Franchising USA (July 2015) – Our Town America began the year with a projected goal of adding 20 new franchise units in 2015 and, after just one month, had signed six new franchise agreements – expanding their presence into a half dozen new markets across the United States. Since then, Our Town America has shown no sign of slowing down. Three week-long new franchise-training classes have taken place since January, positioning the franchise closer to their 20-unit goal. The commotion surrounding Our Town America, the nation’s first New Mover Direct Mail Marketing franchise, can be attributed in part to their technological abilities and forward progression – proving repeatedly why they’re still the industry leader. “It all started 43 years ago with my father’s small family business in Iowa and Nebraska,” says Our Town America President and CEO, Michael Plummer Jr. “This being a part of my family since I was born, I may think of franchising a bit differently than others. The reason we initially went into franchising wasn’t merely to grow – we were doing very well. It was for the simple reason of helping others have a hand in controlling their own destiny and providing an income and service to their community that they could be proud of.” The company began franchising in 2005 providing entrepreneurs nationwide with the opportunity to help new movers feel welcomed into their community, as well as help local businesses gain new loyal customers every month. In 2003, Our Town America announced their one-of-a-kind electronic survey, completed by thousands of new movers every year across the country, providing businesses with incalculable feedback on their product/ service. They familiarized the industry with electronic respondent lists and new mover loyalty programs and introduced social integration giving businesses the opportunity to increase social media page traffic and drive revenue. Our Town America’s cost-friendly marketing program also includes a second follow-up mailer, a unique feature in comparison to similar franchise’s new mover programs. The second mailer is prompted by an automated system – a smartphone/ tablet app called Our Town TruTrak®, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Our Town America was the first in their industry to offer response rate tracking by way of 2D barcode, which can be accessed through their app as well. Separate from their new mover program, Our Town America’s Intuitive Marketing program provides businesses with the ability to target particular demographics year round by way of customizable direct mail postcards. Special event mailings such as: birthdays, grand openings, etc. are supported by this program. In 2014, the franchise unveiled another technological breakthrough. Our Town America became the only new mover direct mail marketing program to offer postal carrier route targeting. The option to demographically focus by neighborhood, rather than full zip codes, is cutting-edge technology in their industry. The franchise is also a USPS Every Door Direct Mail® vendor allowing businesses to saturate entire neighborhoods without the need for a mailing list and, again, presenting the ability to target by postal carrier route. But it’s not only their ever-progressing technological abilities and continual growth that make this renowned franchise attractive. After 43 years of business, one thing that hasn’t changed is Our Town America’s dedication to their franchisees. “I love to see our franchise owners achieving their financial and personal dreams,” says Plummer. “Witnessing the successes out there in our system is what does my father’s legacy proud and what I’m honored to be able to continue to steward into more communities.” The business model allows franchisees to work from home and be active members within their communities. Our Town America offers the largest territories in the industry and, with no need for build-outs, storefronts or inventory expenses – the initial required investment has landed them a top spot in the Franchisee Business Review (FBR) Low-Cost Report four years in a row. Rankings and recognition within the franchising industry also verify Our Town America’s spot as the leader in their industry. In January 2015, FBR revealed their annual Top 200 Franchises list and, for the tenth consecutive year, Our Town America was ranked a Top 50 Franchise – making them the only Advertising and Sales franchise in the ten-year Hall of Fame. At February’s IFA Convention, Our Town America was crowned FBR’s All-time Top Company – a pioneer for the award, which will be presented only once every ten years. And, while the franchise is ranked number two in the Under 50 Units category in this year’s Top Franchise report, this year’s new franchises have promoted Our Town America to 57 units – bringing the new mover program to markets in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Jersey, Ohio and Tennessee. Today, Our Town America can be found in 23 total U.S. states and, if their track record and technological capabilities prove just one thing, it’s that this franchise has no plan of regressing from their spot as the leader of the new mover marketing industry. Interested in Our Town America? Complete a Franchise Application or explore New Mover Marketing. By Brittany N. Johnson Read article in Franchising USA July 2015 Issue, Pg. 20-22. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
Brittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations.
