Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day

I have to say that this day inparticular is very special to me... first off because I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom Vet (404th ASB, 4ID, FT Hood) but also because today is my mom's birthday! To put mom aside for a minute (sorry mom), it is important to take some time and thank those that protect us... and allow us to live the way we do.

I am not going to go on a political rant... or say if I am for or against the war... but what I most certainly am for is freedom! I am for all Americans to have the right to peacefully have an opinion... and I am for our elected officials to have the right to make decisions (hard ones at that) as long as they have the good of the country in mind.

I love this country... and I love that it has given me the oppertunity to grow up in a safe neighborhood, go to schools that taught me not only about books, but about life. I love that it gave me the honor of serving in its Army and the privelidge of leading our young heros into battle... and I love that it has put me in a position now to own a company doing something that I enjoy doing.

That being said, I hope that if you are an American... or someone who claims their citizenship with another country but lives in the US... that you take a second out of your day and thank the men and women that protect our borders and allow us the privelidge of having an opinion.

GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Finally... an Indianapolis Mover that Works on Sunday

I am not here to toot my own horn... okay okay... this time maybe a little bit! I have been working at All My Sons Moving and Storage for sometime now, and during the summer I am constantly asked if we will move them on a Sunday. I will admit, that in the past I definitely looked at Sunday as my chance to finally kick back relax... maybe even do a little BB-Qing. However, in an attempt to make my customers happy All My Sons is now doing Sunday moves!!!

That is right, if you are the customer calling every Moving Company in the phone book trying to find someone... anyone... that will move you the next say.. a SUNDAY... look no further! Here at All My Sons Moving and Storage we strive everyday to accomodate all customers in all situations. That is right... even the last second guy has a home with us. We are not going to spike up the rates and take advantage of the fact that we are the only moving company in Indianapolis that will do the move for you... no no... like I said before, every customer is an important customer to us! :)

So, if you are stuck in a bind, and need someone to professionally load, pack, and store your belongings... we would be honored if you chose us!


ENJOY THE RACES... AND ENJOY YOUR MEMORIAL DAY!!!!!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Moving Important People

At All My Sons Moving and Storage we like to think that everyone that we move is of equal importance and deserving of the highest quality. With that being said, we have moved some celebrities that get all of our crews excited. Professional basketball, football, baseball, and hockey players... not to mention race car drivers and the occasional national dignitary. As you can imagine it is quite amazing to walk into their homes.

Of course we do not disclose who or what we have moved, but lets just say some of the things are mind blowing!! Anything from signed sports equipment from Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky to Fabrige Eggs worth millions... we have moved it all!

The last celebrity that we moved was a past member of our very own Indiana Pacers and the crew that we sent out to do the move was star struck for the first few minutes. Kenny, one of the crew members that has been working here for about 3 years, after meeting the ball player said, "At first it was hard to concentrate... I meant I used to watch this guy hit three pointer after three pointer and now, here I am pad wrapping his dresser!!" I have to admit, even as the owner of this fine business... I was even excited for the move!

Of course the Pacer was happy with the move... as a matter of fact this was the second time that we have moved him, and hopefully the next time he moves... we get to do it all over again!!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Super Bowl in Indianapolis!!

That is right folks... The SUPER BOWL is coming to Indianapolis!! News broke yesterday that the 2012 Super Bowl will be played right in our own backyard... doesn't get any better than that!!!

Here is a copy of the article put out by Yahoo Sports...

ATLANTA (AP)—Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl on Tuesday, the fourth time a cold-weather city will host the NFL’s championship game.
The new retractable-roof Lucas Oil Stadium was runner-up to Dallas last year. This time, Indianapolis beat out Houston and Arizona for the game, which will be played Feb. 5, 2012, for the title of the 2011 season. Part of the bid includes a pledge by the city to build a practice facility downtown that will be left in place for local residents to use.
“We like coming to new cities and we look forward to being in Indianapolis,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in announcing the bid. “We also liked the idea of a donation left for the citizens.”
The next two Super Bowls are in Tampa and South Florida.
Of the 42 Super Bowls, the three played indoors in cold-weather cities were in Detroit in 1982 and 2006 and in Minneapolis 1992.
Indianapolis wants to create a Super Bowl village downtown—a pedestrian-friendly area complete with fire pits to make “warm zones.”
In its bid, the city touted its $700 million stadium, scheduled to open in August, and its experience hosting major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500 and the NCAA Final Four.
“This isn’t our first rodeo,” said Susan Williams, president of the Indiana Sports Corporation. “We have a lot of very experienced volunteers.”


I am predicting a matchup of... Colts - New Orleans... with the score being 28-17... COLTS!!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

What to Ask When Choosing a Moving Company in Indianapolis

There are many things that a person should look out for when choosing a moving company...and with that in mind there are some questions that a customer should already have in mind prior to making their first call.

Questions you NEED to ask...
1. Are you licensed and insured, AND CAN YOU PROVE IT?!
2. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau, and are you in good standing?
3. Are your movers on payroll with a full background check being done periodically?
4. Are you a broker? When the truck pulls up to my house will it have your name on it, or are you going to sell my move to the highest bidder?
5. What are your hidden charges?

