About A. Pensa Modern Movers in Union City, New Jersey

An American Dream — Still on the Move

A. Pensa Modern Movers, with executive offices and warehouses in Union City, New Jersey, and a sales office in Fort Lee, New Jersey, are proud to celebrate their 100th anniversary in business. "The American dream can come true with hard work and persistence," state current owners Jack and Rena Pensa.
Founders — Corporate Moving Service in Union City, NJ

Pensa Family History

Jack Pensa's father, August Pensa, was born in Naples in 1901 and immigrated to the US in 1902 with his parents and family. Proud of his American status but too young to serve in World War I, August joined the National Guard in 1919 to serve his country. August stayed active with the Guard until 1945 and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.

The Company's Beginning

August married at the age of 18. He and his wife Julia had three children—Jack, Julie, and Barbara. He began his moving and rigging company in 1923 after purchasing a used truck. Times were hard for the family, so August had to hold down other jobs to make ends meet. During the Depression, he delivered for a furniture store, worked as a used car dealer, and repaired furniture, all while keeping his business alive.
A Family Effort

In order to keep the family afloat during the Depression, Julia took in piecework from an embroidery company while their son Jack, at age 12, worked after school and on Saturdays. He earned three dollars a week, enough to pay the rent for his family.

Jack Pensa returned from the USMC in 1946. The moving and rigging business had slowed, as there were few apartments to be rented and families tended to live together until accommodations became available. During the period, Jack entered Columbia University in New York to study law. Working with his father during the day and attending school at night seemed to be the perfect mix for building an even stronger American dream. However, Jack never saw his degree. After a few years of night school, Jack's father, August, had his first heart attack and summoned Jack to take over the family business. The year was 1949 and Jack has been running the business ever since. "Jack's dream was to have his law degree. I think his experience and education are what made him such a good businessman. He makes you want to listen and believe in what he says, as any good lawyer would do," said Rene Pensa, Jack's wife.
Living The Dream

A. Pensa Modern Movers are very well known for their hoisting and rigging business which uses cranes and sometimes, even helicopters to complete the job. They are an 100-year old American dream company, currently being successfully operated by the third generation of Pensa's. Jack and Rene have three children, Deborah, August and Louis. Their sons now run the family business, and will continue to build the business with old fashion morals. "It's honesty, integrity, reliability and hard work that sets us apart," said Jack Pensa who retired in 1988 and who passed away in 2007. He added, "My only regret is that my father never saw his company reach our level of success and be that American dream."
Taking Action

In the 1960's, Jack and a group of approximately 12 men from other moving companies in New Jersey, decided to organize and regulate movers and moving companies. They were successful in 1969 when they helped in having a bill passed in the New Jersey's General Assembly and Senate. The bill required movers and warehousemen to be licensed, insured, and to be regulated by the Board of Public Warehousemen and Movers, a Division of Consumer Affairs. An association was formed called the New Jersey Warehousemen and Movers Association and is still in existence today. Jack Pensa sat on its first Board of Directors and his son, August, was on the board for many years.
Trusted Movers

Every employee at A. Pensa Modern Movers undergoes a thorough, complete background check and drug testing. When you hire us for a move, we understand that you are inviting us into your home or place of business.

That is a responsibility we take seriously. Every employee at our family-owned company is held to the highest standards of professionalism in the industry to ensure your safety and security.
In Loving Memory of:

Jack & Rene Pensa, Uncle Herb Buechse, Uncle Bob Sansevere, Uncle Dutch Santomena and Miss Ruth Bertone
Contact us today in Union City, New Jersey, to request a no-cost estimate from our family-owned moving company.