Monarch Movers
Tracy Nayar
March 31, 2020
Making moves
As a result of new business, Monarch Movers has increased sales by $850,000 and supports 4 jobs.
The moving business is in Wayne Edward’s blood. With over 20 years of experience working in the industry, he knows a thing or two about how to handle boxes correctly. A former Navy seaman, Wayne found inspiration for his business after a bad moving experience and opened Monarch Movers in December 2016. “I have been in the moving business since 1998. I got out in 2006 and then got back in,” Wayne says. Monarch Movers specializes in offering highly skilled services. “We want to be looked at as family. However, I believe strongly in professionalism and hands-on customer service,” he explains. He decided to combine his moving-industry experience with a desire to help: Monarch Movers gives preference to disabled veterans, veterans, and military spouses whenever possible.
Wayne connected with Debra Farley, Associate Executive Director of the Hampton Roads SBDC, to help turn his vision into reality. “Debra Farley has had a tremendous impact on my business through mentoring and providing me with valuable information,” he explains. “She has been my ‘human shortcut’ to overcoming many challenges and obstacles.” According to Wayne, Debra helped him navigate the ins and outs of finding benefits and grants for his employees. With her guidance, he is currently in the process of applying for official On-the-Job-Training (OJT) status for veterans and other eligible military personnel.
In the meantime, Wayne appreciates Debra’s ability to keep up with the frenetic pace of the world of moving trucks and boxes. “The moving business is very rigorous and challenging,” says Wayne. “Debra Farley is very proactive. She is always thinking of things for me to do to keep my business vital.”
In addition to giving preference to veterans, disabled veterans, and military spouses, the team at Monarch Movers is involved with the local Rotary chapter, United Way, and Fear 2 Freedom, a local organization for survivors of sexual assault. This deep passion for the local community has brought numerous rewards. As Wayne mulls over the past year, he’s confident that the investment has been well placed. “I’ve made a strong commitment and investment to see this business grow,” he says. “I’m really excited that we started this year with one truck and we are ending it with five.”
According to Wayne, every day brings something new, which keeps him excited by the industry. “I love the fact that every day is different. This business allows me to engage people in a more personal way — in a way I never would have been able to otherwise.” With Wayne’s love for the business and the SBDC by his side, Monarch Movers is on the move to the top.
