Set your alarm clocks men. It's going to be an early start!

Now come with me for a brief trip back in history…

Back in my old home Holland, my grandparents lived in a big house and they were always immaculately dressed. They would sit in the lounge with an old clock ticking on the mantle piece.

They looked old, they acted old but, in actual fact, they were only middle-aged.

For his 70th birthday, my grandfather was presented with one of the very first television sets in Holland. This was a huge event followed by regular events that took place at his place every night at 8pm where family, friends and neighbours would gather ‘round to watch the news. My how things have changed, hey?

But still, the clock kept on ticking…

Ya know guys – I love my work. I can’t think of anything worse than retiring. I don’t leave work until 7pm and I get here at 7am! But I just love it.

I’m fortunate to be a member of several associations and I get to go to regular functions and events and meetings.

I’ve got an opinion about all of this. Can I share it with you?

Guys, you’ve got to show your face. You’ve got to network. People have got to like you and they’ve got to trust you.

In my years in business that’s what I’ve learnt and I stick by it. It’s hard sometimes. Meetings upon meetings. But I make an effort because I know I’ve got to be involved. Everyone should be involved in what they’re doing.

Take flying – I play bridge with Bill every Friday then we go flying one morning a week so I get to keep my pilot’s license. It’s not a chore. It’s my passion. I love it!.

And do you know something else? I go to the gym 4 mornings a week. Some of the time I exercise while I’m there too… :)

As the saying goes – times flies when you’re having fun. Boy, I have a ball.

Speaking of time. You know my grandfather’s clock – it’s still ticking… in my lounge room.

OK now – back to the office!

This month it’s my great pleasure to introduce two new members to the office.

Drum roll please !

Tess – she is David’s daughter. After school she comes and helps with the office duties. Tess is a young girl with a bright future. She’s a gem! Thanks Tess.

Lowami has started on the front desk. She’s taking the bookings and she’s helping our precious customers. Great work Lowami… !!

Everyone… HATS OFF for Monika in Queensland !!

She has no time to relax. She’s updating training manuals and documents. She’s sorting out the day-to-day so that nothing goes astray.

Monika handles all the moves in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth and Monika will tell you – “It’s be impossible without my team of hard-working men who are always on time”
– you’re doing a great job guys.

Check out this month's picture – Filippe and Bruno moving a small pot plant into a garden.

Wait, before we’re finished with friends and family… we’ve got to say CONGRATULATIONS to Alex and Lina for their beautiful baby girl, Chantelle.

Now… FOOTY!!

South Africa. Weren’t they brilliant hosts of the world football. All of our men with their international roots were glued to the TV watching every kick and every goal.

Did you know – in the late sixties, I worked in Jo’berg for a large Angle American hotel chain. This was back in the difficult days of apartheid and huge political turmoil.

The American activist Jesse Jackson came to stay. Upon his arrival, I was told to give him a piece of paper stating that he was now an honorary white person.

Now that’s something that wouldn’t happen today, thank goodness.

Imagine – an American Presidential candidate being told that he needed different coloured skin

OK, a little less political now… we have made some exciting changes to our website and if you haven't already done so register your business on our new site www.companiesdirectory.com.au

OK – time for some fun…

Here’s this and next month’s special activity designed to help some poor folks who are really in need.

When you call to make a booking and mention our special we’ll ask for your favorite number between 1 and 6 and then we’ll roll a dice.

If it’s a lucky 1, 3 or a 5 then we will donate enough money to World Vision to buy a chicken for a family in need.

If we get a 4 or a 6 then we’ll donate enough for a duck.

But if we get your special number then we’ll donate enough for a piglet.

We will donate to World Vision on your behalf because we think this is a great cause to support and we believe in helping people. Then our friends at World Vision will send you the thank you card.

Ooops… looks like the clock has stopped ticking. Maybe it needs some winding…

And look – it’s time for me to get moving!

Richard Kuipers

July Newsletter

Fill up the tanks folks, we're taking another trip with TwoMen and their fearless leader, Richard - The Moving Dutchman!

Now wasn't it magnificent to see our beautiful Sydney Harbour on display for the return of our young hero sailor, Jessica Watson.

