University Moving & Storage of the Detroit Metropolitan Area Earns Top Van Line Agency Award for 2015

(Alexandria, VA) —University Moving & Storage, a full-service relocation company and agent for North American Van Lines, has been named the winner of the highly-coveted 2015 Moving & Storage Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award from the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). University was selected for the award by a panel of experts from more than 2,400 eligible organizations across the country. The company will be presented with the award during AMSA's 97th Annual Education Conference & Expo in New Orleans, March 20-23.

The Agent of the Year Award reflects AMSA's and the industry's commitment to excellent customer service, and is presented to agents nominated by their affiliated van line based on customer surveys and van line experience. Nominations are judged primarily on customer service assessments and other industry awards and recognitions. Consideration is also given to factors such as leadership, innovation, community involvement, and activities that enhance the industry's image.

"Congratulations to University Moving & Storage for this achievement in recognition of their dedication to customer satisfaction, commitment to quality and support for the local community," said Scott Michael, AMSA president and CEO. "We are proud of their many accomplishments, including their ProMover certification, which identifies them as a quality, professional mover. I also salute Elise Benedict for her 30 years of leadership and success as owner of University Moving & Storage."

Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, just outside Detroit, University Moving & Storage operates from five locations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Benedict bought the company in 1986 at a time when the business was financially distraught due to a severe recession, and when women-owned businesses were hard to find. By 1989, Elise had grown the company from the 400th North American Van Line agent to the 15th spot, earning Elise a coveted spot in North American's "Gentlemen's Club," which was promptly renamed the "President's Forum."

University has achieved success by focusing on customer satisfaction and setting the goal of creating lifelong customers with the mantra, "Every call counts and every customer matters." The company also sets the standard for quality by emphasizing it throughout the organization, and creating "quality teams" that review every customer evaluation and take action if needed. As a result, University boasts some of North American's highest quality and customer survey scores. And, under President Bill Gray's leadership, University has been able to secure and retain high quality drivers and key operational personnel. University also supports charitable and community organizations like Move for Hunger, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore project, Mott's Children Hospital, Wounded Warriors, the Gary Sinise Foundation and many other causes.

"We are thrilled and humbled by this honor from the prestigious AMSA organization," said Elise Benedict, owner and CEO of University Moving & Storage. "I could not be prouder of the entire University team, who consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality with each and every move."

Our team is honored to be the recipient of the AMSA Agent of the Year award," said Bill Gray, president of University Moving & Storage. "This award helps to validate the many years of hard work by our entire team, in building a culture of developing 'Life Long Customers'".

"This recognition is so fitting for University Moving & Storage and well deserved," says Andy Kroll, vice president and general manager, North American Van Lines. "With their commitment to maintaining top-quality service levels and attention to social awareness in the communities we live, serve and operate, University is a distinguished asset to our van line and always delivers on its promise of providing professional relocation services for all customers. On behalf of North American Van Lines, and more importantly, our customers, we congratulate and thank Elise, Bill and the entire team at University for their dedication and professionalism."

More information about AMSA Awards at ProMover.org/awards.