Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Joaquin, Jr.
Hi Benjamin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Aloha, my name is Benjamin Joaquin, Jr. I’m from the Big Island of Hawaii and am now a transplant to MN. My father came to Hawaii from the Philippines during the second Sakada (hiring of sugar plantation workers from the Philippines) in 1946. He married my mom who was of Filipino and Hawaiian descent. My siblings and I grew up on a sugar plantation camp made up of families from different ethnic backgrounds; Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Hawaiian.
Both of my parents set admirable examples of good work ethic for all six children. They worked hard and enjoyed their occupations and hobbies. After high school and two years of college, I started working for a moving company and loved the thought of helping people move their personal, hard-earned possessions from one home to another, whether it was across town or overseas. I worked my way up from a driver-packer through the ranks to eventually owning my own moving company. After 12 years, I sold it to the biggest moving company in the State of Hawaii.
Some people have asked me, why I stayed in this back-breaking industry so long. Well, my answer was and still is: I love helping people by doing the best job I can with all the acquired skills that I have developed and shared. With over 50 years in the industry, I treat customers as Ohana (family). When using Ben’s Pro Packing & Organizing, I would pack their possessions as carefully as I would for my own family. My target clients are our Kapunas (seniors). Packing and organizing before moving can be very stressful and overwhelming for them.
As a personal, professional packer and organizer, I work side by side with the client or their family member(s). It all starts with a free pre-packing and organizing in-home survey and consultation. During the survey process, it is my goal to find out what my client’s needs are, answer any questions they may have, and provide constructive suggestions on the next phase of their relocation. A systematic walk through their home with the client will give me a thorough understanding of what needs to be packed and address any special concerns they may have. I will review the survey results and develop a moving strategy with them. A signed copy of the survey results and a packing and organizing quote will be given to the client that same day.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The obstacles and challenges I faced in setting up Ben’s Packing & Organizing were many. Coming from Hawaii, our direction was either Mauka (going toward the mountain) or Makai (going toward the ocean), Kona to the West, and Puna to the East. Driving on an Island, it would be hard to get lost because eventually, you’ll get to your destination or back home. Traffic on the Big Island of Hawaii is like driving in the country, relaxing and very scenic. Here in MN, either you know where you are going or get lost and it’s very easy to get lost, thank goodness for GPS!
Since this is a competitive business and I’m the new kid on the block, marketing my services is a challenge. My target clientele is our seniors. Being a senior and recently relocating myself, I know how stressful downsizing and moving can be. Being in this business for as long as I’ve been, I have the experience and empathy to take some of the emotional and physical burden of packing and organizing off of them. I’m looking forward to growing my business and helping more seniors every day!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My years of experience, my patience and my attention to detail set me apart from larger companies. I’m able to work closely with my clients, discover their concerns and needs, and follow through in a personal, timely manner.
What matters most to you?
Giving the highest quality of customer service that I can. I love doing an outstanding job and earning my customer’s trust. One of the best compliments I can get is when they refer my services to their friends and loved ones.
