You probably have heard about 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, especially if you live in Canada or in the United States. The company is a multinational junk removal franchise founded back in 1989, in the city of Vancouver (Canada), by a guy named Brian Scudamore. The business started with just a $700 investment and is an established multi-million franchise today with more than 160 branches. Their startup story is pretty interesting, so here we decided to share it with you.
The Story Of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
Brian Scudamore was only 18 when one day he saw a junk truck in a drive-through at McDonald’s. This was how the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? the idea was born in his head. Brian didn’t think much, bought an old pickup for $700, and founded his first startup – The Rubbish Boys, in 1989. He quickly made up a slogan for his business – “We’ll stash your trash in a flash” and started working. Initially, he was alone, driving around and picking up the trash that city haulers wouldn’t take away. This turned out to be a lucrative idea and soon his business started growing rapidly. Scudamore, who was attending university at that time, began hiring other students to help him with the load. During that time he also started his summer franchise program for students.
In 1993, just a year before graduating, Brian groped out of college to focus his attention entirely on the business. He changed the name of the company to ‘The Rubbish Boys Disposal Service Inc.‘
In 1998 the name of the business was once again changed to what it is today – 1-800-GOT-JUNK? This was the time when the company began expanding rapidly by opening new franchises in Australia, the USA, and Canada.
In 2007, its branches were around 270. Today the company has around 160 locations.
Encouraged by the great success of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Brian Scudamore founded another two innovative startups:
WOW 1 DAY Painting – a company offering painting of homes in one day.
You Move Me – a locally operating moving company.
Brian is one of the many successful entrepreneurs without a college degree. How do you think, is a degree worth it, if you want to be an entrepreneur? It would be cool to share as a comment your thought on the matter, it’s a pretty interesting question.
More About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
1-800-GOT-JUNK is a full-service junk removal company that has been helping people get rid of their unwanted junk since 1989. Their mission is to “tackle your toughest junk removal tasks with ease and provide the satisfaction of a job well done.” The company has established a strong reputation in the industry, boasting thousands of happy customers in over 170 locations across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
For those in need of junk removal services, the company offers a straightforward process that begins with a free estimate. Customers can contact the company and provide details about what needs to be removed (including photos and item descriptions) and 1-800-GOT-JUNK provides an estimate that customers can then book online or over the phone. The company accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. On the day of the service appointment, 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s friendly and professional crew arrives on-site to provide the junk removal services.
In addition to residential customers, the company also offers services to commercial customers. The company’s team members are trained to provide reliable and safe services, such as office/warehouse cleanouts and disposal of construction debris. Furthermore, the company is committed to being eco-friendly when possible, recycling or donating items that are still in working condition.
1-800-GOT-JUNK has certainly become an industry leader when it comes to providing reliable and convenient junk removal services. The company has received numerous accolades over the years, including the 2017 Canadian Franchise Association Award for Franchisee Satisfaction and “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Entrepreneur Magazine. 1-800-GOT-JUNK continues to strive for excellence and provides customers with an easy and efficient junk removal process.
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