They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This episode tells the story of how one man turned other people’s piles of unwanted belongings into a money-making and value-oriented business.
Joining Tim on Seek Go Create is Michael Andreacchi, the CEO and co-founder of Junk King, a well-trusted brand for junk removal services in North America. Join them as they explore leadership qualities, the entrepreneurial mindset, and business expansion.
If you are looking to expand your business but have yet to take a leap, make sure you tune in to this episode.
3 Reasons to Listen:
- Be inspired by Michael’s journey toward co-founding a successful junking business.
- Understand why your customer's perspective is just as valuable as your company's growth curve.
- Learn when to expand your business and how to choose the right candidates for your franchising networks.
Resources
About Michael
Michael Andreacchi is the CEO and co-founder of Junk King, the number 1 rated junk removal service in North America. He is also a husband and the father of two beautiful children. Michael and his team started by running their business out of a garage, but have since grown to over 160 franchised branches.
If you'd like to know more about Michael and Junk King, you may call them at 1-888-888-5865. You may also contact them on their website.
Episode Highlights
[02:55] A Leader at Heart
- Michael has been in the junk business for over 17 years. Their service is centered on junk removal, recycling, and repurposing.
- He’s always been a leader, whether at school, in sports or at work.
- According to Michael, refusing to lose is a vital leadership characteristic.
- Leadership is a multilevel trait, from CEO to employees.
[10:57] ”It's very hard to pinpoint when you're looking for franchisees that you think will be good leaders. We would like franchisees to open territories from where they're from, because of the networking and the relationships that you've already built throughout the community to go into a market.” - Click Here To Tweet This
[14:42] Harnessing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
- He’s had an entrepreneurial mindset even at a young age. Michael took part-time jobs because he wanted money to afford the lifestyle he wanted.
- He pursued work in the junk business after a little push from his wife.
- Michael wanted to join the company’s franchise system but could not afford it then, so he started his own business.
- They’ve grown to have franchisees throughout the nation.
- Michael is grateful for his wife; she pushed him to be more and continue job-hunting when all he wanted was to minimize his life.
[19:58] “I think many times we have to go back and show the appreciation for someone that pushed us a little more to do something that was a little uncomfortable” - Click Here To Tweet This
[22:33] Addressing Ownership and Consumerism
- Consumerism is rampant in America — people own massive amounts of belongings.
- Hoarding is a product of pursuing only the newest and best items in the market.
- People pay for storage facilities to keep items with sentimental value and for future-oriented utility. However, these items often end up going unused.
[27:00] The Value of Junk Removal Services
- Michael started his business thinking of the revenue he could earn. Back then he was not knowledgeable about the costs of running a business.
- He saw the potential in the value junk removal services could offer to various customers. There was also little competition.
- When a customer calls, you want to recognize what they need from you. Michael mentions clients often need Junk King's services because of changes in their lives.
- Customers have two concerns: cost-effective services and where they will dispose of the items.
[31:13] “When a customer calls us, you want to recognize right away from a customer service perspective why they're calling you. They're all calling you to get rid of their junk, of course, but is time a challenge for them? They're getting evicted, they're moving, they're doing a remodel, they're trying to sell a house. Some of those things are very time sensitive.” - Click Here To Tweet This
[33:37] Sorting Through the Junk
- Their company uses a lot of transfer stations that serve as deposit sites for all the junk collected from clients.
- Before taking the collective hauls to the landfill, the transfer stations will sort and identify recyclable items.
- They take pride in sorting through everything by hand. They take reusable items to non-profit organizations and donation centers.
- They do their part to help with the environment.
[37:20] “I think most or a lot of people feel like their stuff is worth something because it's sentimental to them.” - Click Here To Tweet This
[40:54] A Flexible Profit Model
- The business’s profit is close to breakeven.
- Recycling and reselling items give additional earnings for the company, but it is not a profit stream.
- Michael did not want to raise their prices believing that doing so will permanently increase their service fees. They only add surcharges as necessary.
[43:09] From Initiative to Growth
- The company began with a purchased truck and a garage before moving onto a warehouse.
- Their initial transactions relied mostly on connections and networking. They now have a website for all their transactions.
- Expansion, deploying franchises, acquiring legal services and upscaling their networks are the biggest hurdles early in the business.
- Michael’s company is recession resistant, with the pandemic hinting at the importance of their services.
- Their growth curve projection began with more inventories, more franchises, and improved marketing.
[52:51] Hows and Whys of Expansion
- Michael spends most of his time overseeing the growth of his company through franchises. They use a software for franchises.
- He orients people to their software.
- He is comfortable with the corporate environment but occasionally gets on a truck as well.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Calculate risks before following your dreams.
- In choosing the right business partners, Michael suggests finding people who wants to do business with you and wants to help your business grow.
[57:10] “I think franchising is beautiful because there’s a built-in business partner.” - Click Here To Tweet This
[01:00:30] Choosing the Right Employees
- Michael proudly maintains the work engagement of their corporate staff with truck drivers. They do not need to micromanage their employees.
- Job flexibility and time consideration greatly impact the labor space.
[01:04:28] It’s a ‘Not Sexy’ Industry
- Michael recalls hearing from franchisees that they find it hard to grasp their junk business.
- Service companies may not be as attractive as other businesses, but they have significant potential for success.
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