SALES & MARKETING – ANTHONY LICATA – Page 3
As we all know, the start to 2025 has brought its fair share of challenges. The moving industry here in Chicago has been feeling the effects of a slow first quarter, driven largely by broader economic uncertainty and shifting policies from the current Trump administration. Consumer confidence has been shaky, and many families and businesses are taking a “wait and see” approach before making big decisions — including relocations.
Despite these headwinds, I’m proud of the resilience and determination I see every day from our team. On the consumer side, we are taking full advantage of the extra share of leads we have been receiving, while Federal and Pickens-Kane deal with struggles of their own. On the O&I side, many of our accounts are tightening their belts as the current government seeks to cut funding. A couple years ago, it was O&I carrying the company while consumer struggled, now the momentum has shifted in the opposite direction. Another reminder as to why diversity in business is so important. We know the market will rebound, and when it does, we’ll be ready.
In the midst of all this, I’m excited to share some really positive news from within our sales department. We recently welcomed Matt Turner to our team, and he’s already showing incredible potential. His energy, professionalism, and hunger to succeed are exactly what we need right now. Matt’s early results have been strong, and I believe he’s going to be a major part of our future growth.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate a truly remarkable achievement. Bill Ruecking, a 43-year veteran of our industry and a key leader in our office, has just been named (again) Allied Van Lines Salesperson of the Year for Region 5. Bill’s commitment to excellence and client service remains a gold standard for all of us, and this recognition is a bright spot we should all be proud of.
There’s no question that we are in a challenging period. But it’s times like these that define great teams. Let’s stay focused, support each other, and keep pushing forward. The opportunities are still out there — and with the team we have, I’m confident we’ll come out of this stronger than ever.
Thanks for all you do
