Hippo Hauling Interview – Why You Need To Bet On Yourself!
Today, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lawrence, owner of Hippo Hauling Junk Removal and Demolition, to discuss his journey from working in government to building a thriving demolition and junk removal business. His story is full of valuable lessons for anyone looking to take control of their career and bet on themselves.
From the Legislature to Entrepreneurship
Lawrence started in public service, working at the Indiana Legislature. While he appreciated the experience and relationships he built, he quickly realized that the financial potential in government work wasn’t enough for him and his family.
“I was like, man, I’ll never make enough money here doing this job. On my way home, I noticed all the construction happening in my neighborhood. People were making money doing this, and I thought, I’m smarter than them—I can figure it out.”
Inspired, he bought his first truck and trailer, starting from the bottom with junk removal.
Betting on Yourself
Lawrence emphasizes the mindset shift required to move from employee to business owner:
“There are two positions in any business: the owner or the employee. Which one do you really want to be? The business you have is the business you grow.”
This mentality drove him to invest in himself, take risks, and build a company that reflects his ambition and values.
Building Hippo Hauling
Hippo Hauling started as a small operation, with Lawrence and his father handling both business and labor. They posted services on Craigslist, OfferUp, and local bulletin boards, gradually expanding into construction-related demolition work.
“I started with sheds, then garages, eventually became a licensed general contractor, and now we handle full interior demolitions and building projects.”
Today, their revenue comes roughly 60% from demolition and 40% from junk removal, with a focus on professional, licensed, and trustworthy service.
Differentiating Yourself in the Industry
One of Lawrence’s key points is understanding your market and setting yourself apart:
“With junk removal, anyone with a truck can call themselves a hauler. But professionalism, website presence, reviews, and branding go a long way. You have to educate clients on value, not just price.”
This mindset allows Hippo Hauling to attract the right customers—clients who value quality and are willing to pay for it—rather than chasing the cheapest option.
Marketing and Organic Growth
Lawrence relies heavily on organic growth, including:
- Facebook and Instagram groups
- Yard signs
- Direct outreach to realtors, property managers, and investors
-
Follow-ups via phone and email
“About 95% of our business is organic. Google My Business is crucial—it costs nothing and can generate thousands of dollars with consistent reviews and before-and-after photos.”
Reviews are a central focus, as they build credibility and attract more clients. Lawrence stresses going above and beyond for each customer, ensuring satisfaction and maximizing positive feedback.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Lawrence shares several lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Invest in education – YouTube and free online resources are invaluable for learning business and industry skills.
- Use the right tools – From trucks to hand tools, being prepared is critical for efficiency and professionalism.
- Avoid distractions – Don’t overspend on flashy vehicles or unnecessary upgrades; focus on what generates revenue.
- Hire the right people – Fair pay and clear expectations help build a reliable team.
- Take responsibility – Mistakes happen; owning them and correcting them builds trust with clients.
- Bet on yourself – Don’t wait for someone else to create opportunities for you.
Tip For Growing Your Junk Removal Business
Lawrence emphasizes outreach to commercial clients, including realtors and property managers, as a major revenue driver. He also stresses maintaining professionalism on every job:
- Smile and be approachable
- Dress in uniform
- Go above and beyond for clients
- Document work with photos for marketing and reviews
“Your reputation and brand are everything. Make the customer thrilled they called you.”
- Where to Find Hippo Hauling
You can connect with Lawrence and Hippo Hauling online:
- Website: HippoHauling.com
- Facebook: @HippoHauling
- Instagram: @HippoHauling
Related Blogs
Want to Build a Sellable Business?
We help founders build systems, brands, and assets that scale.
Final Thoughts
Lawrence’s story is a perfect example of what happens when you bet on yourself, invest in the right tools, and focus on providing exceptional service. From starting with a single truck to running a thriving demolition and junk removal business, he shows that drive, consistency, and smart strategy pay off.