Erica Marquez, a new customer service representative at U-Haul Moving & Storage at Arrowhead Towne Center in Peoria, Ariz., didn’t plan on staying with U-Haul for very long after joining the Company in 2016.
“I just wanted to earn some money to put toward building a house,” Marquez said. “But as I got to know the other Team Members at the store, they became like a second family to me. I loved being part of a team where everyone was laser-focused on helping each other. It made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself.”
Fast forward to the present day, and Marquez has served as general manager of multiple U-Haul stores throughout the Phoenix area, as well as a field relief manager for U-Haul Company of Metro Phoenix (Co. 822).
Now, as marketing company president (MCP) of U-Haul Company of Western Arizona (Co. 721), she hopes to instill the same sense of purpose, pride and belonging that she gained in her early days with U-Haul.
“Everyone in Co. 721, no matter their position, has an essential role to play,” Marquez said. “I want to help everyone feel motivated by that and know how much I want them to thrive. At the end of the day, I know that when we are united in our mission and purpose, we’re better positioned to experience long-term success.”
Competitive Fire
While Marquez knows that being MCP comes with a complex set of roles and responsibilities, she is up to the challenge.
“Throughout my U-Haul career, I’ve tried to nurture a competitive fire to help me overcome whatever has come my way,” Marquez said. “I always try to strive for improvement and to use the ups and downs to help me become better.
“As president of Co. 721, my No. 1 goal is to foster a culture that aligns 100% with U-Haul Company’s values and expectations. In addition, I want to empower everyone to set and reach their personal and professional goals. Wherever their U-Haul careers take them, I want them to know that they are more than capable of outstanding success.”
While many different Team Members have empowered Marquez throughout her career, she gave special mention to Co. 822 MCP Whitney Beall.
“Whitney has mentored me since my very first day at U-Haul, and I know that I can talk with her about anything,” Marquez said. “I owe so much of where I am today to her kindness, consistency and willingness to help others.”
Determined to Succeed
“Erica is a tenacious and understanding leader with a problem-solving mentality,” stated Joe Krueger, Area District Vice President. “When she sees something that isn’t up to U-Haul standards, she will move heaven and earth to make it right. And, just as importantly, she wants to help people do and be better for their own sake, because she recognizes their unique worth.
“As a marketing company that’s in close proximity to U-Haul headquarters in Phoenix, Co. 721 receives a high degree of feedback from different departments,” Krueger continued. “Rather than be intimidated by this, Erica is determined to make 721 a shining example of what a marketing company can be. She is proud to be a part of U-Haul and will gladly take on any challenge that comes her way.”
