Transportation and Logistics
Strong moves
Shaheen Moving and Storage Services diversified its services to combat a sluggish market.
By Matt McClellan
Smart Business Akron/Canton | May 2007
When a host of factors creates a weakened market in your industry, you can either take it on the chin or diversify your plans.
A slow-moving market magnified price competition for what work was out there, which affected every moving company.
However, Samuel F. Shaheen, president of Shaheen Moving and Storage Services Inc., recognized this phenomenon
two years ago and made plans to develop other phases of the business.
If homes weren’t selling and people weren’t moving, then the company would find new avenues of business.
In 2006, Shaheen developed contractual relationships with new corporate clients in both the household goods line and
the special products line.
The special products line, which handles shipments that require special handling and protection, experienced significant growth last year, as Shaheen moved everything from sensitive medical equipment to photocopiers to pipe organ
pipes.
An important part of Shaheen’s business plan is growth by acquisition. Shaheen says this is necessary because the
company is too big to be small and too small to be big.
As part of that growth, Shaheen acquired East Cleveland-based Shamrock Moving & Storage. The acquisition included
a 40,000-square-foot warehouse, easier access to the Greater Cleveland market and the ability to book military moves.
Shaheen has also changed the company’s “one-man band” approach. He has instituted a new financial model that
moves the responsibility for the costs of the job off of the desk and onto the steering wheel.
All drivers were made owner-operators, receiving a fixed percentage of the job’s revenue, but are also responsible for
claims, fuel, maintenance and repairs.
HOW TO REACH: Shaheen Moving and Storage Services Inc., (330) 453-3070 or www.shaheenmoving.com
