Meet Kevin Crofoot

Welcome back to another installment of our Meet the Oler Relo Team series. In this post we would like to introduce you to Kevin Crofoot, our vice president of workplace and logistics, as he shares his expertise on office moving. Kevin has been with Oler Relo for nearly 10 years, and has nearly 20 years of experience in the moving industry.

Please read as he offers some great insight into the important aspects that companies need to think about when they are considering and planning an office relocation.

Describe Oler Relo’s workplace and logistics services.

It is also referred to as office moving, and industrial or commercial moving, which are all terms used to describe some type of business moving. About 95 percent of the work that we do in this sector is Houston-based, so it’s local, but also being associated with United Van Lines allows us to ship products domestically and internationally.

What advice do you have for companies that are considering a move?

Anyone who is considering an office move should meet with a representative (like me) early in the process to try to establish a scope of work and a budget. People are often focused on the build-out of a new suite, or the procurement of new furniture, and they overlook the costs associated with the move, like relocating their technology. They simply don’t budget for the cost or the time needed to properly take care of those things.

Moving is very stressful, and obviously a time of great change, not only for management and ownership, but also for the staff. So, companies need to plan for the change management portion and all of the different aspects of office moving. The sooner they get started, the sooner they can budget for all of those things in a proper manner, which will reduce stress.

How soon should a company begin planning their move?

As soon as they think they might be moving their office. Planning is important, especially when it might involve more difficult aspects, like manufacturing areas, or laboratory areas, or complicated machinery. Those things, as well as office systems, take time to plan.

The other thing that we find often with larger moves, is that companies typically purchase new furniture. So, one of the biggest challenges is that we have to find a place for the furniture that is no longer being used, so that it is properly recycled and donated.

Are there any pitfalls that companies should avoid when planning a move?

Most of the pitfalls of office moving focus around last minute activities. Understanding the aspects associated with the property management at both the origin and destination location are important. People often think that their move can take place during the day, but a lot of times it has to be after hours. So, they shouldn’t make certain assumptions. They should always confirm everything, because waiting until the last minute can change our game plan.

What’s the best way to ensure a successful office move?

Most companies will have a successful move if they work together as a team. The best moves are the ones where the companies have a team of people that are on the same page in the planning and execution of the move. They have to work together to get the staff ready and mentally prepared for the move. So, office moving needs to be a team effort.

What are some of the things that companies can expect when working with you?

We certainly provide the men and the trucks, but we also provide a certain level of consultative approach for our clients. So, we can help with the relocation of a data center, disconnecting and reconnecting of computers, and disconnecting and reconnecting cubicles and modular furniture.

Our core service is office moving, and that’s the majority of what we do, but we are also very good at warehouse moving. We often partner with a rigging company that handles manufacturing equipment and large items, while we handle the moving of the small parts inventories, the pallet racking, metal shelving, and other ancillary items within a warehouse.

What are your reflections on your many years with Oler Relo?

It has been great growing with the company, and watching Blake and Bryan Oler become leaders, not only within our organization, but within the moving industry in general. I’ve also enjoyed working with both Jhan and Nancy Oler, who are some pretty awesome folks! We’ve gone from a very small operation, to a much larger and much more professional one that has safety as its number one goal.

Not only are we focused on our clients, but we are also focused on our staff, and making sure that our family atmosphere transfers to the staff. Oler Relo cares about the well-being, happiness and safety of every staff member. We try to create a family atmosphere within our culture, which is really good.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My wife and I have two teenage boys. Our youngest is very involved in school band, and our oldest is involved in tennis and modeling. My personal passion is underwater photography, so I try to take a couple of weeks a year to go diving and take pictures.