Kermit Fowlkes, owner / CEO of Baltimore, Maryland based Focus Movers LLC (Focus Movers Relocation Service) founded his business out of necessity and because of a friendly suggestion.
“Focus Movers came to inception in 2009 due to job loss. A friend (Kemani Bracey) has an extensive history of entrepreneurship throughout the lineage of his family and kept trying to convince me to explore the life of an entrepreneur versus the current tradition of working a normal work life. After my loss of employment, he saw this as an opportunity for me to assist him in his endeavor to start a moving business.
Fowlkes added, “With my skill set he just knew that I’d surely be able to help him, and as repayment he’d return the favor in helping me start my own business. Everything went and worked out exactly like that.”
The Journey Continues
Today, a six-man moving team provides packing services, residential and commercial full-service moves, local and long-distance moving relocation service, and labor-only services if clients have their own truck. Service is provided in the entire region of Maryland; Arlington and Alexandria in Northern Virginia; the Washington DC Metropolitan area; and York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Focus Movers partners with various local moving companies, such as James Wildy and Wildy Way Services, when business ramps up during the warmer months of the year.
“We have and provide 16-foot and 26-foot trucks with the majority of our services,” said Fowlkes. “We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured moving company. This is always a big deal for clients because the safety of their furniture and possessions is always their main concern. Coverage and assurance are major when you are being trusted to get things relocated, no matter the size of the job.”
Focus Movers provides last-minute jobs that may include relocation services due to domestic violence, eviction, filling in when other movers did not show up, poor planning with a move, or tired people who want a hand.
Moving Tips:
Purge items or hold a yard sale before moving.
Save sentimental belongings but get rid of items that you do not need. Fowlkes suggests that the less items that must be moved, the less you have to pay a moving company.
“Sometimes a fresh start isn’t as bad as it seems, especially when those older unused items can help pay towards your move or newfound interest,” he added.
Properly prepare for your move.
Remember, efforts to save time, save you money. Clients can pre-pack and label their boxes; stage smaller furniture or items closer to exits; and break down furniture in advance of the move, if possible.
Decide what you will pack yourself.
Fowlkes recommends that his clients pack small and manageable items.
“Remove items from dressers, empty cabinets, pack small toys and miscellaneous things within reason,” he said.
Take precautions against damaging your items.
“The first key to packing is to never overpack. Boxes should not be too heavy for one person to lift,” said Fowlkes. “Packing, using plastic wrap, newspaper and bubble wrap also is good to use on kitchen and glassware.”
Find out which items may not be insured.
“Moving insurance typically does not cover automobiles; boats of any sort; self-packed items; live plants; documents/ paperwork; and high-value items that are not declared before the move,” Fowlkes stated.
Know which items a moving company will not or cannot pack because of regulations.
Items such as firearms, liquor, flammable items, cleaning supplies or hazardous material, live animals or plants are on Focus Movers’ list. Personal possessions, including money and jewelry, should not be placed or requested to be placed on Fowlkes’ moving trucks.
The joy of entrepreneurship.
Fowlkes believes that assisting others in life is extremely valuable.
“The most rewarding part of what I do in business is mostly the impact of connecting with many different people of all walks of life. To assist others in life is super invaluable.”
Betsy Gardner, a Baltimore, Maryland resident and repeat customer shared that Focus Movers stands out because of their professionalism, reliability, and exceptional customer service. “The owner, Kermit, is very hands-on, and also ensures that every move is handled with care. He consistently goes above and beyond to make the process smooth and stress-free. His dedication to helping people extends beyond his business. He’s also actively involved in the community, which really shows his character and values,” Gardner stated.
Please visit https://focusmovers.com to learn more about Focus Movers Relocation Services.
