American Moving and Hauling Inc. – Celebrating 20 Years of Going from One Moving Truck to a Legacy
photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
When Amy Jah first stepped into the moving and hauling industry, it wasn’t part of a grand business plan. She was managing a storage company in Winston-Salem when she noticed a gap. “Honestly, I did not set out to start American Moving and Hauling. I just saw a need that people had for moving help. At the same time, I knew some people who needed work, so I matched the two. It’s been rewarding to help people on both ends,” recalled Amy.
That simple spark of opportunity has since grown into a successful company with nearly 40 employees, nine trucks and nearly 2,000 moves completed each year.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Launching as a young woman in the moving business came with challenges. “A lot of people didn’t take me seriously.” Amy commented. “Many assumed this was my father’s company or that it had been handed down by my family. I’ve been asked that question countless times.”
Instead of letting stereotypes define her, Amy turned them into motivation. “I had to carve out my own niche as one of the very few women in this industry. In the end, that’s what makes me unique – the way I do business and the way I interact with people,” stated Amy.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit All Along
Amy admits she didn’t always see herself as an entrepreneur, but looking back, the signs were definitely there! “I came from an entrepreneurial family, so I think I had it in me all along,” Amy said. “I even found old business contacts I had written up at age 11, which is hilarious now considering where I am today.”
Even though entrepreneurship wasn’t a planned career path, Amy now sees it as the only way forward. “I don’t think I could ever work for someone else; it’s just not my personality. I have to carve my own path,” Amy commented.
The Key to Longevity: Hard Work and Perseverance
The company’s 20-year milestone didn’t come without obstacles. “There were so many times it didn’t make sense to keep going, but quitting wasn’t an option for me. As a single mom, this was my source of income, and people depended on me,” recalled Amy.
Her determination paid off. “Being dependable and responsible has given us an amazing reputation in the community,” Amy said. “Plus, I’m pretty easy to like, so maybe that helps in the moving business, too!”
Building a Family, Not Just a Business
While many might point to growth in revenue or fleet size as the markers of success, Amy sees things differently. “It was our last crew meeting, when one of our movers stood up and passionately said how it felt like a real family at American Moving and Hauling. That, to me, is the crowning achievement – not hitting a revenue goal but building a culture that feels like family,” stated Amy.
The Importance of Teamwork
Amy credits her team for every success. “My husband, Habib, who handles all of our operations, has supported me through every phase – he deserves to be named first. My office manager, Jacqueline, has been invaluable. I couldn’t have done this without her. And, beyond that, our movers, our support staff and extended friends and family…it’s all been a team effort,” Amy commented.
Giving Back to the Community
Community is central to American Moving and Hauling’s mission. “We do a lot of community-based events and regularly support select charities,” Amy shared. “We sponsor causes that are meaningful to us, and one of our core values as a company is to give back and stay connected to the community where we live and work.”
Women in the Moving Industry
Two decades later, Amy reflects on how the industry has changed for women. “People are becoming more progressive and more open to the idea that women can lead in any field, even one that’s so physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated,” Amy said. “But, we’re still not all the way there. Women in this industry still have to prove themselves in ways that men don’t. I’m proud that we have three female crew leads, a day I thought I would not see. There’s progress, but there’s still work to do.”
Looking and Moving Ahead
As for the future, Amy keeps it simple. “I just know that we’ll keep growing and we’re here to help people in the community – whether that means providing employment or helping families relocate. When all this comes to an end, many years from now, I hope people see that I truly did the best I could. That I really cared about people and that I lived with honesty, integrity and love,” stated Amy.
American Moving and Hauling, Inc. is located at 535 Clemmonsville Road, Winston-Salem, NC. For more information, call 336.765.3499 or visit americanmovingandhauling.com.
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