Interview with Junk Magicians – Growing Multiple Junk Removal Locations
Today, we’re diving into an inspiring interview with Hunter Jablonski, founder of Junk Magicians, who has successfully grown multiple junk removal locations. From Reno, Nevada, to Lexington, Kentucky, Hunter shares his experience, strategies, and lessons learned for scaling a junk removal business.
Meet Hunter Jablonski
Hunter started his first location in Reno, Nevada, three years ago and recently expanded to Lexington, Kentucky, where he’s been in business for just over four months. His company focuses on junk removal, demolition, and site cleanups, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality service.
Hunter’s story is a great example for anyone looking to scale or expand their junk removal business. While the results he’s achieved are impressive, they come with hard work, persistence, and smart strategies.
Advice for New and Growing Junk Removal Businesses
- Decide Your Level of Commitment
Hunter emphasizes the importance of knowing whether you want to run a side gig or build a full-time business. He started his company in college with a clear goal: he wanted to be his own boss and grow a serious operation.
- Establish Business Credit Early
One of Hunter’s key lessons: set up a business credit account as soon as you start. Early on, he had to rely on high-interest loans to fund trucks and equipment, which limited his growth. With established business credit, he was able to acquire quality trucks, a Bobcat skid loader, and other equipment at lower costs and with less maintenance.
- Join Networking Groups
Networking is crucial for commercial opportunities. Hunter recommends joining local business groups, apartment associations, or real estate networks. These connections often lead to high-volume, repeat customers, which are far more valuable than one-off jobs from social media.
- Persistence in Commercial Relationships
Consistency is key when dealing with property managers, contractors, and commercial clients. Follow up regularly, maintain relationships, and don’t take it personally if they don’t respond immediately. Personalized gestures—like bringing donuts or coffee—can go a long way in building trust and winning business.
- Focus on Quality and Problem-Solving
How you handle adversity matters. Mistakes happen, but the way you resolve them can cement long-term relationships. Customers notice when a business owner cares and takes responsibility for delivering excellent service.
Scaling to Multiple Locations
Hunter’s experience shows that scaling is possible with strategy and hard work. In Reno, his team grew to three dump trucks, ten employees, a sales rep, and a manager, closing out the year at $700,000 in revenue. In Lexington, starting with minimal equipment, they closed their first year at $100,000 in revenue, with a goal of hitting $600,000 in 2023.
Key takeaways for scaling:
- Leverage your experience from one location to build another efficiently.
- Hire the right team and invest in their growth—your employees are the backbone of your company.
- Set ambitious but achievable goals to maintain momentum and motivation.
Lessons Learned
- Cash Flow Management:
Hunter stresses that cash flow is critical. Don’t buy everything outright—leverage business credit to maintain liquidity for large projects and reinvestment.
- Work-Life Balance:
Avoid burnout. Hunter schedules his workday to maximize productivity and leaves time for hobbies and personal life, which ultimately improves performance and happiness.
- Consistency in Marketing:
Success doesn’t happen overnight. SEO, Google Ads, and reviews take time to build traction, but consistency pays off.
Final Words of advice
Hunter’s parting advice emphasizes the importance of working with reliable partners and staying focused on your business:
“If you have doubts about your marketing or partners, ask questions. Make sure your team is helping you grow. You have to be willing to work hard yourself—success doesn’t happen without effort.”
Related Blogs
Want to Build a Sellable Business?
We help founders build systems, brands, and assets that scale.
Final Thoughts
Hunter’s journey with Junk Magicians is proof that with hard work, strategic planning, and perseverance, scaling a junk removal business to multiple locations is achievable. From establishing business credit to building strong relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, these lessons are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in the industry.
Whether you’re starting your first location or expanding into a new market, Hunter’s experience offers actionable advice that can help you succeed.