Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am extremely excited to announce a new companywide training initiative.   Along with the relationship with Wheaton Van Lines comes a huge opportunity to complete virtual online training that will improve our customer’s experience.  Everyone in our company will be completing the Wheaton “MAGIC” training for customer service.   The training is online and should take 3-4 hours to complete.   We are entering every employee into a drawing for an iPad…  To qualify for the iPad drawing the training will need to be completed by May 31, 2012.

I will be monitoring who has completing the training via the online portal.  Please use this link to begin your training and grab a pen/paper for notes in a quiet environment.  Please pay close attention as there are pass/fail tests along the way through the training.   If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. 

http://www.accessbekins.com/

Lori Moran
lmoran@bekinsa1.com
630-658-0022 cell

This week we’ve chosen to shine the my Bekins Spotlight on Diana Cook from the Warrenville Office of Administration.

Diana was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa where she attended the University of Dubuque.  In 1974 Diana moved to Chicago where she lived and worked for 11½ years before moving to the western suburbs. 

While working for several major corporations, Diana developed a strong background in customer service and project/records management.  In 1995, in the midst of a hot market, she decided to take those skills and try her hand at working full-time in real estate.   

When the real estate “bubble” burst, Diana decided to look into a different full-time job which is what brought her to the my Bekins family.  In 2010 she started with Bekins Van Lines in the Call Center.  A short time later she jumped at the opportunity to work in the International Division for A-1/BMS.  Diana said that working in International was an excellent opportunity; learning so much in such a short time.  “I love that nothing is the same.  Every move is different and brings its own set of challenges with it.” 

Diana is currently working in the Military Department in Customer Service for domestic moves.  She registers military moves and follows them through the entire process from pick up through post delivery.  Diana said, “I’ve also been privileged to learn a little bit about the Military International side.  However, as I’ve just arrived in this department a month or so ago I am still learning a lot of everything.”

Diana has a very full schedule so she doesn’t have much spare time.  When she’s not at work, selling real estate keeps her busy.  Also, Diana is an animal lover.  Much of her “home” time is spent caring for her own cats and dogs, as well as any current rescues she may be fostering at any given time.  Diana’s other interests include: reading, biking, motorcycle rides, baking, walking, and hiking.  Oh, and she’s a huge movie junkie. 

Having said all that, her most favorite time of all is sitting on her deck in the dark at night with her tiki torches lighting a path around the terrace, sipping on “whatever”, enjoying the night sounds from the nature preserve behind her.  Diana said, “That’s the good life!”

Thank you Diana for all of your hard work and for being an integral part of the my Bekins family!

This week we’ve chosen to shine the my Bekins Spotlight on Beverly Jones from the Wilkes-Barre, PA branch.

Beverly joined the company in 1997 as David Caruso’s assistant. Her background was in banking so David introduced her to the moving and storage industry. Under David’s guidance, Beverly’s knowledge of the relocation industry grew tremendously. During this time her various day-to-day duties included setting up files, handling claims, traveling with David on sales calls, and answering phones.  This proved to Beverly that there is always something to do and learn.

As we all know, the company began to flourish which required David to travel more as he sought out new business opportunities. It was at this point that Beverly began working as Terry Kostoff’s assistant, while still assisting David as needed.

Beverly has nothing but good things to say about my Bekins. She believes that working for the local PA. branch, Ace Moving & Storage has given her the opportunity to learn each day the fundamental skills necessary to grow a successful business. Beverly also believes that the great successes the company has seen are due to the hard work and perseverance that the leaders and employees of my Bekins possess.

When not working, Beverly enjoys reading, walking her dog Chanel, and wine tasting classes. She also enjoys evenings with friends and going to New Jersey to visit her children.

Thank you Beverly for all of your hard work and for being an integral part of the my Bekins family!

This week we’ve chosen to shine the my Bekins Spotlight on Bob Neiman from the Woodbridge, VA branch.

Bob was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Washington Metropolitan area. He went to the University of Maryland and graduated in 1978 with a Business Degree. After graduating, Bob joined the Bekins family as an Inside Sales Coordinator in Landover, MD.

