Company founded by high school student athletes has grown to serve multicounty region and to employ hundreds of hardworking "meatheads"

 SACRAMENTO - In conjunction with California Small Business Day, Assembly Member Achadjian (San Luis Obispo) today honored Meathead Movers, a San Luis Obispo based moving and storage company founded by two high school student athletes, as the 33rd Assembly District Small Business of the Year.

"Meathead Movers is a prime example of how hard work and dedication leads to success. What started as a high school side job by two young brothers has grown into a successful company that employs 150 hardworking Californians. Despite this impressive growth, the Steed brothers have stayed true to their original commitment of providing outstanding service to their customers and much needed job opportunities to student athletes," commented Achadjian upon recognizing Meathead Movers as the 2012 33rd Assembly District Small Business of the Year.

In addition to building a successful business, the Steeds have been an active force within the community helping women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

"The Steeds' commitment to their customers is enhanced by their commitment to the communities that they serve. As someone who has long supported efforts to protect women and children from abusive environments, I am especially grateful for the service that Meathead Movers provides to abused women by partnering with women's shelters to provide free moving services to victims of domestic violence," continued Achadjian. 

Meathead Movers was established in 1997 by high school students Aaron and Even Steed as a way of earning money while fulfilling their commitments as student athletes. As their reputation for hard work and service grew so did their business and soon the brothers were enlisting the help of other student athletes to keep up with demand. The brother's adopted the named Meathead Movers to defy the stereotype of the dumb jock moving furniture and show that they could establish a high-quality, client-oriented business.

Despite the rigors of collegiate athletics, the brothers continued to grow their business and upon graduation Meathead Movers, Inc, became a full-time occupation for both.  The company has since expanded to provide moving services from Northern San Luis Obispo County to Southern Orange County and employs approximately 150 people, most of whom are student athletes. The Steeds' unique approach to training and mentoring their staff, similar to how coaches train their athletes, has resulted in a staff that is committed to the high customer service standards that define Meathead Movers. Prior to being honored as the 33rd Assembly District Small Business of the Year, the Steed Brothers were recognized as "Young Entrepreneurs of the Year," by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Since 2004, the company has sponsored Meathead Wrestling, a not-for-profit group fostering, promoting, and encouraging the sport of amateur wrestling to all ages at every level. The program aims to provide the finest wrestling instruction and build character, physical health and well-being, sportsmanship, self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive attitudes about dedication, persistence, and hard work among the youth of California's Central Coast.

"We are honored to be recognized, and grateful to Assemblyman Achadjian, and the SBA for all they do to support small business in our region", said Aaron Steed, CEO of Meathead Movers. "Every day, we are inspired by the small businesses and innovation that make our community so vibrant. We are proud not only to live the American Dream, but to offer our employees the opportunity to do the same."

Held annually, California Small Business Day is sponsored by the California Small Business Association and gives Legislators the opportunity to honor outstanding small businesses from their districts. Honorees are invited to Sacramento to participate in a daylong event that includes speeches from legislative leaders, workshops, and an award luncheon where honorees are presented with a special award by their legislative representatives.

Assemblyman Achadjian proudly represents all of San Luis Obispo County and part of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and surrounding communities.