A.M. Carty and the U-Haul Trailer Man

Dec 23, 2014

U-Haul co-founders L.S. and Anna Mary Carty ShoenWWII veteran L.S. “Sam” Shoen and his wife Anna Mary Carty Shoen co-founded U-Haul in 1945 and created the do-it-yourself moving industry. They shared the hard work and put every spare cent they had into their fledgling company.

Long days, late nights

U-Haul co-founders L.S. and Anna Mary with their infant son on the Carty family ranch in 1946.

U-Haul co-founders L.S. and Anna Mary with their infant son on the Carty family ranch in 1946.

L.S. worked 16-hour days, maintaining and repairing trailers at existing dealerships up and down the West Coast. Many nights he would work until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., then push on to the next location. His late-night work attracted the police. Many times he had to explain that he was authorized to work on U-Haul trailers in the middle of the night. Most nights on the road, he slept in his car to save on expenses.

Anna Mary ran the business office, putting in six to eight hours a day, in addition to raising a family. She kept the books, compiled and sent out weekly reports, received rental income from the dealerships and mailed out dealer commission checks, which she signed A.M. Carty. Anna Mary often traveled with L.S. While L.S. was out working on a dealer’s trailers, Anna Mary would be inside doing the books.

“Big wheel” and the trailer man

This photo of U-Haul co-founders L.S. and Anna Mary Carty Shoen was taken at their home in the early 1950s.

This photo of U-Haul co-founders L.S. and Anna Mary Carty Shoen was taken at their home in the early 1950s.

To those early dealers, L.S. was “Sam the Trailer Man,” an overworked employee, and many assumed that A.M. Carty was the “big wheel” executive in Portland, Ore. Many dealers thought L.S. was unusually loyal to his employer and some even tried to hire him away from U-Haul.

Fortunately Sam the Trailer Man remained loyal to A.M. Carty. And for 70 years, millions of North American families have benefited from their hard work and vision.

Husband-and-wife teams are critical to the success of many businesses, especially small businesses.

If you have a husband-and-wife business success story, we want to hear about it! Share your story in the comments below.

More articles like this one…

What’s New

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Community Spirit: U-Haul Volunteers Help at André House

Over half a million people face food insecurity in Maricopa County. Local nonprofits work daily to address this ongoing concern, but could not service those in need with the commitment of community and business members who choose to step up and help. U-Haul...

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul Volunteers Gain Satisfaction from Service at St. Mary’s

U-Haul® volunteers recently helped St. Mary’s Food Bank put a fresh spin on its mission to provide food for people in need across Arizona. Thanks to St. Mary’s partnership with meal-kit company HelloFresh®, people facing food insecurity can now receive both an...

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

Texas Panhandle Wildfires: U-Haul Offering 30 Days Free Storage

U-Haul® is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by the wildfires across the Texas panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and has burned more than 1 million acres. It’s the largest in the state’s...

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

U-Haul and ACS Join Forces in Climb to Conquer Cancer

The Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix is the American Cancer Society’s largest single-day climb event in the world. Every February in Arizona, thousands of cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and supporters participate in the Climb to Conquer Cancer. U-Haul...

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

U-Haul, Tribute Journey Spread Valentine’s Day Love to Veterans

February 14 is not just Valentine's Day. It is recognized as a National Salute to Veteran Patients day. During Valentine's Day week each year, U-Haul and the Tribute Journey say “thank you” to veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for in Department of...

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

U-Haul International Moves with U-Box Makes Moving Abroad Easy

Every new year invites new adventures. If your 2024 adventures include moving abroad, U-Haul International Moves® is equipped and licensed to support your exciting transition each step of the way. The U-Haul® brand is known globally for empowering do-it-yourself...

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

U-Haul Helps Kurt Warner Charity Change Lives of Arizona Family

When Luz decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona’s Homeownership Program, she had no idea just how much of an impact it would have on her son, Jason. The family met Habitat’s criteria and completed more than 400 hours of “sweat equity” by working...

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

U-Haul Recognizes Its 2023 Volunteers of the Year

TEMPE, Ariz. — Michelle Vukov-Mikel and Michele Ramirez have been honored as the U-Haul® Volunteers of the Year for 2023. At the end of each year, U-Haul recognizes the Team Member(s) who has volunteered the most hours, supported the greatest number of U-Haul charity...