In 1980 he transferred to the Falls Church, VA branch of Bekins Moving and Storage and became an Outside Sales Representative. After becoming proficient with residential sales, he expanded his skill level to international and corporate relocations. Throughout the years Bob has been a part of some notable moves including those for George W. Bush, Linda Carter, Gus Frerotte, Lena Horne, the Honorable Byron White, and most recently the Former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice.

Bob has been with Bekins A-1 for the last sixteen plus years of his career and considers the company to have great leadership. What he enjoys most about working for Bekins A-1 are the daily interactions with his customers and the challenges of complex relocations. He is a “people person” and has received recognition as an Outstanding Sales Achiever over the years.  Bob’s success is due to his hard work as exhibited by his over 30 years with Bekins and its agents and is made even more evident in the fact that he has been initiated into the Bekins President’s Club on numerous occasions beginning in 1985.

Bob has been married for 30 years and has two daughters. In his spare time he collects baseball cards and memorabilia, and enjoys taking his 1960 Corvette on road trips. He likes spending time with his family and attending sporting events.

We’d like to say a big thank you to Bob for all of his hard work and for being a part of the my Bekins family!

This week we’ve chosen to shine the my Bekins Spotlight on Chris Lantz, Director of Military Operations, based out of the Office of Administration in Warrenville, IL.

Growing up, Chris always dreamed of working in the relocation industry. Well, not really, but like many within the industry he fell into it. He began his career with Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. in the call center with little to no knowledge of the relocation industry. Over the next five plus years, Chris fell in love with the industry and rose to his current position as Director of Military Operations.

What Chris enjoys the most about his career are the challenges that he has to overcome day to day and that, “It’s not a normal pencil pushing desk job that you do the same thing day in and day out.” He also enjoys the people he works with adding, “I work with a great team as well as management to overcome obstacles and without them my job would be a lot harder.”  Rick Wozniak, Sr. VP Worldwide Operations, said “He understands and works well with complex and challenging assignments.  It is my pleasure to have Chris on our team and know that he will be successful in any role he takes on and always has a positive morale.”

Chris’s hard work does not go unnoticed.  Wozniak added, “Chris is clearly personable and has a genuine ability to connect with his colleagues at all levels. He is one employee who goes above and beyond to ensure that the customer is receiving the quality service that they deserve.

Away from work Chris enjoys playing sports, he especially likes football and basketball.  When not tossing or dribbling the ball he likes to relax and read a good book which may also help to combat the grey hairs he gets from his fast paced job that never gets old.

Chris’s story of success is very similar to many within the relocation industry in that he has gone from knowing nothing about it to building a passion for it. His hard work and dedication shine through not only in his daily accomplishments but in his overall career. For these reasons, and many more, we’re proud to have Chris as part of the my Bekins family!

This week we’ve chosen to shine the my Bekins Spotlight on Honey Bergen, Operations Manager for Bekins Moving Solutions, in San Diego, CA.

Honey began her career in the relocation industry at a military base in San Diego working in the household goods inbound department. When her contract expired she began working for Sullivan Moving/United Van Lines in the customer service department. She left the company as their customer service manager after nine years of service. During this time Honey was also attending school and received her Associate’s degree in Business.

When the opportunity to work as a dispatcher for Bekins Moving Solutions became available Honey jumped at the chance. She was excited about the opportunity because she likes being well rounded with all positions in the industry. Her hard work and dedication was appreciated and soon she was running the dispatch department; this led to her current position as the branch’s Operations Manager.

Honey enjoys many facets of working at BMS including her co-workers. She says, “I never dread coming in to work; they are awesome!!” She also enjoys using her customer service skills to not only help clients, but also her moving crews, to guarantee great outcomes. Scott Harvey, General Manager for BMS San Diego, had this to say, amongst other wonderful things, about Honey:

Honey is a dedicated and loyal employee. As the Operations Manager, she motivates her team around the branch’s vision of providing exceptional service to our clients. Her passion for this vision is evident in her leadership resulting in an Operations Department that is inspired to exceed customer expectations.

