Introduction
How does a moving company survive five generations and continue to thrive in an industry where most businesses burn out within a decade? The answer lies in adaptability, consistency, and smart decision-making.
At the ATA Movers and Storage Conference 2025 in Nashville, Movified host Mark Hirschi sat down with Brian, the fifth-generation owner of Eyring Movers Cleveland, to unpack the story of a moving company that has stood strong since 1897.
From its immigrant roots with horse-drawn wagons to today’s diversified services—including long-distance, local moves, and storage—Eyring Movers Cleveland offers a roadmap for modern movers. This article dives into that roadmap, highlighting what other owners, franchisees, and industry professionals can learn.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Adapt to demand: Over 80% of moves in the U.S. are local. Iring shifted its business model to reflect that.
- Protect your reputation: 70–80% of Iring’s monthly revenue comes from repeat and referral customers.
- Acquisitions require diligence: Inventory systems and warehouse management determine if a deal is profitable.
- Legacy drives culture: Five generations—and a sixth already in the mix—prove that family values fuel business success.
Table of Contents
- The Century-Plus Legacy of Iring Movers Cleveland
- Why Local Moves Became the Growth Lever
- Execution: Fleet Expansion, Storage, and Diversified Services
- Acquisitions Done Right: Warehouse Lessons and Culture Checks
- Case Study: When the Warehouse Didn’t Match the Pitch
- Why Choose Movified for Growth Insights
- Conclusion: A Legacy Brand’s Modern Playbook
The Century-Plus Legacy of Iring Movers Cleveland
When your company was founded in 1897, history itself becomes your brand. Brian’s great-great-grandfather, a German immigrant, started the family business in Cleveland, Ohio. From moving goods with horse and wagon to acquiring modern warehouses, Eyring’s story mirrors the evolution of the moving industry.
Generational handoffs weren’t always smooth. Brian’s uncle, who ran the company before him, was a skilled mover but struggled to adapt to market changes. When Brian rejoined after a career in corporate sales, he brought fresh perspective. Over five years, he modernized systems, invested in fleet upgrades, and eventually quadrupled revenue after buying out his uncle in 2021.
Why Local Moves Became the Growth Lever
For decades, Eyring focused on long-distance and corporate contracts. But the data told a different story: over 80% of moves nationwide are local.
Brian recognized that ignoring the local market meant missing growth. Today, Eyring Movers Cleveland maintains a 50/50 revenue split between long-distance and local moves, ensuring stability while meeting real market demand.
Why this matters for moving companies today:
- Local = recurring business. A local customer today could be a profitable long-distance client tomorrow.
- Community visibility. Local moves put your trucks in neighborhoods, multiplying brand exposure.
- Economic resilience. Local work is less vulnerable to corporate budget cuts or national market swings.
Execution: Fleet Expansion, Storage, and Diversified Services
It’s not enough to decide to “go local.” Execution separates companies that thrive from those that stall. Iring’s execution strategy includes:
- Fleet investment: Four tractor-trailers, seven straight trucks, and two more incoming.
- Mobile storage: 12 mobile storage units added in 2024 to meet customer demand for flexibility.
- Warehousing: Two Cleveland-based warehouses that serve both storage and operations.
- Balanced mix: While once nearly all corporate, today’s business is 70–80% referral-driven residential.
This mix not only stabilizes revenue but also creates a customer pipeline that consistently feeds growth.
Acquisitions Done Right: Warehouse Lessons and Culture Checks
Brian’s most important lesson? Don’t acquire without looking behind the curtain.
When Eyring purchased a 60-year-old competitor in 2024, the books looked solid. But once inside, problems appeared: missing crate inventories, dusty systems, and low staff morale.
Key lessons from Eying’s acquisition journey:
- Inspect the warehouse. If inventories don’t exist, profits are leaking.
- Meet the morning crew. Staff culture is a predictor of customer experience.
- Check trucks and equipment. Vehicles reflect overall discipline and care.
- Compare paper to reality. P&L statements won’t show operational inefficiency.
This level of diligence ensures you acquire not just customers, but also a business that can actually grow.
Case Study: When the Warehouse Didn’t Match the Pitch
One of Brian’s most vivid stories involves a warehouse takeover. On paper, the facility seemed fine. In reality, it was chaos: unlabeled crates, incomplete records, and no reliable system.
The solution? Shut it down, consolidate storage into Iring’s own facilities, and rebuild customer trust.
“It wasn’t just a paper deal. You can’t sit in the office and think it will run itself. You’ve got to walk the floor.” — Brian, Eyring Movers Cleveland
This decision not only protected Eyring’s reputation but also highlighted why hands-on leadership is non-negotiable in acquisitions.
Why Movers Trust Movified
Movified is more than a podcast—it’s an industry hub designed for movers, by movers.
- Hosted by Mark Hirschi, owner of Salmon’s Moving & Storage, est. 1913.
- Guests include Brian from Eyring Movers Cleveland, TM from Let’s Get Moving, and Winston Davis of MoveUp Consulting.
- Topics cover recruiting, acquisitions, branding, marketing, and leadership.
When you subscribe to Movified, you’re tapping into the collective wisdom of movers across North America who are building smarter, stronger businesses.
Conclusion
Eyring Movers Cleveland proves that legacy brands don’t just survive—they adapt, diversify, and grow.
- Local moves now power growth.
- Referrals keep the revenue engine strong.
- Warehouse diligence makes or breaks acquisitions.
For moving company owners, the playbook is clear: embrace change, protect your reputation, and never skip the details.
“Over five generations, we’ve learned: stay flexible, build relationships, and never ignore the details.” — Brian, Eyring Movers Cleveland
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.
