Contractor Profile
Andre Taylor, Owner/Operator of Taylor Moves
 “I
have never been the kind of person who enjoyed a desk job,” declares
Andre Taylor, owner/operator of Taylor Moves, handling deliveries
at Sleep America for DSI. “Delivering allows me to be outside
and independent.”
Andre began his career in the delivery business
as a driver in Chicago. He started his own business seven years
ago, and delivered for Sleep America before becoming a DSI contractor.
Today he owns one truck and employs a helper; however, his goal
is to add another truck in the near future.
Andre, who has driven
everything from coaches to tractor trailers, sees growth as a major
factor in the delivery business. “There are many established
companies now, so we have to stay alert to the competition,” he
says.
Andre
joined the Delivery Solutions family in September with the start
up of the Sleep America account. “I like the way DSI takes
my job as seriously as I do,” he says. He added that he appreciates
the support he gets from the company, as evidenced by their willingness
to help resolve issues.
The biggest challenge Andre says, is always
remembering “that even in the most difficult situations,
you ‘are’ the
company in the customer’s eyes. Sometimes that takes a great
deal of patience. But when the customer says that she’s finally
looking forward to a good night’s sleep because she has a
new mattress, I feel like I’m doing more than just delivering
something.”
He believes the key to his success is the work
he does before the customer receives the item. He prepares ahead
of time for the possibility of small doorways, winding stairwells,
narrow halls, or other obstacles that could complicate the delivery.
He is equally alert to situations that could prove hazardous. “You
have to keep your eyes open and be conscious of safe practices
all the time.”
Taylor has lived in Phoenix since 2004. “When
we left Chicago it was 10 below zero, and when my family and I
arrived in Phoenix, it was 70 degrees. We love it here!” When
he’s
not delivering, Andre plays base guitar for a variety of bands,
including reggae, rock and roll, and blues, and participates in
shows around the valley. He has a CD coming out in the near future
with the Jimmy McElroy band. “Music is a passion of mine,” he
confesses. “It keeps me sane.” |