A huge flotilla on the water, planes and helicopters above… the city really put on a show

The water police were out in force and the harbour was surrounded by people all eager to get a glimpse of the returning heroine of the seas - the youngest sailor to navigate around the world.

In his welcoming speech, our previous Prime Minister said "What a girl!" and he called her a 'role model' for young people and an inspiration to us all.

But not long before that there was public outrage that she was allowed to undertake this trip at all.

People argued about the cost of rescuing dare devils from their adventures. Do you remember the French girl in her canoe? The Air Force and Marines had to come to the rescue putting lives at risk!

Who pays for all this? Is it us the taxpayer?!

But then what happens in international waters?? Do other countries com to the rescue?

Not great publicity if the Yanks are pulling one of ours out of the drink after a boating mishap… !

I wonder… is the safety of our kids not more important than fulfilling the dream of a young kid for a moment of glory and financial gain

What parent would allow that sort of trip to happen? But, then again, what parent could stand in the way of a child who dares to dream so big?

Rightly or wrongly, sports people are often looked up to. Often they're placed on a pedestal. For what? Because they can kick or hit a ball?

What about the professor who has given me near perfect vision? With his walls full of certificates and waiting room full of patients and his voluntary work operating and teaching in poor countries. I mean, these people should really be the ones that are seen as heroes. But it's not quite as exciting is it. I mean, to do those things you have to study!

Hmmm… I wonder who the hard working guys at TwoMen see as their role model…

"Gillian, am I the role model for our crew?"

"I don't think so Richard! You're the last one on the list!"

Apparently it's Bruno and his team. My survey of customers showed Bruno's standard of work is consistently excellent

Congratulations to you Bruno!! You deserve it mate! You won our team's award for excellence. The big trophy is yours and we really appreciate the hard work and effort you and your team provide every day.

While we're on the topic of congratulations I am going to congratulate the office team.

Even Martyn from in here dared to get the 'jab' in the name of good deeds. You really set a great example for us all Martyn by giving blood recently. The Red Cross need as much as they can get!

You know, I tried but they wouldn't take mine… full of Shiraz, they said… ?

Martyn… are you still there… I think he's fainted!

Now, I've got to get moving!!

Richard Kuipers

Oil the engine and grease the wheels!

We're about to head down the slippery slope…
Some call it the Golden Mile, others call it the Golden Smile but whatever language you choose you're bound to end up smiling in King's Cross! The Cross is a wild mix of prostitution and crime, night clubs and pubs, hotels, no-tells and casinos operating under the radar. This mis-adventurous part of the world lures visitors of all kinds and colours and characters, converging to get a taste of the Cross.

Have you been watching Underbelly?
Have you noticed the handsome, well built muscular barman at the Paradiso Bar??
Well ... believe it or not folks - that was ME!!
My first and only job when I arrived in Australia in 1972
"Get moving Richard! I need 4 beers, champagne for the girls and get me a carton of fags!!"
"Yes sir, Mr Freeman. Right away!"

Let me take you on a tour of the Cross ... back stage.
To get into these illegal casinos you would get checked at a keyhole "Mr Saffron, there's a funny looking drunk bloke at the door, says he's a friend of yours" "Let him in! He's a High Court Judge!" The police and the important people were treated like kings in the Cross. There were always secret handshakes and bags full of cash shuffled under tables. Cops, politicians and even judges were always in the mix The Whiskey Disco and Restaurant ... the chef's specialty ... and only dish - chicken and peas followed by apple pie. The fire escape was blocked with rubbish, drunks and bodies.
It was a scene alright!
Bikini girls dancing in birdcages mounted to the ceiling, American GI's on leave from Vietnam all filling the place with smoke from Camel cigarettes.
Even Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis made an appearance! What a night! Remember Johnny O'Keefe? He was another one who strutted his stuff and played a few songs for the crowd of underground revellers.
Well folks, that's it for the tour through history, under the cover of darkness in Kings Cross.

Now let's get back to business…

Do you know AFRA? - Australian Furniture Removalists Australia

They're the ones that keep the industry honest.
Our good man Viv, the Executive Director, came by for his annual visit.
Viv, The Godfather of moving, came and inspected all our books, manuals and procedures and gave his kiss of approval :) AFRA does a fantastic job keeping us removalists in line. Their rules and regulations keep our industry safe and ahead of the game.
Thanks AFRA, our customers are the real winners with you guys around.

