Fratpack your troubles

Fratpackers founder Andrew MacKean (centre) gets help loading up the truck from Jeff Oland (left) and Mike Oland (right). (Danny Abriel Photo)

April is a stressful time for many students. In addition to cramming for exams, it’s time to pack up and move for the summer. While avoiding exams is next to impossible, a new student business relieves the hassle of moving and storing stuff. 

After helping some friends move their possessions into storage units for the summer, truck owner Andrew MacKean had more cases of beer than he could drink. He also had an idea for a business.

A third-year arts student, Mr. MacKean is the founder of Fratpackers, a company offering space in commercial storage units at a fraction of the cost to rent an entire unit.

“I started with the problem and then worked backwards until I found the solution,” says Mr. MacKean, while loading his truck with boxes. “If you look around, you see parents and students struggling to move stuff out and get it home.”

Most students don’t have access to a vehicle capable of carrying all their belongings and they’re forced to rent trucks or vans. With the rising cost of fuel, it can be expensive.

Fratpackers can save students and their parents hassle and expense. “It’s for the students to make their lives easier, but also for parents who can save time and money by not shipping things twice a year.”

Students can place their orders on the website, fratpackers.com, and they’ll be delivered packing supplies, such as boxes and tape. Pick up times are arranged for everything, including appliances, before the student leaves for the summer. Once they return in the fall, their things will be delivered back to them.

Fratpackers keeps an inventory of each item and whom it belongs to so it can be easily located when the student returns. “The business has complemented what I’ve already learned in class,” says Mr. MacKean. “It’s better to apply what you’ve learned than always reading from a textbook.”

As a student himself, MacKean is not free of worries. He plays sports and operated a student house-painting business last year and is used to being busy. “I’m used to managing school and playing varsity basketball, so why not add another challenge?”

With demand for Fratpackers increasing as the semester winds down, MacKean sees opportunity for expansion. “I want to expand across the province. I have a five-year growth plan to be at universities across the country.” But he’s not looking to start franchises: “I want to start partnerships; it’s a good way to pass on my experience to students across Canada.”

He’s already planning his next venture. He’s hoping to start Atlantic First Impressions, a not-for-profit organization to support disadvantaged men in career development. The idea is similar to Dress for Success which provides professional attire, support and career development tools for women.

Fratpackers.com is user friendly and provides information about how it works, contacts, prices and frequently asked questions. Beginner storage packages start at $225 and include three boxes, room for a TV or mini-fridge, a carpet or hamper and a roll of tape.