We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Crouch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon , appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I am a registered nurse who worked in the Emergency Department for 8 years and has been working for a medical device company specializing in Urology for the last 13 years.

About 5 years ago my wife knew I had always wanted to own my own business. For decades I have struggled to find the right business to start. Then one day, my wife came home and said, I think we should start a junk business. After doing a little research and encouragement, we started the first junk removal business in Iredell County, North Carolina. Almost 5 years later, we have voted Best Junk Removal Sanitation Company in Iredell County two years in a row. We are a full-service junk removal company specializing in residential, commercial cleanouts, small structure demolition, hot tub removal, above-ground pool demo, and much more. Our slogan is “One Call Removes It All.”

As we have continued to grow every day is a learning day. No day is the same or has the same challenges. Luckily, I am blessed with an incredible crew of guys that work hard and believe in what we do. Hopefully, my wife and I have created a brand that our children are proud of and will want to carry on for generations and help give back to the community.

Brandon, before we dive into more questions, please introduce yourself for readers who might have missed our earlier conversations. Your statement highlights what sets HunkaJunk apart, including your community ties, commitment to giving back, and strong belief in your work. Can you share more about yourself and how these values have influenced your journey with HunkaJunk Hauling?

A few things that set HunkaJunk apart from our competitors is that my wife and I were born and raised in Statesville, this is our home. We chose to live and raise our family here. Living here all my whole life, I have come to know a lot of people in our community. Hunkajunk Hauling has gained a reputation as the go-to junk removal company in our area. Customers know when they call us, they will get the absolute best customer service and the best junk removal experience, hands down.

When we first started HunkaJunk we had no idea of what an impact it would have on the community. We have had the blessing to be a part of several local non-profit organizations in our area. We are honored and proud that in such a short time, HunkaJunk Hauling has been able to make an impact on our community. For example, we completed a can food drive to help stock one of our local food pantries and were able to donate over 3,000 servings of food and are doing it again this year. We also donate furniture, dishware, clothing, and many other items to additional local non-profits on a consistent basis.

My family and I believe whole heartedly in what we do. It’s not just a business to us, it’s a brand.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My life has been full of events that have led me in many different directions. When I was 16 years old, while on a mission trip in Kentucky, I was hit in the back of the skull with a pickax. After one emergency surgery trip, a metal plate, and a traumatic brain injury, here I am. I’m blessed to be alive and to not have any major deficits due to the incredible medical team who took great care of me. It was that experience that led me to become a nurse.

However, creating something of my own and being able to give something to my family has always been a goal of mine. As a kid, I remember looking at other kids, whose families owned businesses or worked in the family business, and I thought that was so cool and those kids had it made. Not having those same opportunities as other kids growing up, it made me motivated to create something of my own, but I just wasn’t sure what “it” was. The idea of creating something that could last for generations seemed so out of reach, but I had seen how many opportunities it had provided those around me. I decided at a very young age that if I ever had the opportunity, I would do my best to try and create a business for my family one day. Creating, growing, and providing this business for my family was what it was all about.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I don’t think anyone truly has a smooth road. Growing up as a kid my upbringing was a bit unorthodox and let’s just say colorful. My mom had me at an early age. My dad was killed in a motorcycle accident when I was 2 years old. My mom, obviously devastated with the loss of my father, did the absolute best she could, and honestly, we helped raise each other along the way. I love my mom dearly and she is one of the most interesting, fun and unpredictable people you could have the pleasure of meeting. I love my family very much but at around age 10 I hit a fork in the road and decided it was up to me to break the cycle and go in a different direction for my life.

I believe, I was fortunate enough to see firsthand the real-world consequences of what poor decisions can lead to. I was probably exposed to more things than a kid should be, but I wouldn’t change a single thing about my childhood. It has made me into who I am today. It helps me appreciate my wonderful family, and friends and keeps me pushing forward. For anyone reading this, don’t let a difficult situation be an excuse. Use it as motivation.

Contact Info:

• Website: hunkajunkhauling.com
• Instagram: hunkajunk_hauling_
• Facebook: HunkaJunk Hauling
• Linkedin: HunkaJunk Hauling
• Youtube: HunkaJunk Hauling
• Yelp: HunkaJunk Hauling
• Other: Tic Toc @hunkajunkhauling

Image Credits
Amanda Caldwell Photography