In January 1993, Sydney streets first played host to Man and His Van’s pioneering man and his van, Michael Cummins and his Isuzu bread truck. Truth in advertising is paramount, but the dynamic duo of Michael and his van were carting far more than four-limbed brawn and four-wheeled locomotion, the pairing were also blessed with a keen, opportunistic eye, and tireless work ethic.
“There was an opening for a competitively priced and reliable removalist in the fine arts sector,” Michael explains. “I decided to take advantage of this opportunity, working seven days a week, building relationships with the individual antique markets and antique dealers, becoming the main carrier for some of the leading Sydney auction houses specialising in antiques and fine arts.”
Around this time, the Sydney film industry was booming, with no shortage of work picking up and delivering props for film and photographic shoots. “Many of the antique dealers and furniture shops would insist the props could only be moved by Man and His Van. ‘If you don’t use Man and His Van, you don’t get my stuff for your film’”.
With no greater endorsement for the quality of your furniture reassignment operations than having purveyors of precious antiques deal only with your steady hands and flawless driving, Man and His Van added household removals to the stable. “The intricate and careful packing and moving skills that were required for the antique industry and designer furniture shops were put to good use as we progressed to furniture removals then office relocations.”
Soon too came the demand for storage. “We purchased our first storage facility at unit 6, 91-93 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale and it remains the Man and His Van head office to this day.” Man and His Van now own and operate four storage facilities, designed specifically for furniture. “We pride ourselves on the great care taken when moving our client’s belongings into our stores.”
That dedication to care shines through in every facet of the business, now celebrating 30 years on the Northern Beaches, a fleet of vans, legion of loyal customers and devoted workforce – many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years. The Man and His Van maxim is, “No matter the task there is only one way to do things, properly.”
Heir to the Man and His Van, Michael’s son Dan was only four years old when his dad started the business, and as he grew into a strapping young lad himself, Dan was attracted to the physical nature of job, “While I still love the top floor apartment punishment, what draws me to the job now is being able to make a real difference to people on what can be one of the more stressful days of their life.”
Over the past 30 years, Dan’s seen how crucial top-notch customer service is. “The team is our greatest advertisement. Their above and beyond approach with every move show in our high online ratings. Through nearly 30 years we have been lucky to see returning customers at major milestones, moving their way up from small studio apartments to family homes.”
Three Essentials for preparing your next move:
1. Use heavy duty moving boxes. Whilst saving money on odd-shaped supermarket boxes may seem a good idea it will take your removalist twice as long to figure out how to stack them in the truck and keep them safe.
2. Don’t try to do too much in one day. Larger moves often work best when loading on the first day, kept in secure warehouse overnight, then delivery the next day.
3. Avoid moving on settlement day. You don’t want to be paying a removalist to sit outside the house while you wait for the keys!
Looking for expert assistance with your next move, contact Man and His Van on 9907 3300
or visit www.manandhisvan.com.au.