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Meet Robert Smith of RMJ Moving and Storage

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Smith.

Robert, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My experience began at Delancey Street Foundation, where I resided for 7 years. Delancey Street [D Street] turned my life around from drugs and alcohol and helped build my experience in the moving industry.  After graduating in 2005, I immediately worked for a moving company as an estimator and a driver. In 2011, I opened my own business, RMJ All Around Services, to venture out on my own. I started by driving end-dump trucks and eventually went back into the moving industry. Here I can operate under the same concept as D Street by reaching out to those formerly incarcerated and help them improve their lives, just as I have been taught. Others may shun upon hiring former incarcerate, I do not. I have been there and believe they deserve a chance on improving their lives. However, it does not mean I do not do a rigorous background check; it is a requirement before being hired, and upon hire they are required to sign a contract for random drug testing. Our customers are our #1 priority! Honesty, integrity and trust are everything in our company.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. Being new in the industry and with no capital, we struggled with expenses like getting our trucks fixed, getting the right insurance coverage and finding customers to truly trust us. In the early years, we were also forced twice to look for new locations where we can also park our trucks.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the RMJ Moving and Storage story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a moving and storage company, but are also agents for both Budget Truck Rental and Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. With that said, you can rent a Budget truck from us and we are able to do military and cross-country moves too. I specialize in hiring all our employees; all applicants/candidates must first meet and talk with me. I am known for my honesty and straight-forward attitude and I am well known for helping others willing to improve their life. As a company, I am most proud of those who continue to work and believe in us to move forward. What sets me apart from others? I will talk to the customer directly if an issue arises and will work with them on a resolution no matter the time of day or where I am at.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Perhaps. Coincidentally, the first time we had to move from our first location, we found a bigger lot with a small office and parking space for our trucks. In 2014, the second time we were forced to move to a 3rd location, it was rather disappointing; we were settled in.  As luck would have it, we found a larger lot with storage space, parking for our trucks and a slightly bigger office. This move allowed us to provide temporary storage for our customers and prompted us to register the name “RMJ Moving and Storage”. In 2016, with more luck on our side, we were given the opportunity to move to another location. It had ample office space, a huge warehouse and truck parking. At this new location, we also became an agent for Budget Truck Rental. Late last year we were approached by Stevens Worldwide Van Lines and decided to sign on with them to become one of their agents.

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