JDog Junk Removal, a Full‐Service Junk Removal Franchise Developed by a Veteran Solely for Veterans and Active‐
Duty Military Members August 17, 2012 JDog Junk Removal, a full‐service junk removal franchise, is taking veteran employment assistance to new heights with the creation of a low‐cost franchise opportunity, offered exclusively to veterans and active‐duty members of the United States Military. The newly‐launched concept was created by an Army veteran in response to the disproportionately high unemployment rate for returning service members. In an effort to ease the transition from military to civilian life, JDog Junk Removal offers veterans and active‐duty military members the hands‐on training, business support systems, and assistance programs needed to effectively get their business off the ground quickly. The concept has a rapid launch capability of less than 90 days. In addition, owners have the ability to gain extra income with multiple revenue stream opportunities. No other franchise has ever been developed by a veteran solely for veterans. Jerry Flanagan is the Founder, President, and General Manager of JDog Junk Removal. Jerry is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of business experience. Franchise Chatter (FC): Why did you create a franchise opportunity exclusively for military veterans?
Jerry Flanagan, Founder and President of JDog Junk Removal Jerry Flanagan (JF): I came up with the JDog Junk Removal concept in March of 2011, and soon after, I began to realize the difficulties some veterans were facing with the tough labor market and fitting into traditional office or retail environments. Being a veteran myself, I felt compassionate toward veterans coming back to America who were looking for employment. Jerry Flanagan, Founder and President of JDog Junk Removal I wanted to offer an exclusive opportunity to help veterans transition back to civilian life. I wanted to come up with a business plan that was recession proof, which is exactly what the junk removal business is — it thrives in good times or bad. Embracing my veteran status, I bought a Hummer, wrapped it in military green, created a military bulldog logo, and began franchising in May 2012. JDog Junk Removal removes junk, garbage, and recyclables from any property, and sorts, hauls, recycles, and discards any unwanted items. From a single item to an entire cleanout, JDog Junk Removal takes away junk and discards it in a variety of ways. Whether it is through recycling facilities or donation to a local charity, JDog Junk Removal is environmentally conscious and disposes of non‐recyclable items at the proper facilities. FC: What makes the junk removal business attractive from an investment standpoint?
JF: JDog Junk Removal is a year‐round business with a low franchise fee of $15,000 and a total initial investment between $40,000 and $70,000. Utilizing the veteran status gives JDog Junk Removal the strength and credibility it needs to compete in the market. JDog Junk Removal franchisees experience a balanced lifestyle that is rarely available in the franchising segment. Because daily hours of operations are flexible, JDog Junk Removal franchisees can achieve a better balance between work and home. From personal experience, transitioning back into a 9‐to‐5 job is extremely foreign and difficult for veterans. JDog Junk Removal eases this shift towards a civilian lifestyle by providing veterans and active members of the military a more comfortable approach to becoming an entrepreneur, which is maintaining an active, flexible work style. FC: Why should someone interested in starting their own junk removal business consider going with a franchise like JDog Junk Removal?
JF: JDog Junk Removal gives veterans an opportunity to compete for a business model that is not available to the general public. Being a part of the JDog Junk Removal franchise system allows owners to not only be included in a revolutionary opportunity that’s the first of its kind, but truly have all the guesswork taken out of running their business and have a support system to fall back on whenever guidance is needed. We really train this niche population to excel in the workplace when they feel so out of their element. FC: Tell us about the different revenue streams available for your franchise.
JF: There is a revenue stream every step of the way. The JDog Junk Removal franchisee is able to supplement their income by making money off of recycling or selling any of the items in their possession, and they are not penalized for their success. Also, their success is not restricted. Increasing potential revenue, JDog Junk Removal franchisees can choose up to however many trailers they feel comfortable operating. FC: How many employees are required to run a typical JDog Junk Removal business? JF: Initially, it takes 1‐2 employees to run a JDog Junk Removal business, depending on the franchisee. As the business continues to flourish and grow, more employees would be added. FC: Aside from being a military veteran, what qualities do you look for in a prospective franchisee?
JF: In addition to being a veteran or active duty soldier, we are looking to recruit aggressive, outgoing, trustworthy franchisees that are able to follow a system and possess a strong work ethic. FC: How are you helping your franchisees get their businesses running quickly and profitably?
JF: Franchisees receive the hands‐on training, support systems, and assistance programs needed to effectively get their businesses running quickly, with a rapid‐launch capability of less than 90 days. FC: What can you tell us about the estimated initial investment, royalty fees, and profit potential for a JDog Junk Removal franchise?
JF: JDog Junk Removal is an affordable entry into both the private job market and business ownership, and is possible with a comparatively low franchise fee of $15,000 and a total initial investment between $40,000 and $70,000. The royalty fee for the trailer is $500/month per trailer for the first year; $1000/month for the months 13 through 24; and $1500/month for the months 25 through 60. Each additional trailer the franchisee chooses to operate consists of a fixed royalty fee of $1,000/month. FC: What are your growth targets for JDog Junk Removal in 2012, and beyond? Which regions of the country are you targeting for expansion? JF: The plan is to see a JDog Junk Removal in every community, with future plans to target countries worldwide via veterans of NATO and other countries. We are interested in talking to veterans and active duty military personnel from all over the United States and some of our initial areas of focus are: •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Texas Pennsylvania Florida New York Michigan New Jersey Delaware Massachusetts Missouri http://www.franchisechatter.com/2012/08/17/jdog‐junk‐removal‐a‐full‐service‐junk‐
removal‐franchise‐developed‐by‐a‐veteran‐solely‐for‐veterans‐and‐active‐duty‐military‐
members/