Now a quick word about our men…
Our honest, hardworking men - always on time, the best removalists in town. Never a parking fine, never any trouble Good work men, we take our hats off to you all.

Check out our new website:

www.companiesdirectory.com.au

Till end of June 2010 FREE LISTINGS.

"Hey Richard! The cops are here.
They want to talk to you!!"

Now, I have to get Moving :)
Hide the still Girls

Richard Kuipers


Reference:

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Saffron
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Freeman
• www.johnnyokeefe.com

Pop the hood, check the oil. We're off and racing again!

While travellers have been grounded around the world, not even a volcano could keep the Red Bull flying machines on the ground. Yep, the Red Bull Air Show was on again. Those mad men and their mad loops, spins and stalling tricks were an amazing site to see over the Swan River in Perth. What a show!! Now men, put your nose to the wind, full throttle and trim your flaps - T.ango M.ike. A.lpha A.lpha T.ango and we are ready for take off. May is dead ahead!!

Now that we're at cruising altitude, we invite you all to move around the TMAAT cabin.

If anyone feels like they may be experiencing any discomfort just press your buzzer and Catherine or George from our friendly team will be right with you.

Congratulations to these two members of our fantastic crew for recently completing their first aid course (No George, I don't need the kiss of life!!)

Taking care of the first class cabin is our National Operations Manager, Sean.
Sean has just finished his course in OHS, International Packing and Quoting at AFRA.

Well done Sean!

If your laptop computers are within reach we invite you to enjoy some inflight entertainment.

Check out our new website:

• www.companiesdirectory.com.au

What a job that was!! We've come a long way since we first appeared online. We think you'll love this new site. This site is an Australian Companies Directory. You can now promote and advertise your business on the site and it's totally FREE!! This new site is designed to support all of you who are so kind to support us.

A very high-flying thank you goes to Chris for all of the effort and hard work he put into this to get it off the ground :)
Thanks Chris. You're a star

Next time you choose to fly how about making it a JOYFLIGHT??
We know just the place…

Curtis Aviation in Camden

The friendly team of pilots out their can take you for a loop-the-loop or maybe just a scenic flight over Sydney Harbour or even better… take your own flying lessons!! One of their gift vouchers might just be the perfect gift.

• craig@curtisaviation.com.au
• or phone 02 4655 6789
• www.curtisaviation.com.au

Just mention me, the "Flying Dutchman" for a special deal.

Now folks, please return to your seats with your safety belts fastened.

It's time for me to bring this big bird down to ground It's been a pleasure having you on board and we look forward to flying with you again at TMAAT very soon.

OK folks. It's been a great race but you go ahead and take the honours. Our customers are the winners here.

Now, I've got to get moving!

Roger that!!

Richard Kuipers

And we're off and racing...
it's not just the F1 heroes that are going fast in March.

The Two Men crew is FLAT OUT

But while our engines are whurring, it's probably the perfect chance to let our ladies take a bow.

Despite our name, you might be surprised that the real engine that sits behind our company are the ladies that run it.

No nonsense works with these ladies, no excuses either!

Even Superman needed his Lois just like our boys on the road need our girls in the office to keep them on track.

Pow Bam Zap Kazowee.

International Woman's Week happens in March so we want to jump on board with a well deserved round of applause for the better half of our team - thank girls!!

Where would be without 'em? In absolute chaos I think. Men, whether it's in business or not, you've got to look after your women. Ladies, take another bow.

It's not everyone's cup of tea
but I had a real hoot at the Gold Coast Bridge Congress last month.

www.qldbridge.com/gcc

I got to present the Two Men and a Truck Intermediate Trophy for the very first time. Congratulations to the winners. Your names will be on the plaque for the whole year at the Gold Coast Bridge Club and forever emblazoned in glory :)

It was a great event with over 2,400 players. So the winners deserve every bit of their praise. Well done guys!

Now, back to the ladies. You girls are so terrific and it's not just the ladies in the office. Do you know that well over 99% of our bookings are actually made by the better half of the species? That's right - you know who's calling the shots, don't you!

But this time we want to acknowledge the amazing team at the Finishing Touch, particularly the girls that do the packing. What a wonderful job they do and it's such a special and important task. Big thanks to Susan and her team down there. Great work guys!

