Introduction
Being a successful leader and mentor in the moving industry isn’t just about dispatching trucks or calculating quotes—it’s about building a culture that moves people, not just furniture.
In 2025, moving company owners are facing a growing challenge: retaining skilled, motivated team members. The moving industry is fast-paced, physically demanding, and heavily customer-facing. If your team isn’t aligned with your values and vision, the customer experience—and your bottom line—can suffer.
The solution? Strong, intentional leadership and meaningful mentorship. Whether you operate a long-standing company like Salmon’s Moving & Storage or are building your brand from the ground up, this guide offers practical tools to help you become a successful leader and mentor in the moving industry.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- How to lead by example to elevate team morale and discipline
- Proven training and communication methods to improve retention
- How mentoring transforms movers into long-term leaders
Table of Contents
Lead by Example
Leadership starts at the top. Your movers look to you—whether you’re an owner, supervisor, or dispatcher—for direction and inspiration. If you want hard work, positivity, and accountability from your crew, you must model those exact behaviors.
Why It Matters:
Movers face daily stress—from difficult clients to heavy lifts. Seeing their leader step in when needed builds massive trust and inspires extra effort.
Action Steps:
- Arrive on time (or early) to important jobs or training
- Handle customer issues calmly and professionally
- Keep uniforms clean and vehicles organized
- Admit mistakes and solve problems without blame
Pro Tip for 2025:
Use mobile apps like Slack or Voxer to send daily messages of encouragement. Leadership is constant, and small, consistent behaviors build credibility.
Training and Communication
Consistent Training Builds Confidence
Don’t assume your crew knows everything after week one. Training isn’t a one-and-done event—it should be part of your weekly rhythm. Skilled movers mean fewer claims, better reviews, and safer operations.
Training That Sticks:
- Weekly “Toolbox Talks” (15–20 minutes) on real jobsite scenarios
- Peer shadowing for first 5–10 jobs
- Certification programs for specialty services (pianos, art, hoisting)
- Re-training after any customer complaint or damage
Pro Tip: Document your training process and upload to Google Drive or Notion for easy access.
Communication Keeps the Culture Strong
A leader who listens builds loyalty. When movers feel heard, they bring more energy to the job.
Effective Communication Tools:
- End-of-day debrief via WhatsApp group
- Monthly one-on-one check-ins
- Digital suggestion box using Google Forms
- Recognition board in the breakroom
In 2025: The top companies are using tools like 15Five, Bonusly, and Loom videos to keep teams informed and appreciated—even across locations.
Culture and Recognition
Why Recognition Works
When employees feel unseen, they quit. A simple thank-you, a public shoutout, or a small reward creates positive reinforcement that money alone can’t buy.
What Recognition Looks Like:
- “Mover of the Month” posts with photo and gift card
- Customer feedback shared in company channels
- Small wins celebrated: perfect inventory sheets, early arrivals, safe unloads
- Team meals after large projects or busy weeks
Game-Changing Stats:
- 69% of employees say they’d work harder if they were better recognized (Gallup, 2024)
- Teams with peer-based rewards report 31% higher engagement
How It Helps Movers:
Movers who feel appreciated stay longer, try harder, and recruit friends into the company.
Mentorship That Moves People
Mentorship isn’t just training—it’s relationship-driven leadership. In the moving industry, where burnout and turnover are real threats, mentorship creates stickiness.
The Goal: Turn a part-time mover into a team lead, then a manager. Help them grow inside your company, not out of it.
How to Build a Mentorship Culture:
- Assign every new mover a buddy or senior crew lead
- Schedule monthly check-ins to talk about goals, feedback, and life
- Share your own business journey—how you started and why you stay
- Help staff set personal goals (e.g., budgeting, getting a license, or buying a car)
- Celebrate progress, not just results
Bonus Tip: If you have high-performing team leads, invest in leadership coaching or send them to trade events.
Why Movified?
Movified is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement. We share stories, tools, and tactics directly from successful moving company owners, operators, and experts across North America.
Why industry pros trust Movified:
- Hosted by an active mover and owner, Mr. Mark Hirschi
- Honest, real-time conversations from the frontlines of the business
- No fluff—only tools, tips, and motivation that actually work
- Guests include award-winning movers, consultants, and crew leads
Want to hear how other leaders manage teams? Start listening here.
Conclusion
Leadership and mentorship aren’t optional—they’re essential.
If you want a team that:
- Shows up on time
- Cares for clients
- Protects your brand
- And stays with you for years…
…then you must lead them with intention, train them with consistency, and mentor them with empathy.
Now What?
- Review your leadership habits this week
- Ask your team how they want to grow
- Set up your first mentorship check-in
Quote to Remember:
“People don’t leave jobs—they leave bad leaders. Be the reason your team stays.”
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.
