Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Van Gallik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Van, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I’ve been doing my own thing for so long that working a regular job feels like a distant memory. In my twenties, I jumped between jobs – construction, waiting tables, retail, sales, you name it. I never could quite commit to traveling down a more traditional path. Even though I had spent four years in college, the idea of obtaining a degree and entering the workforce didn’t sit well with me. My focus shifted to playing music, so I simply needed a side hustle or flexible part-time work to pay the bills. Along the way I found the moving business. It wasn’t glamorous, but it suited me, and eventually I realized that business ownership wasn’t just a side gig – it was freedom. It’s not just about making money, it’s about controlling your time, your goals, and how you want to live. With a regular job, someone else sets the rules. With a business, you make your own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My story, like so many others in Nashville, started with the dream of making it in the music world. I spent over a decade writing, recording, and touring with my band while juggling various jobs to keep the bills paid. In 2011, I stumbled into the moving business by answering a Craigslist ad, and what started as just another side gig turned into my own company, “Moving Van,” by 2012. I didn’t give up on music right away, but eventually, the band called it quits, and in 2019, I dedicated myself full-time to the moving business.

In the early years Moving Van was just a moving labor service, and for a long time I worked every single job we booked. While physically demanding, I’m thankful for those years spent in the field because they taught me the ins and outs of being a mover. And it’s made me a better leader. From what I have seen, effective leadership is rooted in having real-world experience. Having spent years working alongside our movers, I understand the daily challenges they face. This creates a bond of mutual respect; they know I’m willing to jump on the truck and keep pace with the younger crew. It’s genuinely a lot of fun!

More recently we’ve grown into a full-service moving company. In addition to offering moving labor, we now provide the trucks, equipment, packing supplies, and a variety of services to handle nearly any type of move. While most of our work is local and residential, we occasionally move small to medium-sized businesses too.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to understanding each client’s unique situation, then crafting a solution that meets their needs and fits their budget. From the moment you call, you speak with a local expert who’s dedicated to understanding the entire scope of your move, while paying attention to the details. Moving can be one of life’s toughest events, but leading a team that makes it easier for our clients is incredibly rewarding.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

CUSTOMER SERVICE! Can we make that bold? Look, we always aim for perfection. But, the real test comes when things go awry. Accidents are bound to happen – it’s just part of the game – and how we manage those moments speaks volumes to our clients. We go above and beyond to make things right.

I’ve tied my name to this brand, and every piece of marketing material has my name and face on it. With each job, MY reputation is on the line, and after handling thousands of moves, I’ve learned that a strong personal reputation requires everyone on the team to operate at a high level. Motivating the crew to care as much as I do about this business isn’t always easy, but it’s my mission, and it’s paying off. Over 70% of our moves come from referrals and repeat customers. While we may not get a ton of leads from Google, those who do find us are often drawn in by our flawless 5-star review rating. So let’s be clear: building a solid reputation hinges on delivering exceptional customer service, every single time.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Great question! I remember how I felt when I first read Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink – it was like a shot of adrenaline. It’s an easy read with simple concepts, but powerful if you take action after reading it.

But a much better resource for me has been the community of like-minded business owners, especially those within the moving industry. Seeking advice and mentorship from those who are further along can truly be a game changer. I hear this a lot, and I believe it’s true – your network is your net worth. Building these connections takes time and might push you outside your comfort zone, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Engage with others in your field, share ideas, and explore ways to collaborate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.movingvaninc.com
• Instagram: @movingvaninc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/movingvaninc