The Chairman's Corner

By Alan Freese
June 2018

May is an incredible month when you think about it. We have Mother’s Day and Memorial Day to celebrate and honor.

Think about the moving industry without mothers there to make things happen. I know growing up, when we worked late, mom had dinner ready whatever time that might be. Mom always took care of the pets, doctor visits, school stuff, DMV appointments, sports practices, clothes shopping (you get the picture). Mom had to deal with all the attitude and egos that are generated in the moving industry as well. With my stepfather, Gary, and my brother Carl all working under the same roof, it was often a slippery slope, BUT mom was always there to reel us back in. Moms have a sixth sense of knowing when something is wrong or about to erupt and can bring that special intuition to the table and help unravel messes we make. Times have changed a bit for me as my brother now runs our operation in Hollister, but Gary and I still get to cross each other’s path every day. We have changed a lot along with the industry over the last couple of years, but our core is still the same. Not only have I had my mom at my side, but also my wife, Jennifer, as well. Jennifer is often the glue that holds my mess together and helps me focus on the things that matter most in this industry. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with my family for the past 30+ years. Just as I know most CMSA members are family-based operations as well, it gives a different sense of accomplishment when you are able to work together. The same is true for the differences to be had, when it’s bad, it’s bad (sometimes real bad). The good part of being Italian is that most of the time we forget what it was we were arguing about and move on. To all the Moms and Mothers out there that keep the wheels on the bus, thank you and belated Happy Mother’s Day.

I was able to travel back to Indianapolis over Memorial weekend. My daughter, Shelby, is working for Cummins this summer (2nd-year internship) and my son, Jack, and I drove her car back. While we were there, we were able to attend the Indianapolis 500. I have never been before, but I can tell you it was an incredible sight to see 300,000 people come together for this event. During the pre-race ceremonies, it hit me how lucky we are to live in this great country and enjoy the freedoms we do. It was nothing short of amazing; the sense of pride you feel when gathered like that. Just like all other great things in life, it didn’t come for free. Thousands of men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice for us to be able to do what we do. I sat by an old guy who was at his 23rd 500. He was a Korean and Vietnam vet. He told me Memorial Day is not meant to be celebrated but rather honored. I had never looked at it that way before, but he’s right. I always thought of it as the kickoff to summer and an extra day out of school. Until being in that crowd, I never fully realized the true meaning of Memorial Day. Hats off to all the men and women that protect and serve our country, past and present. Without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy many of our freedoms that we have become accustomed to.

On a side note, I have retained a special counsel for any oddities that may or may not come up over the next year (politics can get a little crazy as we have all witnessed). My special counsel is none other than Jay Casey of Casey Moving Systems, Modesto, Calif. Jay is the undisputed keeper of things and stuff, and I’m honored to have Mr. Casey as such. Until next month, try and remain calm, it’s June – the favorite month of movers. Enjoy, Alan.

June 2018 - CMSA Communicator