Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Branding with a personal touch: How Rambo 121’s name honors their family while standing out in a crowded market.
- Service over price wars: Why they never undercut competitors and still grew their client base.
- Crew culture that sticks: Training, trust, and incentives that keep staff aligned and motivated.
- Scaling smart: From financing options to franchising plans, how they’re setting the stage for national growth.
Table of Contents
From Garage Talks to a Recognizable Brand
Every strong brand has an origin story—and Rambo 121’s is rooted in family.
During a late-night conversation in their garage, Oscar and Becca brainstormed business names and discovered their family initials spelled “RAMBO” — Rebecca, Axel, Maddie, Britney, and Oscar.
The “121” came from their children’s birth months—January, February, January—creating a name that is both personal and memorable
Starting with One Truck—and a Big Leap
For most couples, the days before a wedding are about final details and family gatherings. For Oscar and Becca, it was about securing their first moving truck.
Three days before their wedding, Oscar called Becca with a request: bring $10,000. Half of their house fund went into a box truck with a liftgate—the official launch of Rambo 121.
Oscar admits he had no industry experience at the time, but his vision and willingness to take risks became the foundation for their success.
Thriving in Buckeye’s Rapid Growth
Buckeye, Arizona, wasn’t just home—it was a strategic choice.
With Phoenix oversaturated, Buckeye’s booming population offered room for a small moving company to grow.
According to U.S. Census data, Buckeye has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country for years, giving Rambo 121 a local advantage.
Oscar and Becca started house-by-house, gradually building a client base that valued personalized service over mass-market operations.
Service First: How They Outshine Bigger Competitors
From day one, Rambo 121 refused to engage in price wars. While bigger companies offered lower rates with multiple trucks, Oscar and Becca doubled down on service.
- Vacuuming floors after a move
- Dusting furniture before it leaves the home
- Maintaining professional communication throughout the process
This approach led to a five-star review streak and Platinum Award recognition.
“It’s not about the dollar—it’s about service,” says Oscar.
Building Crew Culture and Loyalty
A family-owned moving company in Arizona can’t thrive without a trustworthy crew.
Oscar ensures every mover is trained on a clear procedural checklist—laminated for durability.
They also focus on crew appreciation:
- Performance bonuses
- Free lunches on busy days
- Open communication and respect
Becca points out that their lead mover worked under Oscar for over a year before taking on a leadership role, ensuring consistent service even when they aren’t present.
Balancing Family and Business
Running a moving company with three kids—ages 13, 7, and 5—means the lines between personal and professional life often blur.
Oscar and Becca divide responsibilities, with Becca handling more of the customer interactions and Oscar managing operations. Sometimes, their daughter joins on road trips, turning jobs into family adventures.
A move to California even became a family vacation to Laguna Beach—proof that business can create lasting memories.
Navigating Non-Paying Customers
Even five-star companies face tough situations. Becca handles payment disputes carefully, but credit card chargebacks remain a challenge.
If the amount is small, they sometimes let it go. For larger disputes, they pursue small claims court. The focus is always on preserving reputation without losing sight of operational costs.
Financing Options That Work for Clients
Recognizing the economic strain on customers, Rambo 121 integrated financing through their CRM, Oncue.
Clients can split payments into manageable installments—helping both the customer and the company’s cash flow.
One single mother now pays biweekly for her move, allowing her to relocate without financial stress.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Franchising
In five to six years, Oscar and Becca envision expanding Rambo 121 into a national brand, possibly through franchising. They aim to create central hubs for streamlined long-distance moves and offer pod-style storage.
Their entrepreneurial vision remains rooted in the same principles that built their current success: family values, service quality, and employee loyalty.
Why Movified
Movified connects moving company owners, franchisees, and industry professionals with the stories, strategies, and tools they need to thrive. Hosted by Mark Hirschi, each episode delivers actionable insights from leaders who’ve built real success in the moving industry.
Conclusion
Rambo 121 proves that a family-owned moving company in Arizona can compete—and win—against larger players by focusing on service, culture, and smart growth strategies. From a garage brainstorm to a Platinum Award-winning business, Oscar and Becca’s journey is a blueprint for building a brand customers love.
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.
