‹ All episodes

The Other Side Of Potential

Episode 120: The Oldest African-American Owned Business in the United States with Brian Brooks, President and Co-Owner of E. E. Ward Moving & Storage

December 23, 2020 Sharon Spano Episode 120
The Other Side Of Potential
Episode 120: The Oldest African-American Owned Business in the United States with Brian Brooks, President and Co-Owner of E. E. Ward Moving & Storage
Info
The Other Side Of Potential
Episode 120: The Oldest African-American Owned Business in the United States with Brian Brooks, President and Co-Owner of E. E. Ward Moving & Storage
Dec 23, 2020 Episode 120
Sharon Spano

Founded in 1881, the E. E. Ward Moving & Storage company leaves behind a long legacy of excellence. The company is the oldest continually operated black-owned business in the nation. In its nearly 140-year history, the E. E. Ward has developed a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected moving companies in the country and continues to uphold that reputation to this day.

For 120 years, E. E. Ward Moving & Storage was a family-owned company, which started as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1881, John T. Ward launched the company with his son William, only consisting of two horses and a wagon, flourishing into the well-established company it is today. In 2001, Brian Brooks purchased the company from Eldon E. Ward, when there was no family succession plan in place or other family members interested in taking over the business. Brooks has had long ties with E. E. Ward prior to acquiring it, as his father was a lawyer for the company. Brooks, along with his wife, has a strong commitment to upholding the values and strengthening the legacy of E. E. Ward.

Since Brooks’ purchase of the company, he has led its team to great success. E. E. Ward has been the recipient of multiple accolades, including but not limited to; the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council MBE Supplier of The Year award, three-time recipient of the BBB of Central Ohio’s Torch Award, Pillar Awards for Community Service, Corporate Caring Human Services Award, Diversity In Business Award and the highly coveted Agent of The Year Service Excellence Award from the American Moving & Storage Association. Brooks has also partnered the company with NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty as the official mover.

With the numerous awards and accolades received, it’s clear that E. E. Ward is being lead to success by Brian Brooks. His commitment to the company has helped it uphold its core values and strengthen the legacy it’s created in its nearly 140-year history. With quality and integrity, the company and Brooks will succeed far into the future.


What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • The history of the E. E. Ward Moving & Storage company and how Brian took over.  
  • Brian's connection to the Ward family leading up to the business relationship. 
  • The decision to keep the company name during the purchase. 
  • Brian's advice to prospective family business owners; staying true.
  • The collaborative power of Brian and Dominique and how they balance each other's strengths. 
  • E. E. Ward's market and geographic placement; catering to constant migration.
  • The vision for the business and the evolution of the company over the years. 
  • How the decision to expand the business came about and the importance of timing and luck.
  • Brian's points of passion and social initiatives he has been involved with.  
  • The company's relationship with Richard Petty and the fruits of this connection.
  • Brian's thoughts on the future of his family, children, and the company.


Additional Resources:

Brian Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brooks-4402111  

E. E. Ward Moving & Storage: https://eeward.com/

E. E. Ward on Twitter: https://twitter.com/eewardmoving

Share
Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Stitcher iHeartRadio TuneIn + Alexa +
Show Notes

Founded in 1881, the E. E. Ward Moving & Storage company leaves behind a long legacy of excellence. The company is the oldest continually operated black-owned business in the nation. In its nearly 140-year history, the E. E. Ward has developed a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected moving companies in the country and continues to uphold that reputation to this day.

For 120 years, E. E. Ward Moving & Storage was a family-owned company, which started as a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1881, John T. Ward launched the company with his son William, only consisting of two horses and a wagon, flourishing into the well-established company it is today. In 2001, Brian Brooks purchased the company from Eldon E. Ward, when there was no family succession plan in place or other family members interested in taking over the business. Brooks has had long ties with E. E. Ward prior to acquiring it, as his father was a lawyer for the company. Brooks, along with his wife, has a strong commitment to upholding the values and strengthening the legacy of E. E. Ward.

Since Brooks’ purchase of the company, he has led its team to great success. E. E. Ward has been the recipient of multiple accolades, including but not limited to; the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council MBE Supplier of The Year award, three-time recipient of the BBB of Central Ohio’s Torch Award, Pillar Awards for Community Service, Corporate Caring Human Services Award, Diversity In Business Award and the highly coveted Agent of The Year Service Excellence Award from the American Moving & Storage Association. Brooks has also partnered the company with NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty as the official mover.

With the numerous awards and accolades received, it’s clear that E. E. Ward is being lead to success by Brian Brooks. His commitment to the company has helped it uphold its core values and strengthen the legacy it’s created in its nearly 140-year history. With quality and integrity, the company and Brooks will succeed far into the future.


What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • The history of the E. E. Ward Moving & Storage company and how Brian took over.  
  • Brian's connection to the Ward family leading up to the business relationship. 
  • The decision to keep the company name during the purchase. 
  • Brian's advice to prospective family business owners; staying true.
  • The collaborative power of Brian and Dominique and how they balance each other's strengths. 
  • E. E. Ward's market and geographic placement; catering to constant migration.
  • The vision for the business and the evolution of the company over the years. 
  • How the decision to expand the business came about and the importance of timing and luck.
  • Brian's points of passion and social initiatives he has been involved with.  
  • The company's relationship with Richard Petty and the fruits of this connection.
  • Brian's thoughts on the future of his family, children, and the company.


Additional Resources:

Brian Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brooks-4402111  

E. E. Ward Moving & Storage: https://eeward.com/

E. E. Ward on Twitter: https://twitter.com/eewardmoving