From the moment she began in her role as a mover for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Overland Park, Kanas location, Shelby Holmes could tell what others were thinking.
Customers, team members, people in the public – she knew what was on their minds when she showed up for a move. A female mover? To lift this heavy stuff onto the trucks? It wasn’t lost on her how uncommon her job was, as she worked within a field of primarily men. She also knew she had to work that much harder to command the respect of everyone around her.
“I’ve always said as a female on the trucks, I was starting 100 yards behind everyone else,” Holmes said. “But I was still finishing first. I was underestimated constantly. It wasn’t easy coming up in that position, but with each obstacle, I put my head down and put in the work.”
Team members started to take notice. Customers started requesting her on moves. Everywhere she went, Holmes made sure she was bringing it on every move so there was no doubt that she belonged in this role. She commanded respect from everyone around her, and eventually became a go-to team member for any major problem.
Holmes was just 20 years old when she started as a mover in April of 2022. Now, just over two years later, the hard work has paid off in a big way; she’s now the operations manager for her franchise.
Just like female movers, it can be rare to find a female operations manager at moving franchise. Just like when she started as a mover, she’s still putting in the work and commanding the respect of those around her.
“I applied to the position because as a team lead, I gained some insight into how the operations side of things were handled. I had lots of ideas, and I thought a fresh pair of eyes on some of the tougher projects would be useful for the team,” Holmes said. “I strive to lead and stand out the way all other operations managers should. I believe the work I put in to get to this position is going to pay off and help me complete the goals I have for myself.”
Despite being so new to the franchise, Holmes is already bringing a fresh perspective to her role and helping lead the team in a way she feels will be beneficial to those who were once in her position.
“Being able to stay cool and collected during chaotic moments is one of my strengths,” Holmes said. “I don’t often come across something that phases me, and having been a mover and driver myself, it’s extremely helpful to call back to those experiences when handling a problem. Being able to think outside the box and think quickly has saved me many times.”
She’s been able to rely on her team members as she transitions into the role of operations manager, and having a familiarity with those she works with is a huge benefit.
Her favorite company core value is “Care”, and she believes this core value specifically is instrumental to the job because it’s imperative to care about others – both teammates and customers – to be successful.
Her journey with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has already been eventful and is just getting started.
“My favorite thing about working with TWO ME NAND A TRUCK is being a part of a team that is working toward one goal,” Holmes said. “I’m striving to be my best, not just for me, but for the amazing team I have behind me and the group of leaders I look up to.”
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