10-Year Junk King Franchisee on the Power of Non-Brick-and-Mortar Service Brands

Name: Jack Brendamour

Title: CEO & Co-owner

Brand: Junk King

Units: 4 (Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, Louisville)

Years in franchising: 10

Why did you choose to franchise with a service brand?

Junk King’s franchise model is proven to work if you follow it. Also, the continuous support from the Junk King corporate team is invaluable.

How did you choose the sector and brand you did?

Junk King truly helps people on multiple levels. We help individuals on a personal level, whether reclaiming their space or helping them deal with the items left behind from a loved one who passed away or had to move into a health care facility. There is so much good we do on the back end for our environment, and in turn for our community, by making every effort to donate and recycle as many items that we remove from a yard, home, or business as possible.

What different skill sets are required for service brand franchising?

Early on, it is all about the ability and willingness to do whatever it takes and staying loyal to the process. As you build a team around you that understands and supports the brand, it then transforms into your ability to become a better leader. 

What are the advantages to choosing a service brand? 

There is a blueprint you have that gives you the opportunity to avoid the mistakes and setbacks you might have faced without that support. You also can always turn to someone who has been through what you are currently going through and ask for help or advice. 

How does having a service brand benefit or complement your other brands?

I have no other brands, but I have employees in front of customers every single day teaching the community about why they should support my brand. People support good businesses, and as a franchisee you have your own opportunity to create a legacy for your brand on a local level with national backing.

What would you recommend to anyone considering a service brand?

Research what you want to do. You must believe in the process and the brand, otherwise you won’t be dedicated to ensuring that your business does well. Leading by example, being community focused, and doing whatever it takes to maintain and grow your brand in a socially responsible way will lead to certain success with a service brand.