Honey is a lifelong resident of San Diego. She loves photography, the ocean, swimming, and is SCUBA certified. She keeps active by running (she’s completed a marathon) and walking as much as possible. She has a love of animals, especially dogs. Honey says, “I have 2 and [they] are my babies.” Honey is happily engaged and will be getting married this June. Congrats!

Honey has been with the my Bekins family for 3 ½ years. Her passion for customer service and learning about the relocation industry are some of the many reasons why we’re glad that she’s part of the my Bekins family!

In a word, books.  Books can help your kids get excited about the idea of moving and can even encourage them to get involved.  Here are some of the best books for kids that are about to move.  The books listed below are great for all moving situations.  Additionally, the books are listed according to whom they appeal to – from the youngest child to the oldest.

• We’re Moving! Written by Heather Maisner and Kristina Stephenson
• The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day Written by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
• I’m Not Moving, Mama Written by Nancy White Carlstrom and Thor Wickstrom
• Who Will Be My Friends? Written by Syd Hoff
• Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move Written by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser
• Let’s Move Together Written by Carol M. Schubeck
• A New House:  Activity book for 4 - 10 year olds Written by Jill Wenzel
• The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide Written by Gabriel Davis
• Footsteps around the World: Relocation Tips for Teens, 2nd edition Written by Beverly D. Roman, Dalene R Bickel (Editor)

Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of all the books to do with moving for the kids.  Simply do a quick search online or even check out your local bookstore to find some books your kids might respond to.

Jon Huser

For the second installment of the my Bekins Spotlight we’ve chosen Julio Daconceicao, Operations Manager/Dispatcher, for the Coppell, TX branch of Bekins Moving Solutions.

Julio was born and raised in Unhais Da Serra, Portugal. He attended the Fundão seminary and graduated from the Escola Internacional da Covilhã. Julio is obviously a worldly man having lived and worked in France and Switzerland before moving to the United States in 1986. Julio even met his wife of 25 years, Laura, in Paris!

In 1990 Julio moved to Dallas beginning his career with Bekins. When he first joined the company he was a warehouseman and soon began handling the area’s commercial and office moves. He eventually became the warehouse supervisor which led to him becoming the Operations Manager/Dispatcher for the branch. Julio enjoys solving the every day challenges that come with being the Operations Manager for his branch. He also enjoys working with the staff and crews to ensure that all moves go as smoothly as possible.

Of all the companies Julio has worked for, he considers BMS-A1 to have the best leadership and the best people to work for. (Thanks Julio, we think you’re pretty great too!) When he’s not keeping the Coppell BMS branch on their toes he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and likes fishing, hunting, and in general being an outdoorsman.

Julio has run the gamut of positions within the company. His success is due to his hard work and dedication, which is why we’re proud to have him as part of the my Bekins family!

Our first myBekins Spotlight is Bill Harrison, a moving consultant from our Atlanta Bekins A-1 Movers, Inc. branch. Bill has been with the myBekins family since 2010.

Bill came to the relocation industry by chance. In 1976 he started his career as a race horse trainer in his father’s stable. Unfortunately, back and neck injuries forced him to reevaluate his career. It was around this time he started his own business in Melbourne, FL, a pressure washing and mobile detailing business named Enhanced Image. From his myBekins profile:

One of his customers was the owner of Heritage Mayflower Moving & Storage. Bill began loading and unloading trucks to supplement his income and soon discovered his interest in the moving business. When one consultant left the business, the owners of Heritage Mayflower asked him to step in and train as a salesperson.

The rest, as they say, is history!

Bill now has twenty years of experience in the relocation industry and has worked with many national companies, such as, Atlantic Atlas, Berger Allied, and Suddath United/Mayflower. Here at myBekins his focus is in commercial business while maintaining a strong base of household goods business.

Bill is one of those employees that continually strive for excellence. One look through our Tuesday Testimonials will reveal a surplus of moves that Bill has had a hand in. Not only does he strive to help clients, he’s constantly lending a helping hand to the myBekins marketing department in an effort to help promote the business. It is these reasons and many more that we’re proud to have Bill Harrison a part of the myBekins family!