Articles by Brittany N. Johnson:
The Wall Street Journal (July 2015) – It is awful to see your spouse under stress at work. It is worse still to have to hear about it every night. Partners want to be able to talk and hear about each other’s work lives, but complaining about problems at work can morph into a rant, robbing a partner of rest and relaxation. Negative emotion spilling from work into home life can actually make job problems worse, research shows. Mike Fisher took comfort in talking with his wife Julie about heavy stress on a previous job years ago, when a new boss was showering him with criticism. “Julie would hear about it every night when I got home,” he says. Ms. Fisher admits she sometimes tuned out, but she also listened and encouraged him. When Mr. Fisher developed high blood pressure and ulcers, she helped him decide to quit, telling him, “It’s not worth it. Life is too short,” says Ms. Fisher, who now works with her husband in their own business, Our Town America, a Tampa, Fla., direct-marketing company. Complaining becomes a problem when it goes on too long, says Patricia Pitta, a Manhasset, N.Y., clinical psychologist. Most job troubles aren’t easily resolved, yet “the person who’s in distress just wants to keep talking about it because they’re feeling so uncomfortable. And before you know it, it’s 10 p.m.,” she says. A negative mood can be contagious. Marie Osborne says that when her husband Nathan often came home frustrated and angry from a previous job several years ago, she sometimes felt like snapping at him. “You sometimes want to just say, ‘Quit your job!’ ” says Ms. Osborne, a San Diego blogger on family and faith. She made an effort to be empathetic, reminding herself that her husband had supported her during difficult times in the past, and her husband soon found a job he likes. Spouses often want to give advice. Kathy Murray, a former chief financial officer, used to respond to her husband Doug’s complaints about his job years ago by telling him to network more or knock on more doors, says Ms. Murray, of Santa Ana, Calif. Mr. Murray says that wasn’t helpful. He respects his wife’s skills, but she didn’t understand his work as a financial-products sales representative. “I’d come home from work trying to figure out how to hold it together until the next paycheck, and instead of having a cheerleader, I’d have a coach,” Mr. Murray says. He began retreating alone to his man cave in the garage to watch TV. Ms. Murray says she learned to stop giving advice and start listening to her husband with empathy. Mr. Murray says her support lent him confidence and helped him become successful on the job. “There’s an enormous temptation to step in and fix it somehow,” when that is not what a mate wants, says Laura Doyle, a Newport Beach, Calif., relationship coach whose book, “The Surrendered Wife,” helped Ms. Murray change her behavior. Listening and simply saying, “I hear you,” satisfies a spouse’s “deep need to be heard and understood,” says Ms. Doyle. Showing empathy doesn’t mean you agree or that you’re obligated to do anything different. It just means you “get it.” Feeling understood often helps people feel stronger or see new solutions. While research links unhappy marriages to increased anger at work, employees in happy marriages aren’t as affected emotionally by negative work events, according to a 2015 research review of 85 studies by researchers at the University of Georgia. Brandon Tenney hated seeing his wife Miranda unhappy in a job at a manufacturing plant, says Mr. Tenney, president of MilliCare, a commercial carpet and textile-cleaning company in Omaha, Neb. He encouraged her to “stick with it and you’ll get through it,” reassuring her that she wouldn’t have to stay in the job for long. Ms. Tenney says she was comforted. The experience motivated her to support him in buying his own business in 2012, and she later joined him there as chief executive. A spouse should ask a mate’s permission before switching to a problem-solving role, says David Maxfield, a vice president at VitalSmarts, a Provo, Utah, research and training firm, and co-author of three books on influencing others’ behavior. “Sometimes the spouse will say, ‘No, I have it all worked out,’ and sometimes they’ll say, “OK, that’s exactly what I need,’ ” he says. Some spouses find themselves in the awkward position of wanting to side with the boss who is angering their mate. Doing so is likely to put the partner on the defensive. “Happy couples cultivate an us-against-them mentality,” says Joshua Coleman, co-chairman of the Council on Contemporary Families, a nonprofit research group. Attempted solutions should be delivered gently, such as, “I’m not sure you’re hearing it in exactly the right way,” says Dr. Coleman, author of “The Marriage Makeover.” Take a neutral approach by asking questions such as, “What do you think your boss was thinking?” or, “What could cause him or her to do that?” Psychologists advise setting limits on time spent complaining; recommendations vary from 5 to 30 minutes. A listening spouse should speak up when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, Dr. Pitta says. After work, “people should avoid coming in right away and dumping on their mate,” says Kathy Dawson, a Cleveland relationship coach. Take a few minutes to change clothes or relax. She also counsels couples to ask each other whether it is a good time to talk and to learn to describe problems briefly. “It takes practice to get good at saying what’s really bothering you” in just a few words, she says. When Patrick and Annie Flaherty’s relationship was strained by talk about work, Ms. Dawson coached them to check in with each other before venting. “At night, I can turn and look at him, or he’ll look at me and say, ‘No business. I need an hour,’ and there’s no penalty. I don’t feel shut down, and he doesn’t feel […]
