As broker/owner of Perry Wellington Realty, Adam Conrad has always strived to discover the most efficient and effective ways to buy and sell real estate. In fact, it’s this dedication to thinking outside the box that’s propelled the Duncansville, Pa.-based brokerage to its position as a leader in the state.
Last fall, Conrad was set to invest $30,000 on transit advertising on local buses. Then he attended the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego where he was introduced to On The Move—a company that offers real estate businesses the chance to own and operate their own trucks while advertising their company with eye-catching graphics.
“The On The Move people brought along a truck that was completely done and I knew that this was the direction I needed to go,” says Conrad. “It made a lot more sense to me than just putting ads in traditional media because I could have a truck that clients could use if they worked with me.”
Blown away by On The Move’s pitch at the trade show, Conrad immediately signed up to purchase a truck.
“We kept it under wraps and made a big announcement, and our clients were completely blown away,” says Conrad. “Every client has to move, and whether the truck moves them completely or is supplemental in the move, it’s a real bonus.”
With 80 agents working at the brokerage, and offices in cities such as Hollidaysburg, State College, Bedford, Huntingdon and Johnstown, Conrad has since added two more trucks to the rotation, with a fourth on order.
“I went big,” says Conrad, who explains that the decision to purchase the trucks was a broker-wide one, meaning each and every client has access to the trucks, not just those who close with a certain agent. “For a lot of clients, it’s one less thing they have to worry about,” says Conrad. “Between all the coordinating and scheduling of a moving truck and then paying for it, this becomes an extra bonus.”
And, according to Conrad, the response has been tremendous.
“In my opinion, one of the best takeaways is that when we explain this to clients, they look at us like, ‘You get me. You understand what we’re going through,’” says Conrad. “As a brokerage, we’re trying to help them through this, and the feedback has been impressive.”
Not only are the trucks instrumental when it comes to taking the stress out of the moving process, but they also go a long way toward attracting attention by spotlighting Perry Wellington Realty.
“We did a 100-percent wrapped surface on the truck, complete with our company colors,” says Conrad. “You don’t miss these trucks.”
While advertising to prospective buyers is not always an easy feat, Conrad notes that the trucks have proven to be a great resource for collecting new leads.
“When people see our trucks on the road, they attract attention, putting us at the top of their mind when it comes time to think about buying or selling a home,” says Conrad. “There’s no question it helps us get new clients.”
Offsetting some of the truck’s cost by selling advertisements that can be placed on the back door is yet another advantage. Vendors such as exterminators, mortgage brokers, home inspectors and locksmiths have all bought space on Conrad’s trucks.
“A lot of people want to advertise to those involved in buying and selling homes so they’re eager to advertise in this medium because they know people are going to need these services,” says Conrad. “It’s an added benefit for us.”
While weekends are typically booked solid, Conrad notes that everything has run smoothly in terms of scheduling the trucks out. In fact, he’s opened up the use of the trucks to past clients when available and is even in talks with local charities about letting them use the trucks for food drives and other charitable efforts.
For more information, visit www.onthemovetrucks.com.
