Meet Nate Gillen | Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Gillen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m originally from the Midwest. When I was 13, my Dad helped me start my own small lawn mowing company. He was a business owner himself and I owe much of what I am to him. I had some money saved from Christmas and birthday gifts I used to buy a push mower, trimmer, and leaf blower.  I was able to do quite well over the years and had some money saved by the time I graduated high school, preparing for college. Those early years of lawn mowing sparked my interest in business ownership. I loved the concept of being directly in control of success or failure. That pressure brings out the best in me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I believe our company is unique in many ways, but in my opinion our respect and care for our customers sets us apart in the industry. Every single move regardless of scope, is the most important move we will perform. There are many ways to earn a living in this country, but I have been steadfast in my desire to be involved in something that is a resource and a benefit to the customer, as well as being profitable.

I’m most proud of being able to provide an opportunity for our movers to earn a livable income in a time when that is hard to come by. Showing them, we are a team, and the success of the company will be directly related to their success and income.

I’m very excited about our growth over the last 2 years. We are looking to expand our services and move into the next phase of scaling our operation. This will provide more upward mobility for our employees.

I moved to Arizona to pursue a career in music. After a few years of not working out the way I desired, I wanted to start something I was passionate about that also tested my business acumen. After researching various labor industries in the valley, I landed on moving having the most opportunity to succeed.

I was naïve going into the venture, having no serious business ownership experience. Those first few years were extremely humbling. I quickly had to adjust my expectations and timelines I had originally set. What you learn from a business class does not relate to real world business. Getting started there were too many challenges to list.  I credit my ability to overcome them by believing in my vision and using failures as motivation. Using them as an opportunity to learn, implement changes and work harder. Perseverance will get you far no matter the situation in life. If you give up, you will certainly fail, but if you stay the course, you are giving yourself a fighting chance.

One of the lessons I have learned on this journey is to put other individuals before yourself. If you invest in your team and customers more than yourself, eventually that will bear positive results. In my adolescence and young adult life I was quite selfish and egotistical. Introspection for a strong desire to change those behaviors was the foundation to becoming a better person and leader.

I want people to see my story and experiences and be motivated. We are losing more and more small businesses in this country every day. Capitalism only works when people have meaningful choices when purchasing a good or service. If everything is provided by a handful of corporations, the quality and cost to the consumer will certainly be compromised. We need more individuals to go into business for themselves to combat this.  Hopefully I can be a small example that it is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always love showing my friends around the Valley when they come to visit. For casual dining, some of my favorites are Defalco’s Italian Eatery for amazing homemade pastas and sandwiches, Dilla Libre for tacos and quesadillas, and Saigon Bowl for some of the best Pho I have had in AZ.

For more upscale dining, I really enjoy Mastro’s Steakhouse and STK. For me, not much can beat an aged cut of premium beef with a cocktail.

Outside of work, music is by far my greatest passion, and sharing that with people I care about brings me immense joy. Some of the venues I love to attend are the Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom and Sun Bar. Sadly, Shady Park, which is my all-time favorite place to frequent, has recently had to pause operations due to an issue with a retirement facility built next-door. I’m hopeful they can return because it is one of the most unique places to catch an intimate show.

I also love to host and cook. I’m having a few nights where I invite my friends who live here to join us at my place to relax, eat and listen to music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, girlfriend and friends. Owning your own company can be extremely time-consuming and stressful. There is no way I would have been able to pursue this journey without their support and understanding. From missing out on plans, to long days, they have encouraged me unconditionally. I feel very fortunate to have a group of people I love pushing me when I need it and reassuring me when things are hard.

Website: http://www.atobmove.com/

Instagram: atobmovers

Twitter: atobmoversaz

Facebook: atobmove

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-to-b-movers-phoenix-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy464wKghfM0T7FdOYLxRvg

Image Credits
A to B Movers