Introduction
How does a moving company not only survive but thrive for more than six decades? In an industry where competition is fierce, customer expectations are rising, and margins are constantly squeezed, the story of Jay’s Moving & Storage offers powerful lessons for owners and operators across North America.
In this episode of the Movified Podcast, host Mark Hirschi sat down with Milton Letkeman, a 35-year veteran of Jay’s Moving & Storage, to uncover the secrets behind one of Canada’s most respected moving brands. From humble beginnings in Saskatchewan to becoming a trusted Atlas Van Lines agent for 55 years, Jay’s has built its reputation on trust, respect, and community involvement.
If you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or industry professional seeking to grow a long-lasting business, this article breaks down the strategies and insights Milton shared — and why they matter now more than ever.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Legacy matters: Jay’s Moving & Storage has thrived for more than 61 years by combining freight, moving, and logistics expertise.
- Respect is key: Entering a customer’s home is a privilege; movers must always act with professionalism.
- Partnerships fuel growth: Joining Atlas Van Lines gave Jay’s credibility, resources, and consistent work.
- Community involvement builds trust: Jay’s has contributed more than $1.5 million to Saskatchewan charities, creating goodwill and loyalty.
Table of Contents
- The Legacy of Jay’s Moving & Storage
- From Dispatcher to Leader: Milton Letkeman’s Career Path
- Why Atlas Van Lines Was a Game-Changer
- Community Engagement Through TeleMiracle
- Challenges Facing Movers Today
- Lessons in Respect, Trust, and Involvement
- Advice for Independent Movers Considering Van Lines
- Why Choose Movified for Industry Insights
- Conclusion
The Legacy of Jay’s Moving & Storage
Founded more than six decades ago, Jay’s Moving & Storage has become one of the most recognizable moving brands in Canada. With eight locations across Saskatchewan, the company isn’t just known for moving households. It also operates a thriving freight division, servicing 550 points weekly with more than 400 pieces of equipment.
This dual structure — freight and moving — has been key to its growth. It provides stability, brand visibility, and logistical support for moving operations. Customers see Jay’s trucks on highways daily, reinforcing trust and recognition.
From Dispatcher to Leader: Milton Letkeman’s Career Path
Milton’s journey is a classic moving industry story: he started as a dispatcher when Jay’s acquired Regina Cartage, a drayage company. From there, he moved into long-distance dispatching, became a branch manager, relocated to Winnipeg to manage operations, and eventually shifted into sales.
What makes his story valuable for other movers is how operations experience translated into sales credibility.
“You can sell, but you have to know the product. Operations gave me the knowledge to be a better salesperson.” – Milton Letkeman
His advice to young professionals in the moving business: start in operations. Learn dispatch, warehouses, and crew management. That foundation will make you a stronger leader and a trusted voice when speaking with customers.
Why Atlas Van Lines Was a Game-Changer
For 55 years, Jay’s has been a proud Atlas Van Lines agent. This partnership has been critical for growth and sustainability.
Milton explained how Atlas helped Jay’s:
- Two-way efficiency: Joining a van line allowed Jay’s to load freight in both directions, maximizing truck usage.
National recognition: The Atlas brand gave Jay’s credibility outside Saskatchewan. - Resources and training: Van line support gave Jay’s access to industry knowledge, new systems, and collaborative opportunities.
“The reason Jay’s became an Atlas agent was simple — to be part of a greater whole.” – Milton Letkeman
For independent movers considering partnerships, the Atlas experience shows how van lines can create long-term stability.
Community Engagement Through TeleMiracle
Jay’s isn’t just a moving company; it’s a community partner. For decades, Jay’s has supported Kinsmen TeleMiracle, a Saskatchewan-based telethon that runs for nearly 20 hours annually. Over the years, Jay’s has contributed more than $1.5 million through:
- Bake sales
- Online auctions
- Local raffles
- Golf tournaments
This deep community involvement sets Jay’s apart. Customers see the company not just as a service provider but as a neighbor investing back into their lives.
Challenges Facing Movers Today
The moving industry is evolving rapidly. Milton highlighted three pressing challenges:
- Price sensitivity: Customers often shop around, prioritizing cost over service.
- Amazon expectations: People want “next-day” moving experiences that aren’t realistic.
- One-shot performance: Movers get only one chance to do the job right.
Despite these challenges, Milton’s philosophy is clear:
“We do noble work. Few people get invited into someone’s home to take care of their precious belongings. That’s an honor.” – Milton Letkeman
Jay’s solution has been to position itself not as the cheapest mover but as the most trustworthy and reliable.
Lessons in Respect, Trust, and Involvement
For Milton, respect is the foundation of moving. Crews must always enter homes with professionalism and empathy. When issues arise, communication and honesty are key.
Equally important is customer involvement. Milton encourages clients to:
- Label boxes clearly.
- Communicate special needs in advance.
- Be present during loading and unloading.
This reduces stress and builds a sense of teamwork.
Advice for Independent Movers Considering Van Lines
Milton offered three practical tips for movers thinking about joining a van line:
- Be operationally ready. Van line volume is high; your crews and systems must be solid.
- Build financial stability. Van line work requires upfront investment and consistent cash flow.
- Prioritize communication. Daily changes demand a culture of openness and teamwork.
This advice is particularly relevant for small and mid-sized companies eyeing national expansion.
Why Choose Movified for Industry Insights
At Movified, we go beyond the headlines to deliver real-world insights from movers like Milton Letkeman. With decades of combined experience, we provide:
- Insider interviews with movers and franchise leaders.
- Operational strategies tested in real markets.
- Community stories that highlight the human side of moving.
If you want to grow a smarter, stronger, and more respected moving company, Movified is your trusted hub.
Conclusion
The story of Jay’s Moving & Storage demonstrates how legacy, respect, and strategic partnerships can sustain a moving company for decades. Under the leadership of industry veterans like Milton Letkeman, Jay’s has balanced growth with integrity — a lesson every mover can apply.
For owners, franchisees, and industry professionals, the message is clear: never compromise on respect, always invest in community, and consider partnerships that can take your company to the next level.
“Never move with someone you don’t trust.” – Milton Letkeman
