1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a Canadian-based junk removal company with over 300 franchises operations in Canada, the United States and Australia.

History

1-800-GOT-JUNK? opened in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1989 by founder and current CEO Brian Scudamore. The 18 year old entrepreneur was inspired to open the business after seeing a junk hauling truck in front of him at a McDonald's Drive-thru.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? was originally named the Rubbish Boys. The company changed names in 1998 to 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and began franchising in 1999, opening locations in Toronto, Ontario and Portland, Oregon. They have since grown to more than 330 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. With the United Kingdom being added shortly.

The company has been recognized with awards for employee engagement and "best employer.

To date Brian Scudamore’s leadership is widely recognized by the media and business community. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is consistently named a Best Employer in Canada. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is ranked as one of the fastest growing franchises.

In 2003, Scudamore was featured on Oprah and has gone on to be covered by Fortune Magazine and CNN. He has also been on Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray and Donny Deutsch. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was also featured on the Food Network's "Restaurant Makeover".

Junk processing

Whenever possible items are recycled or donated. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? currently recycles and donates to local non-profit organizations and resources including:

Wood recyclers

Environmental initiatives

In 2007, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America announced 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will be the first fleet to test biodiesel fuel in its trucks.

For six months, 10 junk-removal trucks will operate on the cleaner burning fuel in various climate zones across Canada and the United States. The companies anticipate making 1-800-GOT-JUNK? the first Isuzu-approved fleet to switch exclusively to biofuel. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has more than 1,000 Isuzu N-Series and GMC W-Series trucks in its fleet.

Advertising

The staff of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? sometimes advertise on telephone poles, mailboxes, doors or in other publicly visible places for the purposes of free advertising. Their large trucks have also parked as advertising in prominent locations without property-owner permission. Signs are placed on major boulevards in violation of City By-Laws.

References