Spotlight: JDog Junk Removal Spawns Franchises in Six States


jdog junk removal

Junk removal isn’t a very glamorous industry. But when Jerry Flanagan was looking for a new entrepreneurial venture, it seemed like the right fit. It turns out that choosing a career in the junk removal industry was a great decision. It helped Flanagan’s business succeed through the recession. And now, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling has even expanded throughout six states through franchising. Read more about Flanagan’s junk removal business venture in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does:

Sorts, recycles, discards, and transports unwanted junk items.

People can hire the JDog team to remove unwanted items from just about anywhere. The company can remove items ranging from appliances and furniture to building materials and walls. The JDog team can remove unwanted material from residential and commercial locations, garages, storage units, and even demolition sites.

Items that aren’t moved between locations are donated and recycled through organizations like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity.

Business Niche:

Helping veterans find career opportunities.

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchises are owned exclusively by veterans and their families. Since Flanagan is a veteran himself, he considers it both important and beneficial for his business to support the veteran community. The company also works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support the rehabilitation of veterans through its Compensated Work Therapy program and donates to veteran charities.

But the decision to offer franchising opportunities to veterans isn’t just a charitable effort. Flanagan says:

“Veterans making the transition from military to civilian life face steep competition and are challenged to re-enter the workplace with a uniquely valuable skill set. JDog Junk Removal & Hauling allows veterans to join a new mission that capitalizes on their strengths in a work environment that matches their strong work ethic.”

jdog junk removal

How the Business Got Started:

After careful research and planning.

When Flanagan completed his service in the U.S. Army, he attended college and technical school on the GI Bill. He then held several different management positions at retail companies. But he wanted to create a more stable career for himself. He explains:

“I started JDog Junk Removal & Hauling to change careers from the retail industry to the service industry and avoid the risks I foresaw when the economy began its downturn. My goal was to create something recession proof that would allow me to apply the skills and discipline I acquired in the Army. Through my research, I discovered that the waste industry had both high demand and high margins, which I felt would lead to fast growth.”

Biggest Risk:

Starting a new business without any experience in the industry.

Flanagan says:

“I could have fallen flat on my face, though my market research told me the odds of that happening were low. Happily, that research proved to be correct and now JDog Junk Removal & Hauling is prospering, barreling forward with momentum as other veterans learn about the opportunity to start their own franchise.”

jdog junk removal

Biggest Win:

Partnering with Julip Run Capital.

Flanagan says:

“The group of investors and experienced management team believed in my vision so much to invest their money and their hearts to help build this National Military Veteran Brand. Thanks to the group, I can offer thousands of veterans small business ownership and career opportunities.”

How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000:

Spreading the word about the business and expanding opportunities for veterans.

jdog junk removal

Song That Describes the Business:

“My Way,” because this really is an opportunity to be the master of your fate.

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Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program.

Images: JDog Junk Removal

4 Comments ▼

Annie Pilon Annie Pilon is a Senior Staff Writer for Small Business Trends, covering entrepreneur profiles, interviews, feature stories, community news and in-depth, expert-based guides. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring all that her home state of Michigan has to offer.

4 Reactions
  1. I love how veterans came together to create a business. You have to love their marketing strategy. I think it is worth spending some money.

  2. Annie,
    Great post about this growing junk removal service. Flanagan’s business acumen seems like a great asset. His idea to help veterans through franchising and therapy programs makes his business a beacon to follow in the industry. What a wonderful company.

  3. Saw you on Fox news this morning. What a great story. My husband is a Viet Nam Vet., and my dad WW11, ( both Army. )
    Please let us know when you come to L.I., New York. We could sure use your services.
    From our heart, Thank you for your Service.
    Mrs. James Campbell, ( 1st Lt. )