JOHN “JOHNNY” PLANES OF PLANES MOVING & STORAGE IS NAMED UNIGROUP’S 2025 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2025

CINCINNATI – (Oct. 24, 2025) — UniGroup, parent company of Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines, posthumously honored John “Johnny” Planes of Planes Moving & Storage as the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership and service within UniGroup and the moving and storage industry.

Johnny passed away on Aug. 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to his colleagues, community and family.

Johnny began his career in the late 1960s, working alongside his father, John Planes Sr., in the family’s growing business. Over the decades, he left his mark in the industry by becoming the youngest person ever to serve on the Van Owners and Warehousemen’s Association Board of Directors and leading Planes Moving & Storage through significant expansion and transition as the company became an agent for United Van Lines.

The award was presented by UniGroup Board Chair Gary Quintalino and UniGroup President and CEO Kevin A. Krakora during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

“Not only was John a visionary leader and agent of change within our industry, but also the heart and soul of his agency,” Quintalino said. “He inspired those around him with his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and a true team culture – where every individual is valued and treated as family.”

More than a businessman, Johnny was a man of character. He was team-oriented, people-focused and family-first. His colleagues describe him as someone who led with heart, never asked more than he was willing to give, and saw every accomplishment as a shared victory with his team.

President of Planes Companies John Sabatalo accepted the award on behalf of the late John Planes.

 “Johnny had such a special presence in our company and in my life,” Sabatalo said. “If Johnny were here today, his words would be filled with humility and gratitude. He would have shared this honor with all those he worked alongside throughout his storied career. Johnny was never one for self-recognition — he was always focused on the team.”

“At our company, TEAM stands for Trust, Empowerment, Accountability and Mesh. He embodied all four, especially Mesh, which represents connection and building relationships. Johnny understood early that this industry is built on connections and serving others. Respect and admiration don’t even begin to capture the legacy he leaves as an owner, business partner and industry icon.”

About Planes Moving & Storage

Planes Companies is a privately held company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with full-service warehouses in Chicago, Dayton, Columbus, and Indianapolis. As the parent company of Planes and GWS, Planes Companies provides a full suite of services including nationwide relocation, project management, logistics, warehousing, field installation, and more. Founded over 100 years ago, Planes Moving & Storage and its affiliates, including GWS and Planes Commercial Service, offer tailored local, national, and international solutions. Planes specializes in residential, commercial, and government relocations, while GWS focuses on commercial project services such as workplace transitions, furniture installation, FF&E coordination, and logistics planning. Together, they bring deep expertise and a commitment to innovation, making them trusted partners for complex relocation and project needs across the country.

About UniGroup UniGroup is a $1.3 billion transportation and relocation services company with headquarters in suburban St. Louis. In addition to household goods carriers United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, logistics company UniGroup Logistics and international relocation provider UniGroup Worldwide Moving, UniGroup owns other subsidiaries providing goods and services to professional movers.

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