From Darkness Came Light, New Life for Land O' Lakes Businesswoman
Rene Van Hout has been in business in the community for more than seven years, and there's a good chance she's given you a hug.
Despite the rumor, LOL Transport & Moving owner Rene Van Hout says she does not know everyone in Land O’ Lakes.
But even if she doesn’t know you, there’s a pretty good chance she’s going to hug you anyway.
“Either they’re going to be overwhelmed or I’m going to make their day,” she laughs.
Van Hout founded LOL Transport & Moving with her husband, Wes, in 2005. Since then, she has volunteered and networked her way into the hearts of fellow business owners and friends, alike.
Van Hout says she starts each day with a prayer of gratitude: “Thank you, God, for giving me another day. I hope I can change someone’s life in a very special way.”
Thirteen years ago, someone changed her own life. The woman with the quick smile and a hug for all was in a dark place at the time.
Once a military wife married to her high school sweetheart, in 1998 a recently divorced Van Hout moved back to Tampa from the base with her then almost 2-year-old daughter, Robin. Needing work fast, she took a job as a bartender.
“It was a very dark time in my life,” Van Hout says.
The someone walked into that bar that let the light back in.
“I met Wes and this feeling just came over me,” she says. It took her awhile to gather her courage, but eventually she invited him over to lunch.
“The baby napped while we talked for three hours,” Van Hout says.
The two were married a year later in 1999, in the same bar where they met.
In 2001, the family bought a home in Land O’ Lakes. By then she was working as a union electrician at the University of South Florida.
“Wes was an operations manager at a freight company in Tampa,” she says. The job at USF was wrapping up for her, and because union jobs require you to go where the work is, next up would be a stint in Arcadia, away from her daughter and new husband.
“It wasn’t a question. I wouldn’t do it,” Van Hout says.
The couple talked about what she should do; a quiz designed to give career suggestions indicated she would be a great Realtor.
So Van Hout started down that path, earning her real estate license. In the meantime, her husband’s access to trucks through the freight company meant he always was being asked to help people move.
As a newly licensed Realtor, Van Hout needed a niche to set her apart from other agents, and all those moving requests of her husband inspired her. In February 2005, she bought a truck, establishing her credo: “Buy or sell with me, your move is free.”
The moving company was born, and both businesses exploded.
“Three months in, Wes had to quit his job,” she says. “And it’s just been a roller coaster ever since.”
Fast forward seven years, and the couple’s business is still thriving. Van Hout’s real estate business has slowed down, but the LOL Transport & Moving has increased because of repeat customers, who make up about 60 percent of their business.
Van Hout still works in real estate sales, but LOL Transport & Moving is her priority because the company feeds the families of nine employees, she says.
Van Hout is in the office about an hour in the office each day, then spends the rest of her time networking with other business owners and volunteering in the community. Van Hout has taken on an active role in Sheriff Chris Nocco’s election campaign, and also volunteers with the Heritage Park Foundation, among many other activities.
“The greatest blessing with this moving company has been the opportunity to network and get involved,” she says.
“When people ask how the company grew so quickly and how we’re still growing, I say it’s because we always put community first before profit.”
From that dark place in 1998 to the roller coaster of being a mother, a wife, a business owner and community advocate, Van Hout says she likes where she is today.
“I like that I’m making a difference in people’s lives and there are enough people out there that I’m going to meet someone new every day.”
D & D Pressure Washing
7:24 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rene is always smiling and makes sure to give you your hug. She can answer questions you have about many things or knows someone who can help you if she can't. We are happy to know Rene and be friends with her.
Rene Van Hout
5:05 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thank you Doug and Dina. You guys are doing a wonderful job growing your business. Stay true to your morals and don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams! :o)
John Aosta
10:24 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sometimes people don't like to be hugged out of the clear blue, in fact it is creepy when you don't even know the lady. Keep your hands to yourself
Sandy Graves
7:47 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Honored to call Rene a friend. Can't imagine her in a dark place...she shines so brightly.
Rene Van Hout
5:04 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Divorce was a blessing in disquise. I hope women out there that are in an unhealthy relationship, can find strenghth in themselves to move on and grow stronger :o)
ron day
8:24 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rene and Wes own/are the best moving company I've ever used (and there have been over TEN in the last 45 years). I'm honored to not only be a satisfied customer, but to also be a personal friend now!
