Phil Castle, The Business Times

Cheryl Ackley believes the Grand Valley constitutes a good market in which to open a moving services business. But Ackley is looking for the right person to purchase a Two Men and a Truck franchise.

“We really want it to be a good fit,” said Ackley, a franchise development specialist with Two Men and a Truck.

The Michigan-based company has expanded its operation in Colorado and plans to add what’s billed as a mini-market franchise in the Grand Valley, Ackley said.

Two Men and a Truck franchises already operate in Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver and Golden. A total of more than 375 locations operate in 44 states in addition to Canada, England and Ireland. Each location is independently owned and operated.

Two Men and a Truck offers local and long-distance moving as well as packing services and moving supplies. Some locations also offer storage facilities, Ackley said.

A mini-market franchise can open with one truck and a staff of three or four that works as movers and drivers, she said.

The cost of opening a mini-market franchise ranges from $115,000 to $276,000 depending on whether the owners lease or buy trucks. Franchisees must have a net worth of at least $160,000 with $80,000 in liquid assets, she said.

Franchisees also must be motivated to serve their customers and community, Ackley said. Nearly all of the business for Two Men and a Truck come from referrals, she said. Moreover, the company long has emphasized community involvement and service as part of its operations.

New franchisees receive training and support for everything from accounting and sales to marketing and human resources. That takes the guesswork out of opening and growing a business, Ackley said.

It’s a system that’s worked well for decades, she said. Since Two Men and a Truck was founded in 1985, it’s grown into the largest franchised moving company in North America. The company has ranked among the top 500 franchises in a list compiled by Entrepreneur Magazine for 24 years. Moreover, Two Men and a Truck has experienced monthly growth since 2009.

The growing attraction of Colorado and the Grand Valley presents an opportunity for a moving services business, Ackley said. It’s only a matter of finding the right person to join in the effort. “It’s a great way to start and grow a business.”

For more information about franchising opportunities with Two Men and a Truck, call (888) 884-1114, send an email to franchiseinfo@twomen.com or visit www.twomen.com.