BUSINESS
Building employees, not just a business
B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T
Rambo 121 owner Oscar Ramirez Jr.
weren't enough to achieve his personal goals. Through books, online education and business coaching, he taught himself many of the financial and entrepreneurial lessons he now shares with employees. "I just want to help the next generation learn things that aren't always taught in school," he said. Looking ahead Ramirez's long-term vision includes expanding beyond Buckeye and potentially establishing additional locations throughout Arizona. He's also keeping a close eye on developments in transportation technology, particularly autonomous trucking systems that could reshape the moving industry in the coming years. For now, however, the focus remains on providing personalized service and maintaining the family-oriented culture that launched the business. Ramirez said he sees the company's success as proof that relationships still matter. "Moving is one of the most stressful things people go through," he said. "If we can make that part easier, then we've done our job."
The emphasis on junk removal also stems from witnessing challenges in the moving industry. Ramirez said pricier houses and slower home sales have reduced the number of people relocating. "People are staying put longer, and if they do move, they're trying to do more of it themselves,” he said. Community-focused growth The company also supports local churches, schools and nonprofit organizations through transportation services and donations. Among its efforts are helping churches deliver supplies for mission projects, supporting school events and exploring ways to provide free moving services to families facing hardship. Ramirez recalls one family whose home was severely damaged by flooding. The company helped move belongings and clear the property while repairs were underway. "We're not a huge company," he said. "But if we can help somebody who's really struggling, that's something we want to do."
Ramirez says one of his biggest goals is helping younger employees develop life skills that extend beyond moving furniture, since many of his workers are young adults entering the workforce for the first time. Joshua Clay is one of them. “I knew him through school,” Clay said, referring to some work he had done with Ramirez when Clay was still in high school. “I still had had his number so when I was looking for work, I called him.” Ramirez continues to spend time mentoring Clay and other workers, which includes discussions around financial literacy, credit, homeownership and career development. He said he sees potential in many of his young workers. “I know he’s young, but I feel like if we try correctly, he’d be good management,” he said of Clay. The mentorship effort stems partly from his own experiences. After spending years as a diesel technician, Ramirez said he realized technical skills alone
W HEN OSCAR RAMIREZ JR. bought a used box truck for $5,000 in 2021, he wasn't launching a carefully crafted business plan. He was simply looking for a way out of a career as a diesel mechanic. "I thought, 'I'm strong, I have a truck, maybe I can find some side work.' Then it just kept growing,” he said. Today, that gamble has grown into Rambo 121 Moving, Hauling and Junk Removal, a Buckeye-based company serving customers across the Valley and, increasingly, across the country. What started with a single truck handling small hauling and junk-removal jobs has evolved into a full-service moving company employing six movers and support staff.The company name comes from using the first initials of Ramirez’s family – his wife Rebecca, his son Axle, daughters Maddie and Brayli and himself, Oscar. A different kind of moving company Unlike many long-distance movers that consolidate multiple customers' belongings onto a single truck, Ramirez says Rambo 121 focuses on direct-service moves. "When we load your belongings, they stay on our truck and go directly to your destination,” he said. WHAT’S IN A NAME? Buckeye moving company builds business on personal service and community impact BY DAVID KENNARD
The new ICON is here! In stock and ready for a test drive
Stylish Mens and Boys Haircuts Done ight
Get that junk out of that trunk While moving remains the core business, junk removal has become an important secondary service, particularly during slower seasons. Ramirez said he’s found that many customers hire the company to help them downsize before a move, removing unwanted furniture, appliances and household items. Rather than sending everything directly to a landfill, the company sorts materials for donation and recycling whenever possible. Usable items are donated to charities and shelters, while metal is separated and taken to recycling facilities. "We try not to throw things away if someone else can use them," Ramirez said. "If it can be donated or recycled, we'd rather do that."
The approach may not always be the cheapest option, but Ramirez believes it eliminates many of the frustrations consumers may experience with large moving networks, where shipments can be transferred between carriers and delayed for weeks. The company handles local moves throughout the greater Phoenix area, including Buckeye, Avondale, Goodyear and surrounding communities. It also takes customers across state lines, including moves as far away as Florida. To improve efficiency on long-distance jobs, the company uses Ford F-450 trucks paired with enclosed trailers, which Ramirez says can transport nearly as much as a traditional box truck while reducing fuel costs.
Goodyear 13277 W. McDowell Road, Suite 101 Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 623-259-9590
Sun City West 19232 N. RH Johnson Blvd Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 480-636-1991
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m - 6 p.m. Saturday 8a.m. – 6 p.m.
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
knkbarbershop
21765 W. Yuma Road 623-474-6505
RedlineCarts.com
KandKBarbershop.com
InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026
July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com
26
27
Powered by FlippingBook