Introduction
Every moving-company owner knows the grind: the phone never stops ringing, dispatch needs help, and paperwork piles up faster than a full-service move. Many owners ask the same question: How can I grow my business without burning out?
In this episode of the Movified Podcast, host Mark Hirschi talks with Steven Reed, founder of ReadyRolls and owner of Big League Movers, about the secret weapon transforming operations across North America — virtual assistants for moving companies.
Steven shares how he replaced chaos with clear systems, hired and trained offshore staff, and turned his business into a machine that runs smoothly, even when he steps away. If you’re a moving-industry leader ready to scale smarter, this episode is your playbook.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Systems beat hustle. Growth without structure leads to burnout.
- Train before you delegate. A 10-day onboarding process creates confident, culture-aligned VAs.
- Trust drives results. Filipino VAs excel when leaders communicate clearly and respectfully.
- Work-life balance is possible. When tasks are systemized, owners reclaim time and focus.
Table of Contents
- Why Virtual Assistants Matter in the Moving Industry
- The ReadyRolls Difference — Systems Over Staffing
- How Steven Built His Team of 16 Virtual Assistants
- From Burnout to Balance — Lessons for Moving Owners
- Why Choose Movified
- Conclusion
Why Virtual Assistants Matter in the Moving Industry
The moving industry moves fast — literally and figuratively. Between quotes, dispatch, and quality checks, owners often wear ten hats. Steven Reed reached that breaking point years ago when he was managing two branches and working twenty-hour days.
“The company was growing me — not the other way around.” – Steven Reed
That realization pushed him to test virtual assistants for moving companies. His first hire, Rachel, began with just two hours a day reading emails and preparing replies. Within weeks, she was improving client communications and identifying process gaps he didn’t even notice.
How VAs Transform Daily Operations
Virtual assistants handle the behind-the-scenes work that keeps your moving company profitable:
- Responding to leads and follow-ups in your CRM
- Coordinating pre-move calls and post-move reviews
- Updating dispatch logs and claims forms
- Managing marketing tasks such as social-media posts or Google Reviews
When connected to platforms like SmartMoving or Oncue, these assistants become an extension of your office, available across time zones.
The ReadyRolls Difference — Systems Over Staffing
Many entrepreneurs think a VA is just a remote employee. ReadyRolls flips that mindset: you aren’t buying labour — you’re investing in systems.
“We don’t just find talent. We build systems, teach culture, and create alignment. That’s what keeps people long-term.” – Steven Reed
What Makes ReadyRolls Unique
- Structured Onboarding (10 Days): Each VA learns industry language, customer empathy, and time-zone communication before placement.
- Cultural Training: They study how Canadian and U.S. owners operate to avoid miscommunication.
- Software Integration: Every assistant is trained on CRMs like SmartMoving, Google Workspace, and HubSpot.
- Continuous Improvement: ReadyRolls audits and updates its systems regularly to match industry changes.
Filipino VAs stand out because of their integrity and loyalty. Steven notes, “They don’t want to disrespect you. If they didn’t finish a task, they’ll tell you and reprioritize immediately. That honesty lets me move faster.”
How Steven Built His Team of 16 Virtual Assistants
Steven began with one VA. Today, Big League Movers runs with a support squad of sixteen virtual assistants across departments. He expanded slowly, ensuring each role generated clear ROI before adding another.
Roles Filled by VAs in a Moving Company
- Executive Assistants for key leaders
- Sales and Customer Care Agents to handle estimates and follow-ups
- Dispatch Coordinators for driver communication and compliance
- Marketing and Review Managers for social media and Google responses
“If I can get ROI from a position, I create a system for it. Even my key employees have assistants now.” – Steven Reed
This layered approach helps prevent staff overload and reduces turnover. Every leader has someone helping them succeed — a force-multiplier for productivity.
From Burnout to Balance — Lessons for Moving Owners
Before building his VA team, Steven was working 20-hour days, drinking energy drinks to stay awake, and sacrificing family time. He calls that period “unsustainable growth.” When he implemented systems and delegation through VAs, everything changed.
“Work-life balance isn’t a dream. It’s what happens when you have systems that support you.” – Steven Reed
Common Challenges for Moving Company Owners
- Administrative overload and poor time management
- Lack of documented SOPs for training
- Inconsistent customer communication
- Difficulty finding skilled office staff locally
Solutions That Work
- Map your workflow with tools like Lucidchart or SmartMoving before delegating.
- Use placement services such as ReadyRolls that understand the moving industry.
- Automate follow-ups and sales tasks so VAs handle routine calls and emails.
- Empower key staff with assistants to increase efficiency and reduce stress.
Within months, Steven went from working in his business to working on it. His family life improved, and his profit margins grew. By delegating smartly, he created a company that runs smoothly even when he’s away.
Why This Matters in 2025 and Beyond
The cost of labour, insurance, and equipment continues to rise. Meanwhile, AI and automation are reshaping the industry. Owners who adapt early will outpace competitors.
Virtual assistants for moving companies are no longer a luxury — they’re a necessity. They bridge the gap between human connection and digital efficiency. Steven believes this blend is what will define the next decade of growth.
“You can’t scale chaos. You can only scale systems.” – Steven Reed
By pairing skilled VAs with tools like Rotate Digital for SEO and SmartMoving for CRM automation, moving companies can compete nationwide without ballooning overhead.
Why Choose Movified
For leaders in the moving and storage industry, Movified is more than a podcast — it’s a knowledge hub. Hosted by Mark Hirschi, owner of Salmon’s Moving & Storage and Ellis Moving & Storage, Movified connects industry innovators across Canada and the U.S.
Through episodes featuring voices like Austin Yarborough (Central Coast Moving), Nick DiMoro (MoverMarketing.AI), and Winston Davis (MoveUp Consulting), the show delivers actionable insight for every owner ready to grow intelligently.
Movified gives you:
- Insider access to top minds in the moving industry
- Proven strategies to scale operations sustainably
- Templates, playbooks, and step-by-step systems you can apply today
Conclusion
Virtual assistants for moving companies aren’t just a cost-saving measure — they’re a strategic advantage. By documenting processes, training offshore teams, and building a culture of trust, owners can grow without losing sanity.
Steven Reed’s story proves that with systems and support, you can run a thriving moving company and still make it home for dinner.
“You can’t scale chaos. You can only scale systems.” – Steven Reed
Ready to learn how to implement your first VA or improve your current team? Listen to the full episode of Movified Wednesdays: Scaling with Systems and discover how the industry’s best leaders work smarter, not harder.
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.
