Running a successful company means a lot more than earning a profit for a local moving company. It means generating a positive experience for those providing the service and those receiving it.
“Our experience resonates with everyone in our staff and our clients. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time,” said Chris Boundikas who co-founded Universitybrand with fellow Western University grad and entrepreneur, Kevin Houben.
Boundikas and Houben have been operating Universitybrand since January 2010. The moving company and junk removal company has a fleet of seven moving trucks and two junk removal trucks to provide multiple services under one brand to clients around the city.
A big portion of the company’s operations involves junk removal and Boundikas said Universitybrand is committed to undertaking the process in the most environmentally friendly way. In fact, 85 per cent of junk removed by the company is recycled instead of ending up in landfills. Their efforts have resulted in the company being named winners of the Environmental Leadership Award at the London Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Business Achievement Awards.
“No one in London is doing what we’re doing under one brand and one culture,” Boundikas said. “People think we’re a national franchise, which speaks highly of the work we do.”
Universitybrand employs about 20 people, but that number soars to about 40 between April and November — the peak season for moves. In 2013, the company completed 820 moves and 1,000 junk removals.
“We’re creating jobs in the city and we’re proud of that,” Boundikas said.
But Boundikas maintains, Universitybrand is more than just employing students to help them earn.
Every employee at Universitybrand marries into a culture focused on generating a good experience – not only for the customers, but for the team as well.
The company culture focuses on three main pillars: tenacity, team work and precision. Boundikas said Universitybrand has a strong emphasis on teaching skills such as presentation, the importance of punctuality, sales experience and client management, all of which help shape employees’ careers in the long run.
“We’re in a century-old industry creating a different experience,” Boundikas said. “We’re not just hauling couches; we’re cultivating values that are transferable.”
Universitybrand is planning a Canada-wide expansion soon. Follow the journey of this London-based company and learn more about their services at: www.universitybrand.com