Alright, alright boys ... you're next, relax.

Chris. You and your team (Anthony and Dan ) made the front page!!

Well, the front page off our web site at least. Chris, it's been a big 15 years with you. Thanks a lot mate. Time flies when you're having fun hey?!

Well, don't forget to go visit Barrusio Pizzaria in Northbridge. They make a fantastic spaghetti and Pizza.

Mention our name and you will get a big surprise.

• www.borrusos.com/home.php

Now, we are just coming into the last corner before the victory lap ... vrrrooom!

Finally, our April Special... what about your 10% off on Tuesdays.

Just take the day off work and save a packet.

OK folks. It's been a great race but you go ahead and take the honours. Our customers are the winners here.

Now, I've got to get moving!


Richard Kuipers

This month is all about celebration so we have a special surprise for any of you with a move looming on the horizon. Stay tuned ...

Australians are a fantastic bunch. We embrace our multi-cultural population with gusto!

If you spent any time in your local Chinese community in the last three weeks you probably would have seen fireworks, dragons and people dancing in the street. Welcome to the Chinese new year!!

We got into the spirit at 'Raymonds' - our local Chinese restaurant and we were reminded about the good luck symbols that are part of the Chinese culture. Everyone needs a bit of good luck because life is short and we should celebrate every occasion - another thing us Aussies are good at ... !

Well, it's still hot. That's for sure. Was that 42'C I felt the other day ?? How ironic, our boys here at TWO MEN are feeling the heat while our boys and girls in Canada are zooming around in the ice and snow!! Go Aussies!

We are very lucky to work with a great team and I would like to introduce you to this month's TWO MEN winning team from Brazil - Lucas, Daniel and Henry.

Lucas, the team leader, has been with us for over 4 years (Go Lucas!!).

Our guys know that you, the customer, always come first at TWO MEN and they love to look after you and your gear when you move!

Don't worry. I haven't forgotten about your special surprise...

Round of applause for Sean Maycock who's just been put in charge of OH&S and Customer Service (clap, clap, clap).

Sean is a TWO MEN veteran. With us for 15 years, he'll now be keeping us on the straight n' narrow with all of the regulations we have to follow.

You may not all know this but we're AFRA Members through n' through. This means that we stand behind their code of conduct and their standards. All designed to make your move safe and reliable. Just how it should be :)

Customer Service is always under our spotlight. We love to get a bit o' feedback from customers.

To make it more measurable and easy for you all to participate, we'll be sending out our unique customer surveys by email now rather than doing them on the phone. Top points for efficiency guys!

OK, OK .. here it is - your special surprise ...

Got a move coming up? Well, save some of those rare notes and coins. Get your move done on a Tuesday
and save 10%. THIS IS FOR BOOKINGS COMPLETED FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH.

That'd be another good reason for a day off work wouldn't it ?

That's all for now.

Everyone, thanks a lot for all your support.

Best wishes to you all.

Now, I've got to get moving ... :)

Richard Kuipers

Can you feel it?

There's a great energy in the air. Everyone seems to be looking forward to shaking some '09 blues away and getting back on track after a pretty tough year.

Two Men have been racing to keep up with it all and we've had an extremely busy period with everyone moving during the holidays.

We just want to take a minute to thank our men who have coped with the silly season amidst the incredible heat. You've done a fantastic job guys. Take a bow (and a beer).

It'll be a short rest though. February is set to sizzle!

Speaking of sizzling ... have you seen our website recently?? It's a moving feast (pardon the pun!).

You can now follow us on Twitter and become a friend of ours on Facebook. Can you believe it ...? We received over 1,000 tweets and clicks from all over the world in just 3 days!! Thanks everybody (... never knew we were so popular!).

Here are some links for the fans :)

• www.twomen.com.au
• www.twitter.com/TwoMenAustralia
• www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Men-and-a-Truck-Australia/287053420960

Now for a bit of fun...

Fancy a game of Bridge?

Well, join us at the 49th Gold Coast Bridge Congress from 27 February - 6 March. Two Men are sponsoring the event which is always a lot of fun on the coast. Have a look:

• www.qldbridge.com/gcc/sponsors2010.php

On a final note. We want to send our thoughts and best wishes to the victims of the Haiti disaster. Whilst we are safe and sound in our houses here we can all be extremely thankful for our good fortune.

