As NRI Relocation concludes its 40th anniversary celebration, the corporate relocation company is stepping into its future.
With several years of experience, President John Zilka is now well-positioned to blend legacy values with innovation to shape the relocation company’s next era. The retirement of some longtime leaders opens the door to the promotion of tenured staff and hiring of new talent. This evolution also includes significant growth for the sales department.
The addition of Drew Holmes as Director of Business Growth and Cullen Jaeschke as Manager of Business Growth signals a new era of strategic expansion, proactive sales, and deeper client partnerships.
Both Drew and Cullen bring unique experience and energy to the team. “We’ve got a good thing going here,” Drew said. “What we get to build, and the leeway John’s given us to shape it, is really exciting.”
Let’s meet the new faces of NRI Relocation’s sales team.
Building on 40 Years of Corporate Relocation Legacy
NRI Relocation’s 40th anniversary was a milestone and a moment of redirection. “It really feels like a passing of the torch,” Drew shared. “Everything going forward is going to be what we build. There’s a lot of experience leaving, but that experience has helped create a foundation for this new wave. We’re part of that.”
The relocation company built that foundation on relationships. NRI Relocation earned its reputation by treating every move as more than a transaction. The company has always prioritized empathy, attention to detail, and human connection.
After four decades of delivering exceptional relocation experiences, the company is entering a new phase defined by bold growth and a more aggressive outbound sales strategy, while continuing its commitment to its core value: “We’re not just moving boxes,” Cullen said. “We’re moving lives. That’s what ‘taking relocation personally’ means to us.”
Cullen goes on: “John’s vision for the next 10 to 20 years is about positioning NRI as a leader in the marketplace. That’s what drew me in. It’s not just about maintaining what’s been built. It’s about growing it with intention.”
Meet Drew Holmes: Combining Sales and Service to Create Relationships
Drew joined NRI Relocation in mid-July. His previous role at a leading relocation financial services company provided him with relocation experience from the expense reporting and payroll processing perspectives. He honed his sales and client service skills in his earlier work in recruiting and in managing a top-performing car dealership.
“I’ve always been in roles that combine sales and service,” Drew explained. “Whether it was managing a dealership or working with clients on relocation expenses, the common thread has been building relationships and solving problems.”
As he begins his new role at NRI Relocation, Drew is expanding his industry knowledge. “I try to set aside time every day to learn, such as reading articles and staying on top of hot topics in the industry, especially around global mobility,” he said.
His other priority is developing a more proactive sales strategy for the company. “I’m working on building out a sales program that’s more targeted and streamlined. Right now, it’s a little reactive, but we’re getting the tools in place to change that.”
As part of the strategy, he’s leveraging LinkedIn to build brand awareness. “I’m trying to create real engagement that reflects who we are and what we offer.”
Meet Cullen Jaeschke: A Technology-Driven Outbound Sales Approach
Cullen’s journey to NRI is both personal and professional. His grandfather, Herb Seeger, was one of the company’s founders. After several years in hospitality tech startups and sales roles in Portland’s food and beverage industry, Cullen saw an opportunity to return to his roots.
“I’ve spent a lot of time selling to HR managers,” Cullen said. “So when the opportunity came up to join NRI Relocation, it felt like the right time. I’m excited to be part of this next chapter.”
One of Cullen’s goals is to utilize technology and CRM tools to track sales efforts and client relationships more effectively. “One of the values I hope to bring is applying outbound sales methodology from my previous roles,” he said. “And I’m diving deep into corporate mobility best practices so I can help educate HR managers and corporate mobility specialists about what NRI Relocation has to offer.”
A New RMC Sales Strategy
NRI Relocation’s stellar reputation in the corporate relocation industry has always driven business, but Drew and Cullen are here to add a more proactive and driven approach. The objective is to identify the clients who most need NRI’s corporate relocation services philosophy, and go out to meet them where they are.
“We’re not just waiting for the phone to ring or emails in the inbox,” Drew said. “We’re going out and showing companies what makes NRI different: our partnership approach, our attention to detail, and our ability to make employees feel like more than just a number.”
Cullen added, “We want to be loud and proud about where NRI shines. That means highlighting our low coordinator caseloads, our family atmosphere, and the personalized service that sets us apart.”
Their goal is to connect with emerging companies or any organization experiencing growth. These are companies that may be new to corporate relocation or are currently relying on impersonal, self-service systems. They’re often moving executives, directors, or families who need more than just a lump sum and a checklist.
“We’re especially valuable to companies that care about their people,” Cullen said. “If you’re relocating someone who’s critical to your business, someone with a family, someone who’s making a big life change, you want that move to be seamless, supportive, and human. That’s what we do best.”
Drew added, “We’re not just here for the Fortune 500s. We’re here for the companies that are scaling, that are building culture, that want to offer top-tier relocation packages without losing the personal touch.”
This new outbound push isn’t about selling, it’s about serving. It’s about identifying companies that align with NRI’s values and demonstrating to them what’s possible when a corporate relocation company focuses on empathy, expertise, and precision.
“We’re not chasing volume,” Drew said. “We’re building relationships.”
Collaboration With Relocation Services Operations
To meet their aggressive goals, Drew and Cullen must closely collaborate with the operations team for seamless onboarding and policy development for clients.
“We work very closely with the operations team, especially when onboarding new clients,” Cullen explained. “They’re not just executing moves. They’re helping shape policy, advising on best practices, and ensuring every relocation is handled with care.”
NRI Relocation has stacked its operations team with seasoned professionals who bring decades of industry experience. That depth of expertise enables the sales team to promise what NRI can deliver. “We’re not selling a dream,” Drew says. “We’re selling a proven process, backed by people who know how to make it happen.”
“Our service operations team is incredible,” Drew continues. “When we bring in a new client, we know they’re in expert hands.”
The collaboration doesn’t end after the contract is signed. While the operations team takes the lead on day-to-day service delivery, Drew and Cullen remain involved for seamless support. “We don’t just disappear,” Cullen said. “We’re always available to our clients. That continuity is part of what makes NRI feel like a true partner.”
A New Beginning: Writing the Next Chapter Together
With Drew and Cullen leading the charge on business growth, NRI Relocation is looking to the future. Through innovation, NRI Relocation is poised for expansion while staying true to its roots.
“We’ve got a good ground floor here,” Drew said. “And as we build, the future is very, very exciting. I see us becoming a real force in this market.”
Cullen agreed: “We’re not just inheriting a legacy, we’re expanding it. The next 10 to 20 years are going to be transformative, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.”