Introduction
Growing a moving company is tough. Growing one in sub-zero temperatures, through portable storage investments, labor shortages, and a family legacy? Even tougher. That’s the story of Eager Beaver Moving, a moving company based in Edmonton, Alberta.
In this Movified Podcast Part 1 episode, host Mark Hirschi interviews John Watson, the third-generation owner of Eager Beaver Moving, who shares how he scaled the business from one truck to 14+ in a climate that tests even the toughest operators.
Whether you’re trying to improve team culture, add portable storage, or build a brand that lasts, this two-part story is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- How John grew Eager Beaver Moving from one truck to a fleet of 14+
- Why culture, not cash, keeps good movers loyal
- What to know before investing in portable storage units in Canada
- How to train new hires without LMS platforms or fancy software
Table of Contents
The Legacy of Eager Beaver Moving
John Watson didn’t grow up dreaming of moving trucks and pad wrapping. In fact, he tried to run from the industry. His grandfather and father were movers, and his dad started Eager Beaver Moving in the early ’90s in Edmonton. By 25, John had worked enough jobs to know he didn’t want to be a mover.
Then came the turning point.
In 2020, as his father was preparing to close up shop with only one truck remaining, John saw an opportunity—not just to preserve a family business but to build something even bigger.
“Somehow my life conspired to prepare me for this exact moment,” he told Movified.
Fast forward to today:
- Eager Beaver operates up to 14 trucks daily during peak season
- They run a 22,000+ sq ft warehouse with vault and pallet storage
And they’re a household name in Edmonton—complete with their own branded beer
Competing with Containers in a Canadian Climate
When portable storage exploded in popularity, John wasn’t convinced at first. The numbers didn’t make sense—containers, shipping, customs, USD exchange—it was a heavy investment.
But he saw a strategic advantage. If Eager Beaver Moving could offer both moving and storage, they’d be unmatched in Edmonton.
“There were portable storage companies here—but no movers doing both. We became that one-stop-shop,” John shared.
🧊 Cold Climate Challenges:
- Hydraulics + Edmonton Winters = Trouble: Most delivery systems shut down in deep freeze
- Condensation Issues: Wrapped furniture can sweat or freeze, requiring container protocols
- Snow & Ice Hazards: Storage yards require plowing and surface prep to avoid liability
💡 His Container Tips for Cold Regions:
- Avoid loading shrink-wrapped upholstery in extreme cold
- Keep moisture-sensitive items off floors
- Maintain backup systems in case of mechanical failure
Even with cost barriers (the price per container rose from $3K to $5K USD), it became a branding weapon.
Pro Tip: Use storage to win commercial and multi-day jobs by staging items onsite.
Culture, Crew, and the Cold Truth About Cash Labor
The COVID era exposed cracks in every company’s hiring strategy—and moving companies were hit especially hard. Labor shortages, inflated rates, and CERB-funded no-shows created chaos.
John knew his survival hinged on one thing: culture.
“We became the company where you didn’t mess around. You showed up. You worked hard. You were proud of it.”
From Cash to Commitment
Before 2020:
- John used mostly cash labor from labor centers
- Crews rotated constantly, leading to inconsistencies
Post-2020:
- Cash labor was phased out
- Hiring focused on referrals, community ties, and trainable work ethic
- One mover named Ben set the bar for all future hires—young, fast, focused, and a quiet leader
“He worked circles around the older guys. He brought in his friends. He set the tone,” John said.
Smart Strategy:
Eager Beaver focused on gear, pay, and respect to keep crews motivated. They provided:
- Custom dollies
- Sturdy ramps
- Fully stocked trucks
- Cold-weather uniforms
The highest hourly wages in the Edmonton market
Training, Turnover, and Building Loyalty from Day One
Forget Trainual. Forget long PDFs. Eager Beaver doesn’t onboard movers with software—they train them in the warehouse and on the road.
“No one reads a manual on how to move a sofa,” John joked. “They learn by doing—with a mentor at their side.”
🛠️ Hands-On Training That Works:
- Phase 1: New hires train in the warehouse with a seasoned supervisor
- Phase 2: Two-day shadowing on live jobs (at no extra charge to the client)
- Phase 3: Feedback loop with senior movers
John’s former top mover now leads this process. This ensures continuity of culture, gear expectations, and safety standards.
🔁 Strike System vs. Second Chances
In the podcast, Mark and John discussed the emotional toll of letting someone go—only to realize later that person had potential.
“Sometimes we give guys a springtime comeback. We all make mistakes.”
They embrace a three-strike system that prioritizes team accountability over punishment.
Mini Case Study:
A new hire missed day one. Strike one. Two weeks later, he no-showed again. Strike two. But when a mover canceled at month-end, that same guy filled in and saved a 3-truck job. They kept him.
Why Choose Movified
Movified is the podcast where movers become leaders and owners become legends.
Each episode pulls back the curtain on the real business of moving. From marketing hacks to labor law landmines, we bring you stories and systems that actually work.
🎤 In This Episode
John Watson gives you:
- A masterclass in scaling from the ground up
- Portable storage insights for cold-weather markets
- The psychology behind blue-collar culture
- Hilarious and humbling moving stories you’ll relate to
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📂 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into business mistakes, family dynamics, and expansion plans.
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📣 Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of the Eager Beaver Moving series.
Insider Advantage: With over 110 years in the industry, Movified is backed by real operators, not armchair coaches.
Conclusion
John Watson’s story isn’t just about a family legacy—it’s about rewriting the blueprint for running a modern moving business in Canada.
From portable storage logistics to training methods that actually work, Eager Beaver Moving has become an industry role model. And if you’re ready to build a company where people stay, clients return, and systems scale, this episode is your map.
“At the best of times, you’re a boss. At the worst of times, you’re a babysitter, mentor, and financial advisor—on the same day.” – Mark Hirschi
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.
