Morse Moving & Storage

A FAMILY TRADITION MOVING FORWARD

By Robbyn Moore

Morse Moving & Storage is a family-owned and -operated business that started in 1955. What began 65 years ago as a means to support the family and keep their 11 children working has grown to become a leading moving company that is safely helping families relocate around the world.

Dave Morse has been working in the family business for 40 years. After graduating from high school and taking some transportations classes at a community college, he began his mission to build a national presence for the business. When his father retired in 1988, Dave took the position of president and CEO. At the time, the annual sales were $3 million. This year, they will finish close to $20 million. “The key to achieving our success has been through family involvement,” Dave explained. “Nine of my siblings have worked or are currently working in the business, along with multiple family members in the next generation.”

Each team member goes to great lengths to treat all their customers like family and build lasting relationships with the mindset of “let our family move your family.” Morse Moving & Storage sets themselves apart with their state-of-the-art systems, which allow them to keep detailed data for each customer, so the follow-up and communication is unique and personalized.

Because the company is the only Detroit-area movers with offices in northern Michigan, they are the movers of choice for people relocating throughout the state. “Additionally, we have a strong connection with Allied Van Lines, which allows us to serve our customers better throughout the world,” Dave said.

The moving group also goes the extra mile for their referring real estate agents. They have a priority dispatch team that puts their best fleet on jobs for their real estate partners. “We realize that we have two priorities — the customer and the agent — and we do everything possible to ensure the job is done perfectly,” Dave shared.

Furthermore, Dave and his team are dedicated to aligning themselves with the real estate industry and the charitable organizations the industry supports. “We work alongside real estate professionals with golf outings, food drives and various other fundraisers,” he said.

Throughout the years, Dave has seen many challenges in the deregulation process on interstate tariffs and pricing. Keeping his customers top-of-mind, Dave has ingeniously overcome these obstacles. “We find ways to yield management while pricing, so we can give our customers larger discounts during the off-season,” he explained.

Marketing the business has also become much more complex over the years due to advancements in social media and internet advertising. “We work daily to connect with our customers, and our sales team is in constant contact with our real estate agents to ensure we’re covering all their moving needs,” Dave said. “We’re frequently working on the online review process, so it includes a broad base of our customers. This gives us a realistic view of the high quality we’re providing.”

Currently, there is a driver shortage within the moving industry. Dave said it’s a common industry challenge to find quality drivers during peak season. “To combat this issue, we diversify our business to include other lines of revenue to keep the work steady throughout the year,” he explained.

Dave feels most fulfilled when he’s helping others find success in their work. “I enjoy assisting in the success of others,” he said. “When I help others become successful, then I feel successful.”

Dave likes to play hard and work hard, and hopes to be remembered as an industry leader. He leads his team with an emphasis on excellent service and superior support to real estate agents. “Our family has worked hard to provide the best service available to our customers — we are flexible and transparent,” he said. “We have also been very diligent about supporting the real estate industry and building those relationships and their network of customers. Our goal is to help agents shine and continue to be top producers in their field.”

Dave is currently on the board of directors for the Allied Agents Association, American Moving & Storage Association, Michigan Movers Association — where he held the president position twice — and chairman of the marketing committee for Allied Van Lines. The company has been awarded Michigan Mover of the Year; Allied Agent of the Year; Better Together award, which recognizes companies working well with agents around the globe; and Top Quality Military Agent of the Year, which acknowledges outstanding support for globally moving military families.

For more information about Morse Moving & Storage, please visit morsemoving.com or call 734-484-1717.

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