There’s no set path to business ownership, and each path to becoming a business owner is unique to the individual living it and setting out on the path to be their own boss.
For TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchisee Pedro Gallegos, he brings another unique chapter to the company’s vast franchisee network. His career with the company started in 2008, where he worked as a finance intern at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Home Office location for a year. But his overall story started a year prior when he made a decision that would affect his entire world.
“My story is a little different. I am a first-generation Hispanic immigrant,” said Gallegos, who is the current franchisee for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK San Diego franchise. “I emigrated here from Ecuador in 2007.”
As the world celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate people of Hispanic backgrounds, making a difference in communities across the country.. For Gallegos, though, this concept isn’t something he has been familiar with very long – but it’s something that comes with an immense amount of pride.
“I honestly didn’t know about Hispanic Heritage Month until a couple of years ago because I didn’t grow up with that,” Gallegos said. “However, I do feel proud of myself coming to United States 14 years ago with two bags and no family to now owning a business that employs 50 people.”
It’s been a long journey for Gallegos, but one filled with opportunity and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.
He made the purchase of the San Diego franchise with his wife Alicia in the summer of 2012 after she encouraged the decision. It was a bold step for the couple, but one that was filled with a ton of support along the way.
“My wife Alicia had been working in the system her whole working career, as she is the daughter of one of the original ’stickmen‘, Brig Sorber,” Gallegos said. “So, our process was a little different than most. It was a little overwhelming at first because you’re getting fed so much information in a short amount of time, but that happens with any new business you start. Everyone at Home Office was so helpful at the time, and I continue to rely on them as much as I did nine years ago when we started.”
Coming from a background of finance and working in the consulting arm of a public account firm, the idea of independence and the flexibility of owning your own business appealed to Gallegos.
Paired with the idea of being able grow a business while being able to impact the lives of his employees and help move them along in their careers, he knew he was ready to jump at the chance of becoming a franchisee.
“Some of my favorite parts of the job are just being able to service a very distinctive need in the community,” Gallegos said. “Moving is not fun, so being able to assist customers with their moves provides a lot of satisfaction. I also enjoy creating and providing jobs and seeing my employees grow. Plus, the flexibility of being a franchisee allows me to spend time with my young daughter.”
Gallegos pointed to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK being a “tried and true business” when talking about why he would recommend the opportunity to others. Through recessions and pandemics, the business is still able to thrive, and the opportunities for growth continue to present themselves year after year.
The journey has been eventful, but worthwhile for Gallegos, and he’s proud of what he’s been able to achieve. He came here from Ecuador in 2007 unsure what to expect, and has worked his way to being a Hispanic business owner in his community – something he knows isn’t easy, but is obtainable.
“It means a lot. I feel proud that I’m an immigrant and have achieved my version of the American Dream now that I am a U.S. Citizen,” Gallegos said. “The “American Dream” is alive and well, despite what you might hear these days. America is a great place to move and live and raise a family once you compare it to many other places. I am a true testament that you can still come to the U.S. with nothing and make something out of yourself. It’s just a matter of putting in the hard work and effort into whatever you do.”
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.
