How to Scale a Moving Company into a North American Franchise: Lessons from Tiam Behdarvandan of Let’s Get Moving | Part 1
Introduction
Many moving company owners dream of expansion—adding trucks, serving more cities, or even franchising. But the road from a single truck to a North American brand is paved with hard lessons, strategic pivots, and relentless branding.
In Part 1 of this Movified podcast episode, host Mark Hirschi sits down with Tiam Behdarvandan, founder and CEO of Let’s Get Moving, to uncover how he scaled from a solo operator in Toronto to running 37 franchises in Canada and multiple locations across the U.S.
If you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or industry professional, this conversation is a blueprint for growth—packed with real-world strategies and pitfalls to avoid. And remember, this is just the first half of our discussion.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Branding is a growth driver – Strong, consistent branding builds trust before customers even call.
- Centralized operations create consistency – Marketing, sales, and customer service work best when streamlined.
- Vet franchise partners carefully – The right owners protect your reputation and ensure sustainable growth.
- Avoid costly mistakes early – Don’t sign personal guarantees on trucks, overcommit to warehouses, or pay inflated merchant fees.
Table of Contents
From One Truck to a Growing Brand
When Tiam started Let’s Get Moving at 19, he knew how to work hard but had little knowledge of systems, marketing, or business operations.
“I thought you just buy a truck, offer great service, and the business comes. I was wrong,” Tiam admits.
He financed his first truck with the help of his father’s credit, struggled with delivery work that barely covered costs, and eventually found guidance through Louis Massaro’s Moving Sales Academy.
This turning point transformed his approach—from simply surviving to building a scalable business model.
The Power of Branding in the Moving Industry
Tiam’s branding is impossible to miss—colorful trucks, an engaging mascot, and awards proudly displayed on every vehicle.
Unlike many moving companies with plain white trucks, Let’s Get Moving built a recognizable, professional image that resonated with customers.
Why it works:
- Builds instant trust before the customer calls.
- Creates a mobile billboard that attracts leads.
- Reinforces reputation with visible industry awards.
How Centralized Systems Drive Franchise Success
One of the biggest differentiators in Let’s Get Moving’s franchise model is centralization.
They handle for every franchise:
- Marketing – Consistent lead generation through national campaigns.
- Sales – A centralized call center books 50–60% of leads.
- Customer service – Optional program for managing complaints, damage claims, and review responses.
“We give franchisees the leads, book the jobs, and let them focus on delivering great service,” says Tiam.
This approach ensures every customer has the same high-quality experience—whether booking in Toronto, Miami, or Vancouver.
Avoiding Common Growth Pitfalls
Tiam learned early that some mistakes can cost tens of thousands:
- Signing personal guarantees on trucks – Hurts personal credit and limits future financing.
- Overcommitting to warehouse leases – Especially risky in unpredictable markets.
- Paying inflated merchant fees – Always negotiate and compare rates.
These lessons now guide how he advises franchisees, ensuring they avoid the financial traps that almost sank his business in the early years.
Quote from Tiam:
“Everyone tries to take advantage of new business owners. Do your research, negotiate everything, and protect your credit.”
Franchising Done Right: The Let’s Get Moving Model
Franchising can make or break a moving brand. Tiam points to failed examples in the industry where poor franchisee vetting led to brand damage.
What Let’s Get Moving Does Differently:
- Careful vetting of owners to ensure motivation and alignment.
- Full onboarding framework – from trucks to staffing.
- In-person, supervised training with checklists for every department.
- Consistent marketing & sales execution across all locations.
The result? 37 thriving Canadian franchises and multiple U.S. locations, with 17+ more in the pipeline.
Conclusion
Scaling a moving company isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, branding, and building the right systems.
As Tiam’s story proves, the journey from one truck to a North American franchise is possible when you focus on brand consistency, operational efficiency, and protecting your financial foundation.
💬 “Stop worrying about the small stuff. Focus on the big picture—it’s going to be okay.” – Tiam Behdarvandan
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