Jim and Tom Watson Receive United Van Lines "Gene Anderson/United Excellence Award"

Jim “Duke” Watson and Tom Watson, Armstrong Relocation, Memphis, Tenn., have received the United Van Lines “Gene Anderson/United Excellence award,” which recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the United system. The award is named in honor of the late Gene Anderson of Lubbock, Texas, a long-time United Van Lines board member and the corporation’s treasurer at the time of his death in 1985. This is the first time in the history of the award that two individuals were recognized.

The Watsons’ selection was announced by Richard H. McClure, president of United Van Lines, at the van line’s recent convention held in Hollywood, Fla. In revealing the winner of this prestigious honor, McClure referred to the Watsons as "exhibiting courage and vision"

Armstrong Relocation joined United Van Lines in the 1940s. The agency started small, with a few trucks and a rustic old warehouse. Like many companies in those days, the agency was founded by two partners. Both partners and their families worked to get the company going and take full advantage of the opportunity to own and operate a successful business. From the humble single location, Armstrong expanded and has created a successful business in the relocation industry.

Working on the principles of partnership and opportunity, Tom and Jim have led the Armstrong growth from two-locations, with 40 employees achieving $1.5 million in sales to a 23 location, 1,500 employee and $157-million-dollar nationally recognized full-service relocation enterprise stretching from Florida to Colorado, and New Orleans to Chicago.

United Van Lines, with headquarters in Fenton, Mo., maintains a network of 1,000 agencies in 135 nations around the world. More information about United and its services can be obtained through the company’s Web site at www.unitedvanlines.com.