Ram Katalan, the chief executive and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Co., said that the company has a mission to put service back into what should have been the ultimate service industry: the moving industry.
NorthStar currently has one franchisee, in San Leandro in Northern California, but Katalan said the company is waiting on the “perfect fit” for a business partner and may add another franchisee this year.
Katalan added that running a moving company is a hands-on business that cannot be operated remotely.
“It will require 100% of your attention,” he said.
Please give us an overview of your franchise operation.
Founded in 1994, Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Co. has redefined the moving industry as the first to offer eco-luxury moving services, elevating basic moving and storage services to a new level of customer service, customized care and environmental consciousness. Woman-owned, NorthStar Moving has earned more awards for service than any other moving company: “A+” rated by the Better Business Bureau, consistently earns five-star reviews on Yelp and Google and recipient of dozens of awards for corporate culture, green practices, community outreach and growth including 10 Best Places to Work awards and ranked on the Inc. 5,000 list of fastest-growing private companies for seven consecutive years. The company’s local, long-distance and international moving, storage services and eco-luxury packages have been featured in leading magazines including “The Robb Report Collection” and on multiple home and design television shows. NorthStar Moving has proven the state-of-the-art way to move is with its red carpet service, recommended by Coldwell Banker Concierge, MovingInsurance.com and an impressive list of celebrity clientele. NorthStar Moving’s mission is to exceed their clients’ expectations with customer care and to move service back into what should have always been the ultimate service industry: the moving industry.
How many franchisees do you have now, and how many do you plan to have by the end of 2024?
We currently have one franchisee and three company-owned locations. We are waiting for the perfect fit. So, maybe one more this year.
What are the financial requirements for potential franchisees?
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a NorthStar Moving Company franchise is from $114,500 to $215,000. This includes $50,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
What do you think are the advantages of owning a franchise?
It’s a proven method to having a successful business. The advantage is working with a trusted brand and the leadership of 30-plus years in the business.
And the flip side: Any disadvantages?
If you don’t like following a template, it’s not for you. You don’t get to go out and paint the trucks pink, for instance. We have a strong brand identity, and we stick to it.
What do you emphasize to prospective franchisees about the business they are about to enter?
It’s a service business. If you are not focused on making folks happy, NorthStar Moving is not for you.
When you are seeking new franchisees, what qualities do you look for, other than the financial thresholds they must meet?
We look for individuals who care about details, service and making people happy. We also look for a good leader, people who want to seize the day, who love to follow systems that work and are proven, are skilled at multitasking and love working in a fast-paced environment.
What advice would you give incoming franchisees?
The advice I would provide an incoming franchisee is to take advantage of all of our one-on-one training. Learn every aspect of the business and ask lots of questions. This is hands-on business. You won’t be operating your business remotely. It will require 100% of your attention.