[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING AMWAT MOVING WAREHOUSING STORAGE

   Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
a small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit 
at the heart of our country. Today, it is my distinct honor to 
recognize a family-owned business that not only provides excellent 
moving, warehousing, and storage services but also prioritizes 
dignified work for its employees. This week, it is my pleasure to honor 
AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage of Tallahassee, FL, as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  AMWAT was founded in 1997 by college sweethearts Dean and Gloria Pugh 
in Tallahassee, FL. After helping several friends move residences, the 
couple realized they had the potential to start their own business. 
Initially named ``A Man With A Truck,'' the business started as a one-
man operation consisting of a pick-up truck and trailer operating out 
of Dean's spare bedroom. Soon after, A Man With a Truck moved into a 
small warehouse, hired six employees and acquired three moving trucks.
  In 2008, Dean and Gloria acquired the largest, oldest moving company 
in the Tallahassee area and rebranded as AMWAT Moving Warehousing 
Storage. AMWAT has grown to include 26 employees and a 13-truck fleet. 
They provide long-term storage, handle shipping for local businesses, 
and provide shipping services nationwide. Gloria serves as president 
and chief executive officer and Dean is the chief operating officer.
  AMWAT's high-quality work has earned awards from business groups, 
including the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Tally 
Awards, Angie's List, and Wheaton World Wide Moving. Dean and Gloria 
are also active in the American Moving and Storage Association and the 
Professional Movers Association of Florida.
  From the beginning, Dean and Gloria have understood that providing 
dignified work is crucial to personal and community development. 
Through training, mentorship, and teamwork, they encourage their 
employees to feel a sense of ownership in the company and take pride in 
their work. At AMWAT, the employees are the most valued asset.
  Locally, AMWAT is committed to addressing poverty, upward mobility, 
education, and the arts. Their signature charity event is the annual 
Summer Fill-a-Truck Food and Fund Drive, which benefits the Second 
Harvest of the Big Bend. They have also partnered with ECHO, Junior 
League of Tallahassee, and LeMoyne Arts.
  Like many other small businesses, AMWAT experienced a sharp decline 
in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. When the U.S. Small 
Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection Program, PPP, 
Gloria and Dean quickly applied. The PPP provides forgivable loans to 
impacted small businesses and nonprofits who maintain their payroll 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. When their funding was approved, Gloria 
and Dean used it to keep their 26 employees paid and adapt their 
business procedures to meet public safety standards. For Gloria and 
Dean, the PPP was a ``blessing'' and a ``godsend,'' providing the 
security needed to continue serving their customers, employees, and 
community.
  AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage is an outstanding example of the 
important role small businesses play in creating dignified work in 
their communities. I commend AMWAT for providing excellent moving, 
storage, and logistical services and uplifting their employees. 
Congratulations to Dean, Gloria, and the entire team at AMWAT. I look 
forward to watching your continued growth and success.

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