ABC 15 Arizona (June 2015) – Our Town America Phoenix-area franchise owner, David Cox, shares a few ways to lower moving costs and moving-related stressors. Specializing in helping local businesses market to new movers, Cox can be considered an expert in the moving industry. As one of 57 Our Town America franchisees across the nation, Cox and his local business sponsors encounter countless new movers throughout the calendar year. Ronnie Gray, a new resident of Central Phoenix and a recipient of the Our Town America welcome package, gives insight on his recent moving experience. To read the story on ABC15.com, click here. If you’re a local business interested in welcoming new movers to your community, we invite you to complete a Contact Form. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (June 2015) – Kevin Drewery has moved from Pittsburgh to Oregon to Texas and recently back to his native community in Beechview over the past 12 years for family and other personal reasons. He says all the moving has practically emptied his bank account and left him in a deep hole of debt. “Moving from state to state due to life changes has taken a toll on my pockets,” said the 44-year-old man, who has disabilities. “I got in trouble with the bank for letting my debit card go negative, and I even owe relatives and friends.” Mr. Drewery’s experience is not unusual, according to a national survey of 300 people who have moved recently, commissioned by Our Town America, which reveals moving creates a financial nightmare for 1 in 6 people who find themselves in debt after a move. Money problems aren’t the only challenges. Our Town America, a new mover marketing company based in Pinellas Park, Fla., found 49 percent of people reported a recent move not only caused them serious financial stress but lasting friction with a significant other. “Moving is a very difficult time,” said Denis Byrd, owner of an Our Town America franchise in Robinson. “We have found through surveys how stressful and expensive moving can be.” The marketing company helps build relationships between local business owners and people who move into town by delivering personalized welcoming packages full of gift certificates to new residents each month. The company is similar to Valpak, except it focuses exclusively on people who have relocated. Moving business has picked up in recent months, according to Our Town America. An improved economy means businesses are hiring and people looking for work will move for jobs. But employers don’t always cover the cost of moves. Almost half of those surveyed said their employer did nothing to help pay for relocation. One in 10 people said the average cost of their move was $5,000 or more. That might help explain why 35 percent said moving tarnished personal relationships, citing financial strain (49 percent), increased bickering (51 percent) and decreased intimacy (49 percent). “A lot of the stress occurs due to people not financially preparing for the move,” Mr. Byrd said. “Ultimately, the financial stress leads to other stress and it can affect relationships.” Read full article on Post-Gazette.com. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
Franchise Business Review (June 2015) – For their 2015 Top Low-Cost Franchises Report, Franchise Business Review surveyed over 9,200 franchisees from 132 different brands to identify the top low-cost franchises with the most satisfied franchisees. Our Town America is ranked the #7 franchise in this comprehensive list of businesses under $100k. Our Town America is the leading Advertising franchise on the list and one of only five franchises to hold a spot on the Low-Cost List each year since the Franchise Business Review launched a decade ago. If you’re interested in purchasing a low-cost franchise that will enable you to be your own boss, page 8 is a great place to begin. Access the FREE Low-Cost Report HERE. Complete an application to franchise with Our Town America or Contact Us us for more information. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
Money Radio (June 2015) – David Cox, owner of Our Town America of Phoenix, sits down with Money Radio for a short discussion on the financial impact of moving to a new home. Cox, one of more than 50 Our Town America franchisees across the nation, is recognized locally as an expert in the unique New Mover Marketing industry. Startling statistics from a moving survey recently commissioned by Our Town America and suggestions for local businesses interested alleviating moving stress are unveiled. For information on Marketing to new movers in your community, we invite you to please complete a Contact Form. Press play to listen. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
Entrepreneur (June 2015) – Sondra Conk’s warm and welcoming personality was a natural fit when Our Town America first began franchising ten years ago; in fact, Conk grabbed the company’s first franchise, in Sarasota, Florida. She was already a sales rep for the company, which connects local businesses with people just moving into new communities. And before that, Conk had worked for two other welcome services. But in ten years, she hasn’t looked back. She praises Our Town’s great product and comprehensive franchisee training program. How long have you owned a franchise? I actually purchased the first Our Town America franchise when they started franchising in 2005. I’m currently celebrating my 10-year anniversary, along with Our Town America’s franchise 10th anniversary. I can’t believe how fast these past years have gone. I just signed my renewal agreement for ten more years and I am eagerly