Rene Van Hout
5:02 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thank You Ron. I am honored to know you as well :o)
Alefoxx
8:34 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Unfortunately, it has been my experience that, although many in my community think that Ms. Van Hout is wonderful, I found her business practices to be questionable at best, and illegal at worst. I had the dubious distinction of seeing her predator side.
FlatoMich
8:39 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
AMEN! I am glad to see someone else who thinks this lady is shady as well!
Rene Van Hout
4:49 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I am not nice to illegal moving companies!!! I am proud that I am firm against unlicensed movers and will continue to protect innocent victims from them!!! Buyers Beware!!! Please do your homework before you allow anyone in your home. :o)
Mark S. Hankins
4:25 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
We used LOL Moving back in early '06 and were very happy with them. I think it's a shame that anyone would cast aspersions without providing any specifics.
Roberta Cutting, Clerk of the Court Candidate
12:12 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012
I haven't dealt with Rene Van Hout, personally, but she is a supporter of Paula O'Neil all the way and that is what I find Questionable. I am running against Paula O'Neil for clerk of the court. O'Neil was my inspiration to run against her and what I have seen at the clerk's offices is not right at all. I am now trying to get access to the open government (financial records at the clerk's office) and public records and you would not believe the horrendous bureaucracy they are putting me through. They even want to charge me about $22,000 dollars for copies of the records since O'Neil took office in 2008. Either that, or they want to charge me almost $13.00 an hour to view them. Outrageous! Talk about hiding information. Anyone that supports O'Neil, I find very, very questionable. Cutting is my name and cutting is what I plan to do, including cutting corruption, cutting wasteful spending, cutting bureaucracy by having an open door policy, and even cutting my salary and giving it back to the people of the county. I have a system on how I will do this. I am huge on open overnment and huge on public records. Nothing allowable by law will be hidden from your view as long as I am clerk of court.
don stephenson
9:20 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rene is a ray of sunshine for everyone she comes in contact with. Not sure what's up with Flato and Alefoxx, but there isn't an ounce of Rene that would allow her to treat someone unfairly, much less something illegal.
FlatoMich
9:32 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I have only spoken to her on the phone, but she is as unprofessional as they come. I called with a legitimate complaint about my moving service and the employees she sent out to do it, and she immediately took offense and threw the blame back on me! Needless to say, she was not apologetic or accommodating, and I will NEVER do business with her again. She charged me full price for half of the work, and I will never recommend that business to anyone!
Rene Van Hout
4:59 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thanks Don! Flato and Alefoxx are ficticious names, because they don't want to reveil themselves, therefore discrediting them. Illegal movers don't like those of us that are licensed, insured, and reputible. I am very close to key people in the county that shut them down. Keep your eye on Chanel 10 Investigative News' Consumer Watch!
Rene Van Hout
6:20 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thank You Mark. The people using ficticious names are not credible people. I will let my reputation speak for itself. Life has taught me that there will always be people out there that will try to pull you down, no matter how hard you work.
Beth Reed
10:23 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I am blessed to call Rene my friend. I love her generous spirit and willingness to help in any situation. She is a bright spot in my day when I get to see her. Keep up the great work, Wes and Rene!!
Rene Van Hout
5:01 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thank You Beth.I love every minute I volunteer with you, no matter where it is or what we are doing!
April Saland
5:21 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
SWEET! If you haven't received a hug from Rene then call her and she will be there for you. We are blessed to have Rene in our lives as you will be when you meet her. "Thanks Rene for ALL that you have done".
Rene Van Hout
5:40 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
I appreciate the kind words April. If I am known for my hugs..... I'll take that any day!!!! :o) I Iove how you and Les think like Wes and I... Doing what's right, because it's the right thing to do! :o)
Stacey P. Lane
5:52 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rene is a wonderful, giving person! She truly cares about the well-being of others, and she has earned the respect of many residents within the Land O' Lakes/ Wesley Chapel community. While many business owners take on a false persona to earn your business, Rene remains "true blue"! I wish Wes and Rene much success!
