Introduction
Scaling a moving business is one of the hardest challenges in the service industry. Between crew management, fluctuating demand, and razor-thin margins, growth can often feel overwhelming. Yet, with the right strategy, scaling a moving company is not only possible but sustainable.
In this episode of the Movified Podcast, host Mark Hirschi sits down with Colby Kiss, co-owner of Total Moving & Storage in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In just three years, Colby and his partner scaled from a startup into a multi-brand operation that now includes moving, storage, containers, and even the acquisition of Globe Moving & Storage—an Atlas Van Lines agent with more than 40 years of history.
This blog post distills their lessons into a practical roadmap designed for moving company owners, franchisees, and industry professionals looking to grow without burning out.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Brand drives recognition. A distinct color palette and mascot can transform trucks into mobile billboards.
- Tech increases efficiency. CRMs, LSAs, and online estimates reduce friction and close more jobs.
- SOPs prevent chaos. Systemized processes make growth manageable and sustainable.
- Respect legacy. When acquiring, modernize operations but preserve trusted brand equity.
Table of Contents
Overview: Why Branding and Tech Matter in Scaling a Moving Company
When scaling, trucks and crews are not enough. According to Colby, the two true accelerators are brand identity and technology adoption.
Brand Identity That Sticks
From the start, Total Moving & Storage built visibility with a distinct pink truck fleet and an elephant icon. The design wasn’t random—it symbolized strength, care, and even honored Colby’s grandmother, who collected elephant figurines. This distinctive look stood out on Winnipeg’s streets and became a talking point with customers.
In the moving world, branding matters more than many owners realize. When your trucks look unique and professional, you earn free impressions every time they roll through a neighborhood. That recognition lowers marketing costs and builds customer trust.
Technology for Operational Control
Colby knew early that relying on paper would choke growth. Total Moving & Storage implemented a CRM that allowed leads to move smoothly through stages: Estimate → Schedule → In Progress → Complete → Review. With Google Ads and Local Services Ads (LSAs) feeding the funnel, their estimates became more accurate, conversions improved, and customer reviews increased.
In contrast, legacy movers often hesitate to adopt CRMs. But scaling without tech means bottlenecks in dispatch, communication, and billing. By embedding digital tools early, Total Moving & Storage created a foundation strong enough to support rapid acquisitions.
Deep Dive: Differentiating Through Brand, Culture, and Community
Culture-Driven Operations
At Total Moving & Storage, movers are trained not only to handle heavy items but also to communicate openly, greet customers professionally, and report damages transparently. This created a culture of accountability and approachability.
Even when lead staff transitioned out unexpectedly, the culture held firm because it was deeply instilled in the team. For customers, this translated into friendlier, more reliable service compared to competitors.
Social Media Presence
Social media played a massive role in growth. At first, ROI was invisible. After two years of consistent posting—crew reels, packing tips, and honest behind-the-scenes content—customers started booking specifically because of Instagram and TikTok content.
Colby’s advice: Don’t wait for perfection. Be authentic, post consistently, and show your crews in action. Social media is no longer optional—it’s a sales channel.
Giving Back to the Community
Early on, Colby and Sean supported numerous local causes. Over time, they focused on three long-term partners: Make-A-Wish Canada, Darcy’s ARC, and the Toba Centre. Supporting these organizations not only contributed to the community but also built trust and pride among staff and customers.
“It’s not just about writing checks. It’s about working with people inside the organizations who share our values.” — Colby Kiss
Execution: A 90-Day Roadmap for Scaling a Moving Company
Scaling is easier when broken into phases. Here’s a 90-day roadmap inspired by Total Moving & Storage’s playbook.
Phase 1 (Days 1–30): Build the Foundation
- Brand guidelines. Finalize logos, truck wraps, and uniforms.
- CRM setup. Jobber, Movegistics, or SmartMoving—map the pipeline.
- Website refresh. Optimize pages for Local, Long Distance, Storage, and Packing.
- Launch LSAs. Activate Google Local Services Ads for visibility.
- Weekly content. Post FAQ reels and crew spotlights consistently.
Outcome: Customers recognize your brand, inbound leads stabilize.
Phase 2 (Days 31–60): Create SOPs
- Write SOPs. Cover estimates, dispatch, claims, and review requests.
- Video estimates. Reduce surprises, close faster.
- Automate review asks. Send SMS/email with Google review links.
- Crew training. Standardize greetings, item protection, and customer recap.
Outcome: Higher customer satisfaction, fewer errors, more 5-star reviews.
Phase 3 (Days 61–90): Optimize and Grow
- Track KPIs. Cost per booked job, review rate, repeat clients.
- Refine ads. Rotate city + service keywords.
- Double content. Add time-lapse reels, Q&As, and customer testimonials.
- Upsell bundles. Offer storage add-ons and packing kits.
- Add one partnership. Realtors, senior centers, or condos.
Outcome: Efficient lead flow, stronger local reputation, scalable growth.
Case Study: Globe Moving—Keeping Legacy, Adding Systems
The challenge: Globe Moving & Storage had a stellar reputation in Manitoba, but their operations were rooted in pen-and-paper systems. Staff were hesitant to embrace change, and Atlas Van Lines required strict tariff structures.
The solution: Instead of rebranding, Total Moving & Storage kept the Globe identity intact while gradually layering in tech. Staff were trained on CRMs, LSAs, and modern marketing. Atlas systems remained intact to honor contracts.
The result: Bookings increased, staff adjusted to easier workflows, and customers experienced the best of both worlds—legacy trust + modern efficiency.
This case study shows that scaling doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, respecting tradition while adding modern systems is the fastest path forward.
Why Movified Is the Source for Movers
Movified is the industry’s hub for moving entrepreneurs who want practical strategies. Host Mark Hirschi, owner of Salmon’s Moving & Storage (est. 1913), brings over a century of industry experience and connects movers with real operators who’ve scaled their businesses.
With Movified, you’ll gain:
- Insider playbooks from movers who’ve done it.
- SOP templates for dispatch, estimates, and reviews.
- Marketing insights that convert likes into leads.
Whether you’re building a local brand or acquiring companies, Movified equips you with tools to succeed.
- Start here: Movified Podcast Library
- Meet the host: About Mark Hirschi
- Explore services: Growth for Moving Companies
Conclusion
Scaling a moving company is never easy. But with brand clarity, technology integration, and documented systems, you can achieve growth without losing control. The story of Total Moving & Storage proves that in just three years, a company can evolve from a local startup into a multi-brand powerhouse through smart branding, tech adoption, and acquisitions that respect legacy.
Ready to scale your own business? Listen to the full Movified Podcast with Colby Kiss, download our SOP Blueprint, and book a strategy session to start your 90-day plan.
“Dive in headfirst, then SOP everything. Growth follows the process.” — Colby Kiss
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.
