As part of our new feature on GOATLANTA, we will run a Q&A five days a week with a local business. The idea behind these interviews is to acquaint our readers with area businesses and see how they are making a go of it in these challenging economic times.In the first of a two-part interview (see next Tuesday for an article on corporate moves), today's guest is Jim Munson, co-founder of Munson International, a global moving and relocation business. Founded by 30-year industry veteran Munson and his wife, Elizabeth, Munson International minimizes the disruption and anxiety faced during a move by managing physical as well as cultural needs.
Not only does the global mobility specialist pack and transport a clients’ household belongings - Munson International also provides an array of services such as: intercultural training and relocation counseling, orientation tours, school information, spousal career and social assistance, child and elderly care, transportation, temporary accommodations, home searches, mortgage and real estate services, community integration and many other personal and professional special needs.
Munson has managed moves for Fortune 500 Global companies such as Hyatt Corp., British Telecom, Equitable Life, MCI WorldCom, Williams Company, GTS (Russia), Lucas Automotive (England), Bosch (Germany), Novatel (Monaco), as well as hundreds of small businesses and individuals.
GOATLANTA: Talk a little bit about your business, how long serving the Atlanta area, etc.
JIM MUNSON: We are a relocation business offering destination services. We have helped families buy homes, apartments, cars, establish credit, learn about the area schools, churches, shopping, doctors, dentists, plumbers and more for over 25 years.
GA: In these tough economic times, how are you keeping your business profitable and what advice do you have for other small business owners?
JM: You need to adjust to the changing times. We use to advertise in the Yellow pages and work the phone, but now everything is at least started with computers and social networking. It takes a bit of both; face-to-face and computer networking to make things work. Most people like to know who they are buying from.
GA: Given the economy, are we seeing more people up and moving to cheaper areas of Atlanta or the country? If so, what advice do you have for someone thinking about moving in this current economy?
JM: Houses are still selling... for some reason people have a set idea what their house is worth but it is only worth what someone will pay you for it. We always say look at it as if you are the buyer coming into town. Would you buy that item? Would you buy that home? Things are amazing if you put the shoe on the other foot and we so often just do not do it.
GA: In general, what advice do you have for people when they move? Is there an "easy" way to go about a move and how far in advance should someone plan a move?
JM: If you can move before the summer do it. There is usually a higher price in the summer since it is high season, and the service is not as good since corporate clients normally get better service. I always suggest that if you only have one move have your company run it as a corporate move. You will get a better driver and better services since the mover will see you as a long-term client rather than a one-shot deal. Likewise, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. These are business people and they need to make a profit. Do not put all of your goods on a truck with a non-reputable company; you are only asking for trouble.
GA: Where do you see your business a year from now?
JM: Next year I am sure that my company will be changing again and so will I; it will all be going well again.
For further information, visit www.munsoninternational.com.
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