Corporation teaches training successes to MSU students
Thursday, April 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Katie Rexrode Media Relations/Communications Manager katier@twomen.com
Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State University business students are about to experience first hand the importance of a solid training program in corporate America. At 3 p.m. Friday MSU juniors and seniors in a Management 413, Personnel Training and Development class will visit TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and see that training is more than watching videos of people in dated clothes or reading a pamphlet.
Training at the largest franchise-owned moving company in the United States includes a three-week comprehensive classroom training for new franchisees at it’s Stick Men University®. Movers and drivers train at a mock house located inside the international headquarters. The house was designed with tight turns and has bulky items so movers can get first-hand experience with the tough moves. It has a truck simulator for future drivers and it continues training through newsletters and the company intra-net. The corporation training experts have also recently added several classes to help staff improve communication skills, teambuilding, and customer service as well as moving, packing and driving. Customer service is a top priority for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, said Chris Bortnichak, training coordinator.
“Having a consistent training program in place is key to the success of any organization,” said Bortnichak. “We also train for the future. We understand that you may not be involved with our organization for your career, so we would like you to go on and be successful in what ever you choose.’’
Founded in 1985 in Okemos, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® system began when CEO and Founder Mary Ellen Sheets took over her sons' part-time moving business. She invested only $350 to purchase a truck. Now, 20 years later, Two Men and a Truck® International has 152 locations in 26 states and nearly 1,000 trucks on the road and is one of the largest moving companies in the United States.
Sheets' daughter, Melanie Bergeron, joined the business in 1994 as president, and her two sons Brig and Jon Sorber (the original "two men") also still play key roles in the Two Men and a Truck® system.
For more information on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® go to www.twomen.com or call 1-800-345-1070.
