Livingston Business Owner Proves That Hard Work Pays Off

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Who says that hard work and dedication don't pay off?

After he earned a $50,000 Mary Ellen Moving People Forward scholarship, former Missouri resident Jason Washburn will use the largesse to become the newest member of Livingston’s business community on Wednesday when he opens his own Two Men And A Truck franchise at 19 Microlab Road.

The grand opening will mark a milestone for Washburn, who started with the local moving company as a driver at its St. Louis store five years ago, then climbed his way up the corporate ladder to become a customer service representative, operations manager and finally general manager at the company’s Wilmington location.

But Washburn’s rise wasn’t complete yet; he still had a $50,000 reward coming his way.

As part of the company’s Mary Ellen Moving People Forward scholarship, which aims to give successful managers an opportunity to transition into franchisees, Washburn was provided with the seed capital that would propel him into business ownership.

“I have told myself from the beginning of the program that no matter the outcome, the experience, the relationships I will build, and the knowledge I will gain is extremely valuable,” Washburn said.

The opening of Washburn’s Livingston store coincides with the company’s launch of its Career Move Month, an initiative dedicated to recruiting new hires. During this time, the company has announced plans to hire at least 1,200 people system wide out of the 12,000 Career Move Month applicants in preparation for the spring and summer surge.

Photo: Jason Washburn

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