looking forward to our next ten years together! Why franchising? A good franchise is based on a successful business model, which Our Town America had had for over 30 years when I bought my franchise in 2005. One of the main assets of owning a franchise like Our Town America is the flexibility of your time. I work smarter, not harder, so that I have time to spend with my family, take a vacation or even manage my own outside activities around my business appointments. The ability to be your own boss is such a valuable benefit of owning a franchise. What were you doing before you became a franchise owner? I had worked for a welcome service, when I first moved to Sarasota, for about four years but got discouraged with their specific product. I left but continued in outside sales and marketing. Eventually, I began working for another well-known competitor, but soon discovered that yet another company had bought both welcome services and put the name of my recent employer on the one I had worked for previously. Now I was selling the same thing I had sold years before, which was a disappointment. Timing is everything, and soon I had an opportunity to meet with Our Town America. I was so impressed with everything, from the product to the comprehensive franchise training program, that I started working as a sales representative right away. Better yet, my previous clients were just as impressed, so it didn’t take much persuading to switch them over to Our Town America! Why did you choose this particular franchise? Finding the right franchise is very important. However, because I was already working for Our Town America when they started franchising, I jumped at the opportunity and bought the first franchise. I knew it was already successful, and my clients were very happy with the response and service. In fact, I have clients that have been with me for my whole 13-year tenure. One of the reasons I purchased an Our Town America franchise was that it’s a recession-proof business. People are and always will be moving, and businesses are always looking to capture these new families. It proved to be the right decision during the Great Recession. My numbers went down, but the business was still profitable. Today, real estate is booming and families are moving. My franchise is in Sarasota, Florida, and the boomers want to retire in the sunshine, so Our Town America welcomes them with our warm welcoming package and free offers from local businesses. I can honestly say it’s been the best investment of my life. How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business? As Our Town America’s first franchisee ten years ago, I lucked out on the cost. I was able to purchase my franchise for around $50,000. Because the Our Town America franchise model is home-based, I was able to avoid real estate/construction costs associated with opening a new business. It was a huge relief to not have to worry about build-outs, storefronts or inventory expenses. I attended the training course and also learned the business operation side. When I returned home, I set up everything for the business to work out of my home. Years later, I invested in a small office and an administrative assistant to help lighten the load, but many [other] franchisees work from home. Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research? Well, of course I worked with an attorney to get advice, but as I mentioned, having previously been in the industry, I knew what the issues were with welcoming services. To give business clients a good product that delivers real results, along with services and fair pricing, is key. Our Town America is a respectable and appreciated service for both patrons and local businesses. The product is beautiful and unique. And, as our partnered businesses and years of data will demonstrate, both the results and the pricing are unbeatable. These truths helped me make my decision. The integrity and values of the company and of its president still hold true today. What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise? Going from being a salesperson to a franchise owner and having to do everything myself, I found buying a franchise a wake-up call. Self-discipline and time management were the biggest challenges. There is always a learning process as new products and systems are introduced. I was very challenged when the company was computerized. So, since my forte is selling, I hired an administrative assistant that could help with these types of things. That was a perfect solution: Delegate! What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise? Try to find a franchise in a field you are familiar with or, even better, can feel excited and passionate about. I have owned two franchises. Both were very different. I once owned a bookstore franchise, which was a retail operation where my retail background and love of books were the main reasons I chose the franchise. With Our Town America, I had experience selling a concept I felt passionate about, and […]
National Moving Month Tips WIAT CBS News (May 2015) – Our Town America Birmingham-area franchise owner, Luke Wood, sits down with Jamie Langley of WIAT ‘Wake Up Alabama’ to discuss tips and tricks to prepare for the busiest moving season in years, beginning with May’s National Moving Month. As the nation’s leading new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America helps new movers adjust to their new area and offers local businesses a chance to be a part of this community welcoming organization. Watch the clip below and read this related article to find out why. If interested in welcoming new movers to your community, we invite you to complete a Local Business Contact Form. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
