This article was originally published in The Alexandria Times in January 2009, just three months after Two Marines Moving was founded. It is reposted below to preserve historical accuracy.
From: The Alexandria Times
Written By: Christina Richardson
The bond among those who has served as one of the few a the proud is felt between strangers. “I met Nick through applying to a job ad he’d posted, and we made a connection,” said Rocky Jones, a Marine and now Team Leader for the Alexandria Virginia based moving company, Two Marines Moving.
Baucom had just spend six years in the Marine Corps. “I made my decision to join up after 9/11 attacks, and less than a year later I was in Iraq during the longest inland combat march in Marine Corps history, from Kuwait to Baghdad. I spent 6 years in the Marine Corps with three years of active duty time. I spent six month assigned to recruiting duty and signed young men up for the Marines. I got out holding the billet of Infantry Squad Leader, in 2008.”
Two Marines Moving came into existence on November 10th, 2008. For those not affiliated with the Marine Corps, that auspicious day just happens to be the Marine Corps Birthday. Oorah! “I have always owned my own business, and with Two Marines Moving I was seeking to work with those with shared values.
On November 11th 2008, the new company began the process of getting licensed and obtaining their Department of Transportation Motor Carrier License. Today they have seven Marines working for them and one is an active duty Colonel at the Pentagon.
Brian Giesen is a very satisfied Two Marines Moving client. “I looked online for movers. I had heard horror stories and I was cautious. When I saw the information on Two Marines Moving, I felt they would be reliable, and there was a trust factor,” Giesen said. “I was right. They were on time, finished an hour ahead of schedule, and what blew me away was how well organized everything was when they brought it inside my new place. These are great, trustworthy guys who’ve served our country and are efficient and skilled movers.”
“What I like about working with Marines is that we all chewed on the same bone,” said Baucom. “We speak the same language, the same short hand Marine talk, and we are chain of command oriented.” Baucom believes that the moving business for his target clientele is mostly recession proof and that because they give a square deal and are upfront and honest, there is an opportunity to grow regionally and nationally as a company.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, veterans are being pretty hard hit by the downturn in the economy and are returning to prior places of employment that are now closed or finding reduced opportunities. To help veterans, the Department of Labor is focused on the need for employee to provide veterans and eligible spouses advancement opportunities. “Veterans possess unique attributes that enable them to make significant contributions in the workplace,” said Charles Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary of Labor for veterans. “They are an important source of highly skilled and experienced talent and play a key role in regional workforce development strategies.”
Hire Vets First is a web site of the Department of Labor that has resources for vets and employers who wish to hire them. The site gives 10 reasons to hire a veteran as part of the President’s National Hire Veterans Committee, stressing that hiring from our armed forced is not just goodwill, it’s good for business.
Baucom agrees. “We are a client care focused service based business. My Marines are professionals. It is extraordinary to have this as a foundation. I know what to expect from my clients. Our clients know what to expect from our crews.”