We were pleased to recently get a chance to catch up with Hartman Simons client Orlando Lynch, the president and CEO of Atlanta Peach Movers. As you’ll soon read, Orlando has charted a path of amazing growth for his firm over the past 25 years and has guided the company through the Great Recession. He also recently handled a certain boxing legend’s move and is a big believer in giving back to the community. To learn all about Lynch and Atlanta Peach Movers, read this Four on Friday.
HS: Give us an overview of Atlanta Peach Movers. When did you start the firm, how big is the company now and what services do you offer?
Lynch: I purchased a small moving company in 1987 for $4,500. It was a one-truck operation. Today, we have more than 40 trucks and 120 W-2 employees. We offer local and long-distance relocations with an emphasis on commercial, residential and storage. We are the official mover of the Atlanta Braves, Zoo Atlanta and the Women’s Council of Realtors, and we do about 7,000 moves per year.
HS: What kind of an impact did the Great Recession have on your business and have you seen brisker activity in recent months?
Lynch: It really impacted our business because at the time the economy collapsed, our business was 75 percent local household moves. Today, we are receiving a higher call volume with more and more customers looking for a high-quality mover that can handle larger moves into nicer homes.
In fact, we just moved Evander Holyfield with 35 men and 11 trucks and did it in two days. If we can handle a move of this size, just imagine how easy it is for us to relocate the typical three- or four-bedroom home that most people live in.
HS: Atlanta Peach Movers is big on giving back to the community. Tell us about some of your firm's charitable endeavors.
Lynch: We contribute to a number of charitable organizations. We do moves for the Atlanta Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and are involved in Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless. During the Christmas holiday, we pick up toys around Atlanta for the Toys for Tots program. Other organizations we partner with are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, The Brian Jordan Foundation, Camp Twin Lakes, the Enchanted Closet, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Kids in Need Program.
HS: We've heard a lot about your company. Now, tell us a little about yourself: How do you like to relax when you're away from the office?
Lynch: When I am away from the office, which is not too often, I enjoy reading, going to the lake and watching baseball. I especially enjoy meeting people, and I am very fortunate in that I have many friends.