TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® expanded across the nation, reaching from the southern reaches of Florida to the shores of California. Once, it was primarily a Michigan brand that few knew of. Eventually, it would expand to Tampa and Ocala through the Knowles brothers, Jeff and Ryan, and their father, Larry Knowles. Today, we will hear directly from Jeff and Ryan on the origins of their franchise, and the journey they have taken along the way.
1. When did you start the franchise?
We started the Ocala franchise in 2014.
2. What area does the entire franchise cover?
The franchise territory covers Ocala, the Villages, east to Eustis and west to Crystal River.
3. Did you have previous roles in the company?
My father started the Tampa location in 1992, and we purchased the Pasco location in 2007. So as of today, our marketing territories go from Sun City, Center north to Ocala along the I75 corridor.
4. What motivated you to choose TWO MEN AND A TRUCK over other franchise opportunities?
We had a family friend that owned the Sarasota, FL and Toledo, OH locations. My father was looking to move to Florida from Michigan and, from conversations with our family friend, TMT sounded like a great opportunity.
5. What challenges did you anticipate before starting, and how did you prepare for them?
The biggest challenge when we opened Tampa was that the TMT brand was mainly a Michigan brand and few people outside the Midwest knew of it. Luckily, the Florida footprint grew rapidly.
6. How has being a part of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK impacted your life and career?
TMT has been part of our lives now for over 30 years. I can’t imagine what we’d be doing if not this. We’ve been blessed with three successful offices and great people working with us.
7. What advice would you give to someone considering starting a franchise with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK?
People make the company work. Take your time to find the right people that will be with you long term. It has been so fun watching our employees grow. We have some drivers in Tampa that have been with us 20+ years. We’ve seen their kids grow up and they’ve seen our kids grow up.
8. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your franchising journey?
We took a chance, opening a Texas location. We had great management in place, but it really stretched us thin. Hurricane Harvey came along and pretty much ended that business. Looking back, I think we could have grown that management locally and possibly been more successful.
9. Another other comments?
It’s taken a lot of work, from a lot of great people, to get here. TMT has been a blessing for us and our families.
