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Conversations with Antonio Higgs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Higgs.

Hi Antonio, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Smiley’s Courier and Professional Services in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world. Like many small businesses, we faced uncertainty early on, but instead of giving up, I adapted, worked hard, and focused on providing dependable, high-quality service to every customer.

From the beginning, my goal wasn’t just to move furniture or haul items—it was to make people’s lives easier during some of their biggest transitions. Whether helping families move into a new home, assisting seniors with downsizing, or providing reliable hauling and professional services, I wanted every customer to feel respected, cared for, and confident they had chosen the right company.

Building the business has taken perseverance, long hours, and a commitment to earning trust one job at a time. Every challenge has helped shape the company into what it is today. As we continue to grow, my vision remains the same: to build a trusted, community-focused business known for professionalism, integrity, and treating every customer like family.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any small business, the road hasn’t always been smooth. One of our biggest ongoing challenges is the rising cost of fuel. Since transportation is at the heart of what we do, fluctuations in gas prices directly affect operating costs and require us to plan carefully while still keeping our pricing fair for customers.

We also experience a seasonal slowdown in the moving industry, typically from November through January. Rather than letting that define us, we’ve built our business to offer a variety of professional services beyond moving. That allows us to stay active year-round, and we’ve been fortunate to earn the support of loyal customers and strong community relationships that continue to keep us going during the slower months.

One thing we don’t spend time worrying about is competition. We believe our personality, customer service, and the way we treat people are what truly set Smiley’s apart. We also believe there’s enough opportunity for everyone. If another company needs help, we’re the kind of team that’s willing to lend a hand because we believe supporting one another ultimately strengthens our entire community.

Every challenge has made us more adaptable, more appreciative of our customers, and more committed to delivering the dependable service people have come to expect from Smiley’s.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m Antonio, the owner and operator of Smiley’s Courier and Professional Services. The name “Smiley’s” comes from my lifelong nickname, which I’ve had since kindergarten. Over the years, that nickname became part of who I am, so when I started my business, it only felt right to build my brand around it.

At Smiley’s, we specialize in moving services, hauling, clean-outs, courier services, and a variety of professional support services. No matter the job, our commitment is the same: give 120% effort and treat every customer’s property with the same care and respect we would our own. When customers hire Smiley’s, they’re not just hiring a company—they’re hiring me. I’m actively involved in the work, and I’m proud to be the face they’ll see on their job.

What sets us apart is our attitude, work ethic, and genuine commitment to people. We believe in showing up with a positive mindset, communicating clearly, and doing the job right the first time. We don’t just want satisfied customers—we want lifelong relationships built on trust, professionalism, and reliability.

I’m also proud of the experiences that have shaped me outside of my business. I earned over 200 college credit hours and three college degrees, with my highest academic achievement being a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Organizational Management. I’ve spent more than seven years in property management and landlord operations, worked for the State of Missouri’s Department of Mental Health and Division of Youth Services, gained experience in the corporate insurance industry, became a certified substitute teacher and tutor, and even serve as an AKC Licensed Field Trial Judge for Beagles.

Each of those experiences has taught me leadership, patience, organization, problem-solving, and the importance of treating people with respect. Those values are the foundation of Smiley’s Courier and Professional Services, and they’re what I believe truly set us apart. We’re not just providing a service—we’re building trust, one customer at a time.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to support Smiley’s Courier and Professional Services is simply by giving us an opportunity to earn your business and by sharing your experience with others. Referrals, online reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations have been a huge part of our growth, and we’re incredibly grateful for every customer who trusts us enough to recommend us to family and friends.

We’re always excited to build relationships with homeowners, apartment communities, senior living facilities, property managers, real estate professionals, colleges and universities, businesses, and organizations that value dependable, professional service. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with other local businesses because we believe that working together strengthens our community.

Whether you need moving services, hauling, courier services, clean-outs, labor assistance, or another professional service, our goal is to provide an experience that exceeds expectations. At Smiley’s, we’re not just looking for one-time customers—we’re focused on building long-term relationships based on trust, reliability, and exceptional service.

Contact Info:

Red pickup truck with a large box in the bed, parked outdoors with trees and a sunset sky in the background.

A large white PODS storage container with a red and white sign, parked on a paved surface near a building and a wooden staircase.

Shelves filled with black plastic bags stacked neatly, with some tied with red strings, in a storage area.

Collage of four images showing moving boxes, a living room, a kitchen, and packed items, with text about professional moving services.

Smiley's Courier logo with a smiling delivery person holding a box, city skyline, and contact info, on a circular background.

Smiling man in a warehouse, wearing a cap and casual clothes, standing next to a cart with a large box and blue packing material.

Boxes stacked in a storage room with metal walls and a concrete floor, viewed from the side.

Man standing outdoors holding a framed picture, smiling, with a delivery truck and building in background, under a blue sky with clouds.

Living room with sofa, armchair, coffee table, window, and patterned rug, viewed from doorway.

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