Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Williams.
Martin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I arrived here to Boston in 1986 from Dublin Ireland. With little or no knowledge of Boston, I had to take advantage of any jobs available at that time. Painting, Plumbing, Carpentry and also a very short spell as a waiter on Charles St. When I found a moving company in Cambridge (Jim Clark Moving) I knew I had found my calling. It is something I have always found fun, easy and rewarding. I learnt from the very best at that time.
Jim Clark was renowned and revered for its commitment to excellence and super strict company policy. From there I worked for Gentle Giant and part time for Cheap Date Moving, taking care of any open days I had to work. In 1991 I was ready to return home to Dublin but was persuaded and hounded all summer by Joseph Stewart to start up a moving company. By the end of the summer, it was decided we would start up a joint venture.
I had already incorporated the name Roadrunner Moving the previous year so we officially opened in December of 1991. We were joined by Alan Tedeschi, who was the main staple in the office, while Joe and I ran crews and all operations.
The first 4-5 years were extremely tough, breaking into a moving world that was struggling, along with the economy and real estate market that was very slow. We survived by supplementing our income by working for other companies when we were slow.
We opened a warehouse in Charlestown in 1993 where we could park trucks and maintain our office, storage and equipment. This was an exciting prospect since we were operating out of a small apartment in Somerville. The first 4-5 years were extremely tough, breaking into a moving world that was struggling, along with the economy and real estate market that was very slow. We survived by supplementing our income by working for other companies when we were slow.
We built the business and earned respect by leading by example with a hands on approach to how we perfected the quality and compassion of all our crews. We were and still are very lucky to have the employees we do and never forget who really counts in a moving company.
Without quality respectful and thoughtful employees, Roadrunner would not have the reputation it has built today. In 2000, Joe and Alan both parted ways with the company and in 2002 David Mareira joined up as a partner on a giant leap of faith.
Since then we have grown steadily each year to where we are today. We are now still based in Charlestown but at the Autoport where we have our office and dispatch crews from. With warehousing in Peabody and Avon, we cover North and South of the city on storage and equipment.
To this day, we do not actively pursue advertising. Most of our work is repeat or referral. We receive numerous annual awards most notably on Angie’s list /BBB to name a few. Our employee retention is exemplary with many over 10-15 years on board. Without all of them, we are nothing. It has been a fantastic journey and looking forward to many more years to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
The early years were very difficult with the moving industry as a whole in a decline. The market was down and the economy was tight. We struggled to keep funds to maintain operating expenses. We learned to conserve and scrape by with what we had available. Amazingly enough, with supplementing out income working for other moving companies, we still fondly remember those years. The people I have worked with over the years have been tremendous and were always fun to be with. Even when you had those moves that really tested your ability and mental stamina to get to the finish line.
Most days are better than some but there is always an end to a day! This was our motto! Helped us get through some really difficult, technically challenging, personal hardship situations and to always remember tomorrow brings a bright new day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We provide a full service moving and storage:
Packing/ Unpacking
Local, nationwide and international relocation.
We are certified international agents.
Provide Hoisting/Rigging/Crane/Crating
Long/Short term storage solutions.
Office/ warehouse/distribution
Commercial/Residential/Delivery/ Corporate/Industrial Moving.
We have extensive knowledge in Rigging/Hoisting/problem solving/cost saving/project analysis. Provide seminars for office relocations to inform staff and better equip companies to be prepared for the move day.
Since we are diverse in many aspects of the moving world, we are better known or at least I hope I have this right, but we are most revered for our compassion, understanding and overall commitment to providing not only the best service but also to hear customers concerns and fears. Feedback from moves is critical for us to learn about ourselves and correct, adjust or alter how we approach moves in the future.
Without feedback, we have no bar to adhere to no level to climb to. We view customers as our highest priority right alongside our employees. If we have both happy and satisfied, I have a winning combination and feel we are doing the right thing.
It’s the small things in the service industry that sets you apart. The intangibles that are not mentioned or promoted. From the careful packing with notes or illustrations inside/outside the box to reminding people that their documents, medication, keys etc. are left in drawers or cabinets. Kids and family are catered and cared for. To constantly checking in with clients, and the crew customer interaction to ease any concerns or worries.
Moving is one of the most stressful things you can undertake in life and we totally acknowledge and embrace our clients throughout the move. Compassion, caring and patience is so hard to teach. We do not hire movers. We hire interesting diverse people with integrity and teach and introduce them to the moving world. Anybody can quote 3 Men and 1 Truck, see why we are different!!
The people I work with make me proud every day and I thank god I have such a wonderful extended family here.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston, MA is an incredibly complex city, diverse with culture, history and background. It is a city I have grown and learnt to respect through trial and tribulation. As an immigrant it was not always easy but if you believe in something so strong, it can overcome many obstacles. I have lived through some of the most horrific acts of violence and seen the aftermath of pain, depression and sadness. We have helped, aided and donated to many charities and worthwhile projects throughout the city and remain determined to be there for people when the chips are down.
We definitely support many worthy causes, all our city state and federal agencies. Most notably the “EMT National Memorial Fund”, which is long overdue in its recognition for the courage and bravery of these emergency workers. Competition is always welcome and refreshing, given the proper playing field. It’s when some moving companies start up with ridiculous rates and fees, while running the risk of having no insurance or workers comp. These companies not only give the moving world a bad name but undermine the good that most companies do for the industry.
Boston could improve the roads and infrastructure. So much construction going on, it looks like a city that is building a city within a city!
As a note of record, my previous partner of 10 years, Joseph Stewart, succumbed to health issues last year and he is sorely missed by his family, relatives and many friends worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Address: Roadrunner Moving and Storage Inc
100 Terminal St, Autoport
Charlestown, MA 02129 - Website: www.roadrunnermoving.com
- Phone: 617-242-2882
- Email: martin@roadrunnerlogistics.com
Image Credit:
Sabrina managing our office with Maggie as our security lapdog.
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