Early Life and Education
Edward Joseph Shoen, known as Joe Shoen, was born on March 28, 1949, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the son of Leonard Shoen, the founder of U-Haul. Shoen was raised in Phoenix and attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School. At Harvard, he wrote his thesis on self-storage businesses, an early indicator of his future focus.
Rise to Success
After graduating from Harvard, Shoen quickly became involved in U-Haul, eventually rising to become the President, Chairman, and CEO of AMERCO, the parent company of U-Haul International. His leadership has been instrumental in the company's growth and expansion within the self-moving industry. Under his guidance, U-Haul has grown to have a significant presence across the United States and Canada.
Key Business Strategies
Shoen's business strategies have been focused on expanding U-Haul's services and reach. He has overseen the expansion of U-Haul's fleet of trucks, trailers, and self-storage facilities. The company's focus on one-way rentals and its extensive network of dealers have also been key to its success. Shoen has emphasized the importance of customer service and has implemented strategies to improve the moving experience for customers.
Philanthropy
Shoen is known for his philanthropic efforts and has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations. He is also an avid art collector and has donated several pieces of art to the Phoenix Art Museum.
