moving techniques—everything from sofa-wrapping and protection to truck inspections and delivery. Ram Katalan, president and co-founder of NorthStar Moving, led a candid discussion about issues that impact moving companies across the world, including real estate trends and green issues.

Katalan also stressed the importance of client relations and brand reputation. NorthStar, for example, prides itself on building customer relationships by calling each client the day after their move to ensure satisfaction. The Japanese visitors were impressed to learn that the company has received more positive feedback from initiating conversations with clients over the phone rather than email.

Lastly, Mr. Katalan discussed the power of an integrated marketing and public relations strategy, while maintaining community outreach, a critical piece of any organization’s business model.

The site tour concluded with a distribution of souvenirs and a promise to share best practices across international borders as the global economy recovers.

This past January, representatives from Japanese moving and trucking companies were treated to a site visit and industry study session last month in California. NorthStar Moving & Storage Corporation, a Los Angeles-based ecoluxury moving company and AMSA member, welcomed guests and provided a tour of their facility.

Among the guests were representatives from the Japan Trucking Association, including Kazuma Suzuki, president of Shichifuku Transport Co.; Haruko Tajima, president and CEO of Sakai Moving Service Co.; and Naoyuki Kagawa, I&S BBDO Inc. The guests were escorted by Kanji Arima, editorial director of Moving Information Inc., and Steve Weitekamp, CMSA president.

After experiencing a difficult couple of years as a result of the global economic downturn, the Japanese businessmen sought out NorthStar Moving based on the company’s service reviews and growth record.

During the visit, NorthStar Moving’s staff provided demonstrations of proper”

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

CALIF. COMPANY HOSTS
JAPANESE TRUCKING AND
MOVING MEMBERS

NorthStar conducts tour, discusses business strategies