Rene Van Hout
6:49 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thank You Stacey. We have put our heart and soul into making our business what it is today. Our team is the best of the best. We are honored and humbled to receive such praises from the community we are so committed to :o)
Connie Bladon
7:28 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Rene, great article. Your big smile and warm hugs are contagious, you always light up the room when you walk in. Keep up the great work! Connie
Rene Van Hout
8:56 pm on Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Thank You Connie :o)
Sometimes something as simple as a smile can turn someones frown upside-down!
Brian Corley
10:10 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Rene epitomizes the phrase, "Good things happen to good people." Always upbeat and makes you feel welcome.
Rene Van Hout
6:08 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
Thanks Brian :o)
You get TWO hugs next time I see you! :o)
Terri Dusek
8:38 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
I have known Rene for about 12 years now and have never seen her without a smile on her face. Her arms are always open and she is always thinking of how she can help someone else. She gives to others before she takes for herself.
Rene Van Hout
10:02 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thank You Terri *sniffle sniffle*. I have always put athers before muself. It was how I was raised. You too put others before yourself. I don't know how you do as much as you do... Realtor, Mom, Master Of Ceremonies, volunteer, community advocate, etc... geez :o)
Larry Engle
8:49 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Rene snd Wes are awesome. They are the epidemy of honest, fair, and righteous. I have no doubt that if I ever need a moving company, they will be the one I use. . They are not only good business people, but good friends. Keep up the great work guys.
Rene Van Hout
10:07 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
We are honored to know such a devoted Deputy in the Sheriff Office. We appreciate you. Every day you risk your life for our citizens. Thanks Larry.
Cindy Young
10:09 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Rene never meets a stranger and her smile is infectious. She has a hug for everyone and boundless energy. I am happy to refer people to her company knowing they will always get a fair price and excellent service.
Rene Van Hout
11:09 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks Cindy :o) I strongly believe that there are no strangers out there... they're just friends you haven't met yet!!!
I also believe in Karma. I like to stay on Karma's good side :o)
Terri Dusek
2:41 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Rene, Just wanted everyone on this stream to see that you have received yet another referral!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You and Wes must be doing something right regardless of a few unhappys. I'll be sending it over. Thanks for being you (and Wes)
Rene Van Hout
6:14 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thank You for your business and your trust Terri.
I have learned over the years that you can not make everyone happy all the time, no matter how hard you try :o(
Besides the unhappys were not credible sources, so I'm not going to lose any sleep over it!!! :o)
John Aosta
10:16 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Give it up Rene, You need to stop hugging everyone all the time, especially in front of your husband. It is obvious that it makes him uncomfortable. You are a borderline badge bunny ! Showing up and hugging all the command staff of Sheriff Nocco, mysterious theft of Nocco campaign signs at your house. Then you tell the news and general public that your security cameras have a blind spot? Attention seeker, histrionic personality disorder?? Failed election of honorary mayor of Land O Lakes. Wow you have some serious issues with attention seeking.
By the way, I am voting for Nocco , he is the best candidate for Sheriff, it is a shame he has to put up with you following him around event to event like a lost puppy dog
Roberta Cutting, Clerk of the Court Candidate
12:48 am on Saturday, July 21, 2012
The one thing that isn't right with Nocco is that Nocco hired Paula O'neil's son and O'Neil hired someone connected to Nocco's office. Talk about conflicts of interest and favortism. The sheriff hired the clerk's son and she hired someone connected to the sheriff's office. The article is on Tampabay.com and was published on July 1, 2010. Some people were not happy about it and I can fully understand why.
Rene Van Hout
9:22 am on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Hi John,
Thank you for caring enough to express yourself. It's great to live in a country that gives us that freedom.
I was rasied in an Italian family, so hugs come naturally for me :o) Wes loves that I make people smile with such a simple jesture :o)
I was one of over 100 people who's sign got stolen. It's a shame that people would do something so petty. Unfortunitely, all candidates had this problem :o(
The honorary mayors race is an annual fund raiser, in which I raised over $6000 in four months for the chamber. I am proud of my contribution and don't see any failure in being part of it.
Thank You for voting for Chris! I was honored when I was asked to be a campaign leader, which required alot of my time, and was a lot of hard work, but in the end it was worth it. :o)