Statistically, the average American will move 11 times in their life. However, by the time a person reaches the age of 45, the number decreases to less than three. For these rare, yet very important occasions, a reliable moving company is critical. 

The key to a company’s success is word of mouth, and Johnna Struck, owner and president of Changing Places Moving, is proud to have a 96% customer satisfaction rating and an equally high-rated, referral-based business. “We have built our company around training, maintaining employee retention and providing a phenomenal service,” Johnna said. “We have two clients who we need to please: the ones we are moving and our real estate referral partners.”

For 38 years, Johnna has dedicated her life to the moving industry — 21 years of which she has been the company’s sole owner. “For me, balance has been the key to my success,” Johnna shared. “Much of my professional life was as a single mother; therefore, my time at work and with my family had to be intentional, deliberate and efficient. Through the years, I’ve maintained those good habits by being present for my employees and clients, and the people in my personal life.”

Changing Places Moving is a woman-owned, family-operated Michigan moving and storage company. They have been in business since 1979, providing residential and commercial moving services to clients throughout Michigan, the United States and abroad. They are an interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines, Inc., which is the oldest continuously operating moving system in the country.

In 2009, Johnna remarried, and in 2012, her husband, Bob, joined her in business, bringing with him his years of experience with other moving companies, van lines and international industry knowledge. “Bob’s background enhanced our services as well as our growth within the company,” Johnna said. “It is interesting working with your spouse as we have learned to enhance each other’s strengths and weaknesses to make for a better team.”

When Johnna took over the company in 2002, she referred to her moving crew as “gentlemen,” which followed the mission statement of The Ritz-Carlton: “Our Ladies and Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to our guests. By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity and commitment, we nurture and maximize talent to the benefit of each individual and the company.” By calling the moving men “gentlemen” and viewing their customers as ladies and gentlemen, the company set out to attract a new and appreciative clientele. “I wanted my team to rise up to a new level of service,” Johnna explained. “This also enhanced our partner relationships as we showcased a higher standard of client service.”

Early in Johnna’s career, she hired a business coach who taught her business planning, team building and tracking of referrals, which led to her involvement in networking with real estate professionals. “I began joining real estate groups and associations as this revealed a great opportunity for business,” Johnna said. “Building relationships with those dealing with clients moving on a daily basis proved to be extremely successful.”  

Over the years, Johnna has gained immeasurable skills in leadership, networking and marketing through various board positions for area chambers such as the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) and Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR). Additionally, her company is aligned with Michigan Movers Association, Michigan Motor Carrier Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity Women Build Board, and Oakland University Alumni Association. 

Through Johnna’s personal experiences of managing a moving company as a single mother, she learned the importance of offering other women a helping hand. This led to her involvement with the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Women Build. Since 2014, they have built and renovated nine homes, servicing 10 families. “It is exciting to help others achieve homeownership when perhaps it was thought to be an unachievable dream,” Johnna shared. “This program makes it a reality!” 

Beyond the services they provide, Changing Places Moving is successful because of its team and their dedication to support the community. They conduct monthly pickups and deliveries for Blessings in a Backpack and move-ins for Habitat for Humanity families as well as provide support to Lighthouse of Oakland County for its Thanksgiving and Christmas drives. The company has achieved numerous awards ranging from sales and service but is most proud of their humanitarian awards. As a major investor in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), Johnna believes in the real estate community and how the government affects the industry as a whole. In 2019, she was acknowledged into the RPAC Hall of Fame and continues to be a major investor at the gold level of President’s Circle.

Changing Places Moving is committed to providing an unparalleled moving experience for every customer by offering the best value in moving and storage. They provide peace of mind to their customers with their storage facilities that include climate-controlled warehouses totaling 35,000 square feet that accommodate temporary or long-term storage of residential or commercial furniture and equipment as well as record retention. The company proudly serves the moving needs of families locally in Oakland County and the surrounding areas of Southeast Michigan. For more information, visit the company website at changingplacesmovers.com.