A company that provides stress-free solutions for moving and junk-hauling needs is providing veterans with special incentives to pursue franchise ownership.
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, a moving company, was named #23 of 150 on the Entrepreneur 2023 Top Franchise for Veterans list, according to a press release. It currently has 35 veteran-owned locations including South Denver, Colorado; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Wilmington, North Carolina. The company’s co-founder said College HUNKS is “honored” to partner with those transitioning from the military.
“Veterans are known for their incredible work ethic, ability to be well organized and commitment to service. These qualities align with the College HUNKS core values and contribute greatly to the success of our franchisees,” Nick Friedman stated in the press release.
A former Army officer who currently owns two College HUNKS locations in North Carolina and Georgia shared how franchising makes a good fit for those with a military background.
“Being the owner of a franchise provides you with that opportunity to lead in a different environment. You have the autonomy to make all the decisions on a daily basis, and military leaders are used to that,” Jeff Moss said. “Many service members spend a lifetime going where their country asked them to go. It’s a natural consideration for somebody exiting the military to look at franchising, whether it’s College HUNKS or something else, so that they can be their own boss.”
Moss, a former attack helicopter pilot, spent eight years in the military and 25 years in corporate America. Then, at age 52, his organization downsized, and he purchased a franchise in June 2018.
“I did not want to go through any more of that. I wanted to take control of my own destiny,” explained Moss.
Moss’s military and corporate experience has allowed him to chart his path with his franchise, he says.
“I brought my military experience into the business and correlated that with the College HUNKS playbook. I developed a leadership team. Two guys who started working for me are running the companies. They report directly to me, and everybody else reports to them. So we built a structure following military protocol,” said Moss.
Like Moss, College HUNKS franchise owners Jack and Laura Gordon are leveraging military experience with the help of franchise guides to grow their business despite the current economic climate.
“We purchased the franchise because [Jack’s director of sales and catering] position at his company was eliminated due to COVID,” said Laura, a former Army National Guard single channel radio operator and human services director.
In 2021, the husband-and-wife duo opened their franchise in Florence, Kentucky.
“We did not know the first thing about moving or junk hauling. That’s all taught to you. That’s why buying this kind of franchise is beneficial,” said Jack. “We discussed [market variances, competition and expectations] in detail with our franchise coaches before we purchased. The College HUNKS franchise has existed for many years, so they know what works and what doesn’t. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel. They’ve got the game plan. You just need to follow it. And that’s very much how the military runs.”
Since their opening, the Gordons have come a long way.
“In the first year, you’d see me on a truck if somebody called out. Then once we got our feet under us and got the right team in place, I’m very rarely on a truck,” said Jack.
In addition to filling in when his business is short-staffed, the previously mechanically-adverse businessman said he embraces the nuances of the hauling industry.
“I’ve also developed a passion for working on the trucks. I was the guy that took our car into the dealership to get it fixed. Now, I find peace and solace changing [motor] oil and doing mechanical repairs,” said Jack.
The highlight of running their College HUNKS business is the impact they get to make on the crew that works with them.
“We’re interviewing, hiring and supporting our community,” said Laura. “We’re empty nesters but it seems like we’ve adopted 26 more children. Most of our staff are younger adults.”
In prioritizing family, staff and community, the Gordons, like Moss, agree that purchasing a franchise is highly individualized. After confirming the decision to become a franchisee, prospects should be prepared for a very structured vetting process.
“The vetting process is more than whether you can write a check or you can get your hands on the money. It assesses a potential franchisee’s characteristics of success,” said Moss. “Can you lead and run a business? Can you lead a team? Are you coachable?”
In addition to accepting mentorship, the Gordons recommend interested franchisees “be prepared to work hard and dedicate time to learning the business from top to bottom.”
Visit College HUNKS to learn more about franchise ownership opportunities