'Undercover Boss' Recap: 'United Van Lines'

[Undercover Boss Season 2 Episode 17]

United Van Lines, the largest moving company was led by Rich McClure, the president/CEO. They explained that there were 48 million pounds worth of moving. They want to make sure that movement reduces stress. The company began 65 years ago. He talked to his secretary and moved his schedule for the show. Like many episodes of >i>Undercover Boss, the premise of the episode was that Rich was competing for a job on a reality show.

At home, Rich and Sharon, Rich's wife, joked around before leaving. Sharon was his boss at one point and he trusts her opinion. They toasted to the adventure. Rich explained that he traveled a large amount of time and knew that he wasn't around enough when his children were growing up. Rich explained that peak moving season was soon and he wanted to be assured that the company was running at top shape.

Rich transformed into "Tommy Allen" and placed contacts on. He worried about his skills because he knew how hard working his employees are.

Job 1 - Orlando, Florida (Household Moving) - Rich met Jimmy and Jimmy explained that they had to move everything out of the house with the help of two other movers, including Jimmy's brother, Neri. Jimmy and Rich first grabbed a set of pads and as Rich struggled to grab several pads at once, Jimmy joked around about how old Rich was and how he hoped that Rich wouldn't get a heart attack. Rich was tasked to tape a sofa and didn't realize that it was an art. Rich struggled carrying the sofa and needed a break as he lifted. Jimmy jokes how he should be better behind a desk. Rich realized that it was more than a workout to get all the boxes moved. Jimmy talked about dealing with stress and estimating weight via an in home estimator. If the estimate is off, Jimmy had to pay out of his pocket.

Connie, the home owner, provided lunch for the movers. Jimmy talked about being away from his family. He has to be away from home a lot and it reminded Rich of his wife. Jimmy has a daughter and son and was expecting a child. After lunch, Jimmy explained that they needed to go faster or else they wouldn't be done by night.

Job 2 - Suddath United Warehouse (Warehouse Logistics) - After Rich met young manager Andrew, Andrew explained in a very Gen X-y fashion how to deal with boxes and place them on pallets. The two started to place boxes onto pallets and moved them to the right place. Andrew joked around that any animal could stack and pack. Andrew struggled with the height of one of the boxes (something that was never solved at the end of the episode). Andrew explained that he was struggling with his life; he wanted to move on after a year or two. Andrew took public transit because he doesn't have a car at the moment (he totaled four or five cars). Andrew was very snippy with his manager, Brian, when he was told to change plans. Andrew decoded to take a short smoke break.

During the break, Andrew thought that the management was terrible and has no clue what was happening, and thought that dealing with boxes was boring. Rich didn't think that Andrew was taking his work seriously enough.

Job 3 - Hilldrup United (Packing) - The highest rated packing team, husband and wife Ronald & Ruth, explained to Rich they have been packing for seven years. They entered the house and inspected the house. They then set up the carpets for the floor. Ruth explained how to carefully pack. Rich tried to talk too much as the customer watched them chatting. Rich then talked to Ronald and he bumbled back and forth. He eventually got bumped on the head as he tried to pack. Ronald was quickly packing as Rich struggled with one box.

The couple took a five minute break and the couple talked about being from El Salvador and dreaming of a trip to Italy. Ronald wanted to get a truck and become a driver; he had dreams of moving up the ladder. Rich was hit with the fact that he couldn't be with his wife all the time.

Back at the hotel, Rich had to talk to his wife and had an idea about the agency for the next job so he decided to get his wife to do the next job. Rich's wife, Sharon, arrived and got changed into business casual and pretended she was "Sherry Kay."

Job 4 - Schroder United (Claims Department) - Sharon met with Linda and Linda instantly explained that work was "hell." Linda has been working for 28 years and has been on autopilot. Linda dealt with any complaints, but in a very real attitude. In the next call Linda knew that the people were lying about trying to make money off of the company. The woman was very short with Linda and hung up. The next call had to deal with a damaged car. Sharon went through the questioning correctly and Linda complimented her. Linda went through several customers as Sharon picked up training quickly.

Sharon asked Linda about work. Linda explained that the business was an all-boys club where she couldn't press on being a general manager. She hoped that future women could go up the ladder and would continue to train them. She explained that with her daily tasks she's working through lunch and doesn't take time off because she's a single mom.

Rich prepared to talk to the four workers. Ruth/Ronald, Jimmy, and Andrew had no clue who Rich was. Rich appreciated Jimmy's work and he explained that there would be a web-based estimator tool implemented. Jimmy also got a webcam for talking online and was given $10,000 for his children's education. Andrew was reprimanded for not listening to his boss and Rich was surprised. He suggested being proactive and trying to adjust his attitude. Rich decided to call periodically and Andrew shifted his eyes and made really nervous. For Ronald & Ruth, Rich complimented the couple. He provided training to become a driver and gave $5,000 for the first truck. Rich turned to Ruth and provided a trip for two to Italy.

Rich talked to Linda and she instantly knew who he was. He explained that he was undercover and explained that "Sherry" was his wife. Rich tried to explain that women are in key management roles. Linda loved working for United and Rich sent Linda on a trip to Las Vegas. He also gave $10,000 for wedding expenses for her daughter.

Rich had his big reveal and explained his undercover status and was shown a montage of his bumbling ways. He explained that he was impressed by the workers in the community. Rich was so happy that his wife was there along the way.

Epilogue: Jimmy was working on getting a promotion and is expecting 2 daughters. Ruth & Ronald were planning for their trip. Andrew still worked with United and was being retrained. Linda has another wedding to expect after October.