was a key factor in our decision to be an agent for Bekins.” John Alianello, Vice President of Agency Development stated, “We were very fortunate to have been able to sign John C. Murphy Moving & Storage. The cornerstones of their business are integrity, professionalism ad hard work, and their goal matches Bekins goal – complete customer satisfaction. We know that this quality agent will assist us in satisfying the needs of all of our customers.”

Dircks Unpacks New Website

Dircks Moving, Logistics and Real Estate has revamped and added new features to www.dircks.com.

The new site features customer resources such as a shipment tracking method through Mayflower.com, pricing information and other tools to assist with a comprehensive move for any type of customer.

“Whether someone is moving homes or uprooting a business, Dircks realizes the importance of enabling our customers with all of the tools necessary to complete their move. Dircks.com delivers these tools as well as provides easy navigation throughout the site”, said Dircks Marketing Manager Alexis Extract.