“It’s the Team That Makes It”: Amit Toora on Life and Leadership at 2 Burley Men Moving

After more than six years with 2 Burley Men Moving, Victoria manager Amit Toora has seen the company through big changes, busy seasons, long-haul challenges, and a lot of memorable moves. But if there’s one thing that defines his experience, it’s the people. “It wasn’t that difficult,” he says of transitioning into a leadership role.

“Most of my guys have been working a long time. They’re experienced, they know what to do, and they don’t want to do a bad job. I’m pretty happy with the team we have now.” Amit manages a small Victoria office, but he's quick to point out how strong and seasoned his crew is. “I have one guy, Patrick, he’s been in the industry for almost 30 years. I have Paul, my best driver, and he’s been here probably nine years. Mike is almost 60, and he’s been in the industry 40 years.” Even the newer staff, he notes, are “solid guys… really reliable.” With a team like that, Amit says “damage has gone down a lot,” and customer satisfaction has kept climbing.

Amit’s path into the moving world wasn’t planned, but it fits perfectly with his background. “I was a truck driver before,” he says. “Five years of truck driving, plus I did moving on the side.” That hands-on experience, combined with his business and computer science background, created the perfect bridge into management. “I did six months on the truck when I joined Burley Men,” he recalls. “I got to work with our top guys, get more experience, and then they brought me into the office because of my schooling.”

He started in sales, moved into scheduling and customer service, and eventually became the person responsible for the entire Victoria operation. “I deal with all the customers. I deal with my schedule. I deal with long-haul. Before, we had a separate long-haul department, but now I look after that too.”

Amit works out of what he calls the “two-spot location in Yarndal,” a smaller setup than the company’s previous building, but he doesn’t mind it at all. “We left our rental building… now we just have two small men in the yard,” he jokes. “It’s fun. I love it this way.” As 2 Burley Men integrates into a combined operation with Two Small Men With Big Hearts, Amit feels comfortable working on both sides of the brand. “Honestly, probably both,” he says when asked which site his story belongs on. “Because now it's like a joint operation.”

Amit has done his share of long-haul work, both before and after joining 2 Burley Men. Some days meant starting at 2 a.m. and covering hundreds of kilometers by ferry, island road, or mountain route. When asked how he stays alert on long drives, he laughs.

“I used to drink coffee, but I’ve been coffee-blind. I don’t like drinking coffee anymore. It makes me too wired.” Instead, he found his own trick. “I’m all about my hot sauce, man. A little squirt under the tongue goes right to your bloodstream. It wakes you right up.” Still, the real secret, he insists, is rest. “Honestly, I find a good night’s sleep is the best thing. That’s what I tell my guys. Have a good night’s sleep, a decent breakfast, and you’re good to go.”

One thing Amit is proud of is that he doesn’t have high turnover. “Most of my guys have been with us for many years,” he says. “I don’t really employ guys that come and go anymore.” In earlier years, things were different. “We were running anywhere from 8 to 12 trucks. At one point, 18 trucks. Right now, we’re not really focusing on numbers of trucks. It’s more about service.” And to Amit, service means consistency, care, and teamwork. “My guys are focused on doing a good job. That’s why they get tips.”

Amit is hoping to gather updated staff photos soon, ideally in front of one of the newly branded trucks. “I want to get our two branded trucks in the picture,” he says. “Worst case scenario, I have my other truck, 739, coming back from Alberta. That’s a nice truck. I’ll just get that washed and we’ll do a big group picture.” He laughs about one small challenge that came up: “All the shirts they gave me are too small. I’m a big guy. So I’ll just wear a big black jacket for now.”

Through all the busy seasons, early mornings, tight schedules, and long hauls on the road, Amit sums up his job simply and sincerely: “I’m happy with the guys. They do a good job. And that’s what matters.”