After 15 years in insurance sales, Eric Myers was growing tired of his corporate job and knew it was time to rethink his future. With three months’ salary saved up and a pickup truck, he set off to find a more fulfilling career in his community. It started with one request to help haul away junk, and Myers was hooked. By Kelsi Trinidad
After 15 years in insurance sales, Eric Myers was growing tired of his corporate job and knew it was time to rethink his future. With three months’ salary saved up and a pickup truck, he set off to find a more fulfilling career in his community. It started with one request to help haul away junk, and Myers was hooked. Along with his newborn son at home, Junk Junk Baby was born.
The act of hauling away unwanted items did not draw him in per se; he was moved by the effect he had on a person when removing their items with empathy. “We are able to have a simple job like this and touch people the way we do because we go into situations where people are going through a really tough time in their lives,” explained Myers. “The business revolves around life changes: promotions, demotions, divorces, moving to assisted living and selling a home. It’s a big privilege to go into their homes and help them through this time.”
This role of trashman-turned-therapist is the core of Junk Junk Baby’s success. “Our verbal motto is to start with a handshake and a hug because empathy is a big part of what we do, and we have an opportunity to be able to give back to our community and people in need,” said Myers.
For new franchisees, Junk Junk Baby presents an opportunity backed by 10 years of experience, low startup costs and hands-on training with the founder. With no need for a brick-and-mortar location, the flexibility to buy or lease a truck, and low staffing requirements, franchisees can buy into a tried-and-true business at a far lower cost than other competitors. Myers explained that the company also prides itself on promoting a healthy work-life balance. “We’re a lifestyle business here, but if you want to crush it, please crush it,” he said.
For Myers, franchising with Junk Junk Baby is, at the heart of it, about joining a family. He said, “We’re part Robin Hood, part Santa and part caregiver. What’s better than that?”
Kelsi Trinidad