racy Jerger of Decatur has called on Jerry Clifton every time she has made a move.
She said her most recent move earlier this year was wonderful because of the service she received from Clifton and his company, Clifton Moving and Storage.
"They showed up, and they were very careful about what they did," Jerger said. "They got us moved quickly and with no problems at all."
Clifton has been moving people in and out of Decatur for nearly 50 years. He started his business a half century ago in Rantoul but quickly moved to the bigger city of Decatur and settled here.
Although he started with what he calls humble beginnings, the business has prospered into a profitable, lucrative enterprise. It is now affiliated with the nation's largest moving company, United Van Lines.
"I never dreamed I'd have this kind of operation," Clifton said. "I was 20 years old when I started. I did all the work myself."
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Clifton now prides himself on a personal approach with customers. Although he doesn't do the heavy lifting himself anymore - that's what he hires people for, he says - he will visit people's homes personally to offer them estimates.
It's an approach that hasn't gone unnoticed.
Terri Booker, a Realtor with Brinkoetter & Associates, recommends Clifton to clients because of the qualities he and his company exhibit.
"He still goes out himself, and he's the owner," Booker said. "He fixes issues. He recognizes when somebody needs some help or guidance, and he never takes advantage of them."
"I think that's a huge reason why he's been so successful all these years," added Realtor Tom Nolan of Nolan & Associates.
Although the business is based in Decatur with three warehouses, Clifton's range reaches all over the world. He sends trucks all over the country. He admits to not being much of an international traveler himself, but the company will move people overseas.
He is getting ready to move somebody to Africa. A typical international move will take longer than normal, usually about 35 to 40 days to complete, he said.
"I would just as soon be around here," Clifton said while sitting in his Decatur office.
Clifton doesn't know how much longer he'll stay working, and he can't believe it's been 50 years. He has had the chance to meet a wide range of people over the years.
Clifton's clients include corporate moves for companies such as Archer Daniels Midland Co. Some of his most high profile clients have been ADM Chairwoman and CEO Patricia Woertz and members of the Andreas family.
He will see repeat customers, such as Jerger, as people move an average of every five years. Many people now are moving south to places such as Texas and Florida, with the Carolinas being an increasingly popular destination.
Jerger has enjoyed her experiences with Clifton and his crews.
"It's always been a really good experience with them," Jerger said. "The guys who work with them have great personalities. They're very good guys to work with."
