We were lucky to catch up with Seth Whaland recently and have shared our conversation below.

Seth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The truth is, I mostly copied an idea I already knew worked.
When I lived in Philadelphia I worked for a moving company that hired artists and musicians. I was a musician myself, and working with like minded, creative people was really fun. I also loved the physical aspect of the work.
When I moved back to Austin, TX I already knew a ton of musicians who needed flexible, well paying jobs. There wasn’t a similar local moving company, so I saw a niche that needed to be filler.
We’re going into our 9th year, and still going strong. We have a great crew of movers who are also doing really cool stuff outside of their day job.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We are a residential moving company based in Austin, TX.
We provide fast & friendly moving services to Austin and surrounding areas.
Like the acronym we’re named after suggests, MASH can move your Mansion, Apartment, Shack or House (with an office or storage unit thrown in there as well).
Our team is skilled and strong, but they’re also more than just movers! They’re some of the artists, musicians, and DJs that are at the heart of what makes Austin such a fun place to live.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that a business always has to be growing.
We have tried, here and there, to grow Mash Movers beyond the small local company that it is. Those times resulted in a feeling of disconnectedness from the part of the business that I enjoy. If the business is too big, I as the owner have much less time to spend with my team, with the community we help moving, and having a hand in the day to day business.
Instead we have found a place where we’re comfortable, and wherever everyone on our team stays busy without being over worked. Instead of striving to GROW, we strive to IMPROVE.
It’s what works for us.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

As movers, keeping in touch with clients mostly means being available when they need us. Occasionally we help someone with moving a few times a year, but more often we only see clients every year or two or more! But when they need us, they know they can call or email us and hear back from one of our office staff quickly, ready to answer any questions.
We also advertise locally, on public radio (KUT and KUTX) and local magazines (EAST Magazine). This keeps our name out there, but also let’s people know we are reinvesting in our local community.
Plus we drive around in a big truck with our name on it, and we’re always happy to say Hi!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mashmovers.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mashmovers
• Youtube: https://Youtube.com/@mashmovers9818
• Other: Https://www.Eastsideatx.com/mash-movers-2