CBS Tampa Bay (May 2015) – Forty million Americans are expected to move in 2015, but the decision to pick up and leave may be harmful to both your wallet and your relationship. A new survey from the new mover marketing franchise, Our Town America, finds that 1 in 6 people go into debt after they move and half of couples felt a sense of both “decreased intimacy” (49 percent) and “increased bickering” (51 percent) as a result of moving’s financial strain. May’s National Moving Month is expected to see a large number of movers as people move to pursue new careers and put bad credit from foreclosed homes behind them. But while moving may boost one’s career – the survey indicates a harmful effect on relationships and your finances. More than one-third of survey respondents said their moved “scarred personal relationships” and nearly half (46 percent) said their company did not help pay for any part of their relocation. Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession and half of those surveyed said intimacy with their significant other decreased during the move. “Knick knacks, photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies” were among the items purposefully tossed or donated away by significant others. Although an overwhelming majority (88 percent) of respondents said that receiving a housewarming gift would make them feel more comfortable in their new residence, less than half (46 percent) said they actually received any welcoming gift. And more than half (53 percent) said today’s neighbors are less friendly than those from their childhood because everyone “seems too busy.” “These survey results show that it’s critically important for neighbors and local businesses to welcome new movers to town with open arms,” says Our Town America President & CEO, Michael Plummer Jr. “The emotional and financial stress associated with moving takes a heavy toll on new movers. They desperately need a helping hand to limit stress, minimize costs and feel comfortable in their new home.” Our Town America’s data is from a local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years. If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf In today’s world, moving to a new home may leave a larger dent on your wallet than your personal belongings. A new, national survey reveals that new movers face thousands of dollars of moving expenses, at times $5,000 or more – expenses that cause a debt disaster for 1 in 6 movers. To make matters worse, more than 2 in 3 new movers say busy and unapproachable friends and neighbors add to their emotional and financial stress. – See more at: http://www.franchising.com/news/20140527_our_town_america_national_survey_reveals_moving_ca.html#sthash.bUSR1OKg.dpuf Source: CBS Tampa Bay Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
WABC-TV (May 2015) – With 40 million Americans expected to pick up and move in 2015, May’s National Moving Month will kick off the busiest moving season in years for two reasons: A robust economy means companies are hiring and folks will move for jobs. Plus, people who foreclosed on their homes in the recession have waited seven years for their credit scores to come clean, and now can buy a home again. While moving is great for the economy, it’s a killer for relationships. A recently released local survey reveals a move scars personal relationships as couples fight over why they moved and where they moved while struggling with money problems and decreased intimacy. And talk about relationship revenge! Nearly 1 in 3 survey respondents admitted to “accidentally losing” a significant other’s prized possession or purposefully tossing it in the Goodwill bag. According to the local survey of more than 300 men and women who have moved in the past five years, movers can expect: More Arguments, Money Problems and Less Sex – Of those in a relationship, more than 1/3 (35%) say moving has scarred their relationship due to increased fighting (51%), decreased intimacy (49%) and financial strain (49%) – the top three moving relationship stressors. The Kids May Not be Alright – Those with children say the stress hit the whole family with “choosing the right school” and “helping the kids find new friends” as the top two moving stressors related to their kids. And missing Prized Possessions due to Dirty Dumping – Topping the I Hate it Hit List of the 5 things people secretly toss are “knick knacks,” photo albums, books, decorative towels, and old trophies. Our Town America, the national new mover marketing franchise who commissioned the survey, has a local representative in our area who is making the transition easier by delivering welcoming packages to new movers full of personalized gift certificates with free offers for goods and services at local businesses. According to Our Town America’s President and CEO Michael Plummer Jr., these thoughtful offers, like a free pizza or free haircut, help local families recover quicker from the emotional stress related to their recent move as they settle into their new home. And research shows, once the new movers try the business, they repeatedly come back. “These survey results show that moving is highly stressful on relationships so it’s very much appreciated when local businesses make the transition easier,” says Plummer. “In a move, people are overwhelmed with learning new roads, meeting people and perhaps starting a new job. These welcoming packages help families focus on their relationships instead of worrying about what to cook for dinner – when they haven’t had the time to unpack the pots and pans yet.” If interested in more information regarding the new mover marketing program, please contact Our Town America. Source: WABC-TV New York Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]
