Local Businesswoman Named Entrepreneur Of The Year By Ifa

LANSING (Monday, March 07, 2005) - Mary Ellen Sheets had no idea that a $350 investment would someday lead her to be one of the most admired businesswoman in the country.

Her business savvy created TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® but it was her vision and determination that has driven it to an international level – and keeps it moving forward.

Today the International Franchise Association honored her for her work. Sheets was named the Entrepreneur of the Year at its 45th national convention held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The IFA is the world's oldest and largest organization that represents franchising and has members who operate in more than 75 industries and more than 100 countries.

"The fact that I was able to start this business with a very small investment and a lot of work is certainly proof that the American dream is still alive,'' Sheets said.

Sheets' sons started the moving coming in the early 1980s with a single pickup truck. After they left for college, Sheets continued to field calls. In 1985 she bought an old moving truck for $350 and officially opened the first TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

Sheets made the focus of her business to be the customer. News of her success grew. She earned a spot on a panel at a Michigan State University graduate business seminar in 1987. Later that year, the first franchise was open.

William Edwards, president of Edwards Global Services, Inc., said Sheets is a classic example of an entrepreneur who used franchising to grow her business. That insight makes her the perfect candidate for this award, he said.

"The Two Men and A Truck® franchise system has enjoyed double digit growth every year,'' said Edwards, also member of the IFA Certified Franchise Executive board. "That's an entrepreneur making the most of franchising by helping many people start and grow their own business."

Sheets is a member of the IFA board of directors, the Franchisor Forum and Membership Committee. She serves on the board of the Michigan Freedom Foundation, Michigan Law Abuse Watch and Edward Sparrow Hospital. She is on an advisory board for Lansing Community College and the Lansing Art Gallery. She is a member of the Lansing Regional Business Travel Trust. She previously served on the both the Lansing and Michigan Chambers of Commerce, the Chief Okemos Boy Scout Board of Directors and was a State Commissioner on the Michigan Truck Safety Commission. Sheets was the United Way Campaign Chair for the Lansing area for 2004. She has won various awards, including the Athena Award, Michigan Top 25 Women Business Owners, Lansing Business Person of the Year and Ernst & Young Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, Inc. has 151 locations in 27 states and more than 978 trucks on the road. Started as an after-school endeavor for two high school boys, Michigan-based TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has grown to become one of the largest moving companies in the United States.

For more information on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, Inc., call Katie Rexrode at 1-800-345-1070 or visit www.twomen.com.



Entrepreneur of the Year



First presented in 1982, this award is conferred upon an individual who is currently building a successful business venture. The recipient need not be an IFA member, but must exemplify the "entrepreneurial spirit" that franchising represents. He or she must demonstrate innovative management skills and be a risk taker in a franchise that has been in operation for at least three years, while remaining active in his or her community.



Year Winner Company
2004
Mary Ellen Sheets
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, Inc.

2003
Russell Umphenour
RTM Restaurant Group

2002
Steven J. Greenbaum, CFE
PostNet International Franchise Corp.

2001
David G. McKinnon
Service Brands International

2000
Sidney Feltenstein
Yorkshire Global Restaurants

1999
Robert Funk, CFE
Express Services

1998
Frank Belatti
AFC Enterprises

1997
Richard B. Rennick, CFE
American Leak Detection

1996
Anthony W. DeSio
Mail Boxes Etc.

1995
Abe Gustin Jr.
Applebee's International Inc.

1994
Julie and Bill Brice
The Brice Group

1993
Shigeharu Komai
Duskin Co.

1992
Joseph Francis, Sr.
The Barbers, Hairstyling Inc.

1991
U.Gary Charlwood, CFE
Uniglobe Travel Inc.

1990
Anthony Martino, CFE
MAACO Enterprises

1989
Al Copeland
Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits

1988
Fred DeLuca, CFE
Subway Sandwiches & Salads

1987
W.J. Hindman, CFE
Jiffy Lube International Inc.

1986
Thomas Monaghan
Domino's Pizza Inc.

1985
John Brown, Jr.
KFC Corp.

1984
J. Willard Marriott
Marriott Corp.

1983
Frank Carney, CFE
Pizza Hut, Inc.

1982
Kemmons Wilson
Holiday Inns Inc.


CFE=Certified Franchise Executive.

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