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Greater than 50 years in the past, Charles “Fuzzy” Fosnaugh began delivering small packages, groceries and alcohol in an Econoline truck. Doug Fosnaugh began with the corporate as he was rising up and bought a constructing on Oak Road.
As the corporate motto states, the Fosnaugh household is “born to maneuver.” Identical to their dad, Doug’s sons Mike and Doug Jr. began working with their father from a younger age.
“I keep in mind being on the Palace Theatre with my grandpa. I might be on the dolly, and he would take me down the steps after I was 3 years previous,” recalled Mike. “From the time I used to be slightly child by means of highschool I keep in mind serving to my dad unload bins after faculty. Certainly one of my favourite reminiscences of these occasions is working late with my dad and Mother bringing us a bag of Dubbles burgers.”
In 2010, after getting back from a deployment, Mike determined to accomplice along with his dad as a substitute of pursuing different potential profession alternatives.
“We needed to pay for the bills of the vehicles, insurance coverage and staff. Dad and I didn’t take paychecks for the primary few years,” stated Mike, the present president and proprietor. “It’s exhausting. It’s not one thing you’ll be able to get up and simply begin. It was actually blood, sweat and tears.”
Fosnaugh & Sons third Era Shifting & Storage was formally born. Since 2010, they’ve grown their fleet from that single Econoline truck to a few field vehicles, two enclosed trailers, two pickup vehicles and automobile trailers. They now have a workers of 11, and in the summertime as much as 15 folks. Operations Supervisor Adam Smith has been with the corporate since Mike grew to become proprietor.
The corporate at present serves people, households and companies throughout the state. They most just lately obtained their required licenses and insurance coverage to finish out-of-state strikes and began doing enterprise throughout the nation.
“Mike and his dad have renamed the enterprise however saved those self same family-owned enterprise values,” stated Mike’s spouse, Jennifer Fosnaugh.
“I needed to transition to learn to run the enterprise from my dad, and I’m nonetheless studying,” Mike stated.
So far as his youngsters being the subsequent era of the household enterprise, Mike needs Madison, Isaac and Ethan to work for the corporate to be taught expertise and work ethic.
“It’s a tough job. Bodily, but in addition mentally in the event you’re operating a crew or driving a truck,” stated Mike.
Along with the corporate, the Fosnaugh household is energetic in the neighborhood. Mike usually donates his time and companies to Marion Metropolis Colleges athletic division. third Era stays devoted to downtown Marion by being a sponsor for the Popcorn Pageant and taking part in different downtown occasions. Mike has additionally had the distinction of being a decide for the Forge small enterprise competitors.
“We’re pleased to offer big-city service with a small-town private contact. I completely take pleasure in attending to know clients and have developed ongoing skilled relationships with so many purchasers,” Mike stated.
Persons are welcome to cease in for bins and extra packing provides. In addition they provide cupboard space.
“Placing your loved ones title on one thing can have each professionals and cons,” Jennifer famous. “For Mike it has by no means been a query. He’s happy with the legacy that his grandfather and father began. He is assured that the care and love he places into his work at the moment will proceed to make our household title one thing to be happy with.”
“Our workers goes above and past to help in carrying that legacy on,” she added. “We could not be the place we’re at the moment with out all of the love and care in addition they put into it.”
Mike is longing for the way forward for Marion.
“It’s rising. Persons are placing cash into it and persons are displaying curiosity in being right here. It all the time has been, however now it’s extra noticeable. It’s cool to see issues beginning to bounce again,” stated Mike.