University Movers Celebrate 10 Years of Business
Started by UCSB Grads, Company Prides Itself on Good Service and Philanthropy
In need of a job while attending UCSB, Joey Maida and best friend Matt Jillson decided to employ themselves rather than work for someone else. “Even though we were very young, we quickly understood that our niche in the moving industry was relationships,” Maida said. “Many moving companies can move a box from Point A to Point B, but are they trustworthy? Are they ethical? Do they communicate effectively? Are they people that you would want in your home, let alone spend the day with?”
University Movers was formed at the end of summer 2001, just before the then 22-year-old undergrad students started their senior year in college. They had no truck and “could only provide loading and unloading services,” Maida remembered. Keeping in mind that the road to success, according to the young entrepreneurs, is built on “relationships,” the company quickly became successful. “Back then, as well as today, we take tremendous pride in the great care and personal attention we give each individual client,” said Maida.
In 2004, the company was accredited with The Better Business Bureau which “is one of the many things that separates us from other moving companies in terms of our legitimacy for first-time clients that may still be unfamiliar with our services,” Maida emphasized. “Your rating is based on reviews and complaints from the public,” he went on, “so full, unbiased transparency is disclosed. We are very proud to have been recognized as Hall of Fame Member status in June 2011 with The Better Business Bureau, holding the top rating of A+ and zero complaints for a minimum of the past three years.”
In addition to providing clients with top-rate service, it is important for Maida to give back to the community. For years the company has helped area nonprofit organizations such as the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. “Helping out has always been near and dear to our heart,” he said. “We have helped nonprofits with cash donations and free moving service.”
University Movers typically run between two and four trucks and lease extra trucks during busy times. The company primarily works in Santa Barbara, but “you can see us all up and down the state,” said Maida, who has run the company alone since 2003.