Thanks very much for your time. As always, we wish you well.

Now, it's time for me to get moving... !

Richard Kuipers


PS Hey, Perth will be up and running very soon. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground...

A Christmas message from the team at Two Men and a Truck…

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friendly customers the most Merry Christmas and best wishes for a brilliant year in 2010.

A lot of people are happy to see the back of 2009. It has been tough for many. We're incredibly thankful for our good fortune. Two Men have had a great year and we want to pass on our most sincere thanks directly to you, our customers.

2009 has seen us open our new Melbourne office and in the new year we're heading west to open our office in Perth.

Also, 2010 will see us launch an amazing new service - our Home Mover's Catalogue where you will be able to purchase all of your household goods directly from us at the country's best prices and delivered free to your door anywhere around Australia.

Plus, this new service will include the ability for our customers to have all of their goods picked up and sold on eBay during, after and well after their move. Stand by for more on these amazing new features.

Christmas Operating Hours

Our offices will be closed from the:

25^th December to the 28^th December
31^st December to 1^st January

Outside these dates normal operating hours will apply.

Let me finish up on a valuable little note for anyone with storage requirements:

We have a January special for any customers who would like to take advantage of our storage facilities. This is in Sydney only.

We will store a 20 foot container with all of your precious goods inside for only $195 per month (minimum 3 months). Get in quick. If everyone jumps on this at once we could run out of space!!

Just before signing off for another big year I just want to wish you all the very best for 2010. We have loved serving you this last year and look forward to working with you again very soon

Now, it's time for me to get moving !! :)

Discount Voucher

Our men are ready for action.

Christmas is always the busiest time of the year, with everyone rushing to get set up in their new homes before the New Year.
If you are planning to use our services during the festive season I suggest you call us as soon as possible, as spots are filling up fast.
Whether you need to move a whole home, some stuff up to your holiday house for the summer, or just a BBQ for your Christmas lunch, we have the right vehicles and teams to help you.
All our men will be working throughout the month, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Packing Services

With time at its poorest during the festive season, getting yourself organised for your upcoming move can be a daunting task. Our packing and unpacking services can help alleviate the stress of moving. Our ladies are fully trained to pack your precious belongings to ensure they travel safely to your new home, and they can even set up everything in your new home once the movers have finished. Leaving you with plenty of time to do your Christmas shopping!

Box Hire

Our long awaited Online Box hire service has been launched!
Ordering boxes has never been easier. Just use our easy online booking system and all the boxes and packing materials will be delivered to your door, and when your done with the boxes we will come and collect them.
Special offer: With all box orders made online you will receive a $20.00 voucher to be used towards our removal services.
For more details on our Packing Materials please go to www.twomen.com.au

Interstate

We have interstate trucks driving between Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
Plus we do pick ups and drop offs along the way. Give us a call for a quote or complete our online volumes guide.

Need Storage

In Sydney and Melbourne we provide our very popular container storage service. A container truck simply comes to your door, we fill the container, store it and bring it back when you want it. This saves all the hassle of putting it into storage and taking it out of storage. Plus its saves you the cost of double handling all your goods.

Need to declutter! When you only have a small amount to store we have half size containers too (only in Sydney at the moment)

From all the team at Two Men and a Truck we wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Home buyer show on this weekend

Sat 31st Oct Sun - 1st Nov
Sydney Exhibition Centre

We have 10 free tickets to give away.

Please click here and fill out your details.
Winners will be drawn on Wednesday and tickets sent by express post.

Don’t forget the busy season is approaching!
Make sure you allow 2-3 weeks to secure a booking.

"Win a Sydney Scenic Flight for 2!" - first edition is finished!

CONGRATULATIONS to our first winner of a Scenic Flight for Two over Sydney. Look to the skies of Sydney and you might see our first winner Liz of Cremorne, NSW.

Thank you to everyone that entered.

If you didn’t win this time don’t despair, due to the overwhelming success of our first competition we have decided to re-launch this great prize package.

For those of you who don’t reside in Sydney, or are afraid of flying we are offering a moving voucher, up to the value of $500.00 that can be used for any of our fantastic services in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

Just CLICK HERE to enter. It’s quick, easy and best of all free to enter!