Introduction
What do you do when a move turns into a standoff?
That’s exactly what happened to Mario Reyes, a seasoned mover with over 40 years in the industry, who faced a dangerous, unexpected twist on the job. In this episode of the Movified Minicast, we interviewed Mario, the owner of South Bay Moving Systems in Salinas, California, to unpack what happened—and what he’s learned about leadership, growth, and running a successful moving company.
Whether you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers valuable insights and a story you’ll never forget.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- How a dramatic move shaped Mario’s leadership mindset
- The importance of choosing the right market for growth
- Why mentorship and knowledge sharing are business game-changers
Table of Contents
The Move That Turned Violent: A Shocking Start
Mario Reyes was hired to move a blind gentleman going through a divorce. What started as a standard residential move quickly escalated when the client’s armed ex-wife showed up—and started shooting at the property.
“I thought he was exaggerating… then the glass shattered. She was actually firing at the house.”
Thanks to fast-thinking crew members and on-site security, no one was hurt. But the event left a lasting impression on Mario—and gave him a new appreciation for risk, preparedness, and staying calm under pressure.
His crew was guided to the back of the house, and as Mario crawled across the floor to safety, the magnitude of the danger became real. It wasn’t just about lifting furniture anymore—it was about survival.
This event served as a profound reminder that movers often walk into people’s most vulnerable moments—divorces, deaths, evictions—and that emotional volatility can be a serious factor in the job. For Mario, it reinforced the importance of not only situational awareness but the ability to lead calmly through crisis.
How South Bay Moving Grew from Local to Leader
Salinas, California may not seem like a mover’s dream, but for Mario, it was a land of opportunity. After stepping in to help a friend in need, he eventually absorbed a small client base and built it into the area’s largest moving company.
Key Stats:
- 23 trucks (including 6 semis)
- 30,000 sq. ft. warehouse
- Exclusive contracts with military and government clients
South Bay Moving Systems now serves the gateway region to Monterey and Pebble Beach, leveraging both its strategic location and outstanding service record.
Mario understood something that many overlook: dominating a smaller market can be just as profitable—if not more—than trying to survive in a larger, oversaturated one. His decision to stay in Salinas and become the go-to mover was strategic and smart.
“There was still a lot of revenue in this town. I knew I could make a name here.”
Relevant for: movers in smaller cities or rural areas aiming to dominate their local markets
Mario's Business Philosophy: Share, Learn, Lead
Mario is a firm believer that good competition helps everyone. Instead of holding back, he shares his knowledge freely—even with local competitors.
“Even if someone’s in my market, I’d rather compete against someone who knows pricing and P&Ls than someone who doesn’t.”
In an industry where secrecy and competition often breed isolation, Mario stands out. He mentors others. He shares strategies. And he genuinely wants to see other movers thrive.
His philosophy is built on servant leadership, a principle that puts people first—both his clients and his team. His staff isn’t just trained to lift and pack—they’re trained to lead with empathy.
How to Apply This:
- Host informal networking events for fellow movers
- Start a referral circle with trusted competitors
- Offer ride-along days for up-and-coming owners
This kind of community-driven business approach is rare—and it’s what sets South Bay apart.
The Power of Location and Opportunity
While many business owners spend months analyzing markets and demographics, Mario stumbled into his territory almost by accident. A friend needed help. Mario stepped in. The clients followed.
“There’s no perfect city. It’s about what fits you and what you can grow with.”
Instead of chasing trends, Mario focused on building relationships. That’s what grew his brand. He made it his mission to provide exceptional service, earn trust, and let word-of-mouth do the rest.
Today, South Bay is a top name in the region, not because it started in the hottest ZIP code, but because Mario nurtured what was already in front of him.
Lessons for Movers:
- Don’t overlook smaller or secondary markets
- Focus on client relationships over market metrics
- Let service quality guide your growth
Why Choose Movified
What We Offer:
- Insider insights from veteran movers
- Proven strategies from across North America
- Leadership lessons that resonate beyond logistics
Past guests have included leaders from Canada to California, each with powerful stories and takeaways.
Want to connect more?
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