There are many moving companies that will, in their sales pitch, tell you that they are licensed and insured and promise you a professional move. However, what you might be getting is a group of "day laborers" that have no idea how to move furniture and are definetly not on any kind of payroll. I am not here to scare anyone, but if that "day laborer" hurts themself in your home... guess who they are going to cmoe after?? That's right... you! You have an individual providing you with a service that is not covered any workmans compinsation program and now he is hurt... someone has to pay... just don't let it be you!!! Go with a reputable company that can offer that information to you immediately either by fax or e mail... and yes, it is that easy! Don't let a company tell you that it is in the mail, or the information is not readily available. That is when it is time to move on to another company

Being a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says something about the company that you are about to do business with. Basically they are putting their dirty laundry out there for everyone to see, because they are proud of who they are. Everyone has blemishes on their BBB report card... that's because accidents happen. However, what is important to note is the number of "unsettled claims." These are issues that the company has not addressed, and that number is extremely telling! Now if the moving company that you are looking at is not even a memeber... immediately put down the phone and call someone else!

Having a background check for all the employees goes back to the first comment. It is funny, because when you familiar with the moving environment those companies stick out like sore thumbs. Their hourly rates are sometimes near half the reputable companies, and generally they operate out of their house.. it is just bad business. Unfortunately, the general public is not educated on moving/movers and can be baited in by these "rogue" movers. You would not believe some of the nightmare stories I have heard from customers that have used these companies before. Take my word for it... pay the extra cost for a good, well respected, and licensed/insured company. In the end it will save you time, heartache, and of course money!

Something you really need to look out for is dealing with a moving broker. Don'tget me wrong some of the moving companies that brokers sell your business too are excellent, but to tell you the truth... you never know what you are going to get!!! That is right, you think you are dealing with this huge van line with a great name, but actually they are just selling your move to the highest bidder and when "Poppa Joe's Moving" shows up at your door don't be surprised. Go with a company that moves you... and does not sell you... that is my recommendation.

Know what you are being charged for upfront. Don't get me wrong, I am a firm believed that a customer should be responsible for the services provided... but a company should not hide those costs, making it seem they come with the per hour rate, and them spring them on you when it is time to pay. That is just ugly! So, know what you are paying for.

This should give anyone a good start off point when talking to moving companies and getting estimates. Good luck in the hunt... and of course you can avoid all the aggrivation and just go to www.allmysons.com/indianapolis and have all your answers without even asking one!!

Free Moving Estimates -- Indianapolis

A lot of people do not know when it is appropriate or even worth having an estimator come to their home and look at their stuff. It is safe to say that if it makes you more comfortable talking with a certified moving specialist face to face... then you should get one.

Bare in mind that we do from 10 to 20 moves per day of all different shapes and sizes... and have been doing so for over 4 generations. So, are we able to set up a move over the phone without meeting face to face... absolutely! We do it everyday.

Back to the estimating though. If you require an estimate you can expect nothing but professionalism. Like I said we have been doing this for years... so we are in and out of your house in about half an hour, and by the next day you will have a price for your move. It is really that simple.

What you probably don't know is that there are many different options that you have with regard to how you are billed for the move...
1. You can get a flat binding rate. This is as simple as it sounds... there is a single price and that is it

2. Not to Exceed. The charge is our basic hourly rate, however, instead of receiving a binding price you are being given a ceiling that it will not go over.

3. Hourly. In this instance you pay for exactly what you get. If we work for 2 hours that is the amount that you pay for... however if it is a large move and it goes longer the price correlates with the time.


We give you these options because we want our customers to be comfortable. Remember, the ball is in your court... we are just helping you get to the basket!

Being a Mover...

Being a mover is tough work... no doubt about!! Before jumping into the industry I did some time in the Army and deployed for about 15 months. Now, I am not going to say that moving was that hard, but it is hard nonetheless.

With that being said it is extremely rewarding working for All My Sons. If you think about it we get to see folks on one of the toughest... most stressful day of their lives... and when it is all said and done, we make it easy. Hearing the sigh of relief or even the look of beliderment when they see that the 10,000lbs of furniture that was in the house they just sold... is now sitting exactly where they want it, in the house they just bought!! It is an awesome sight.

Most people think that moving is just getting a truck and loading it... oh how wrong they are! Loading a truck is more of an art form, even a dance, than one could imagine. I know you don't believe me... so allow me to elaborate.

The driver is the conductor. He generally stays in the truck to load while the helpers are running items in and out, however, when he first gets there he will do a walk through and develop a plan for how they are going to accomplish the task. He will point out certain pieces to the help, and then head back to the truck to load. The truck is loaded very specifically, with large pieces forming the base and boxes on top to fill in the over head. Once going the helpers do not even need to ask what is needed... they simply look at how it is being loaded and start getting items to fill in the holes.

Honostly, when one watches this dance from start to finish it is truly amazing... moving is not something someone picks up in one day. Most guys who work here at All My Sons have worked 10-20 years to be a driver... and driving is only the half of it!!!