JDog Junk Removal & Hauling is a national company that sells franchises exclusively to military veterans and veteran family members — people who understand the notion of service to our country, hard work, and dedication. JDog is committed to offering its proven operating model to veterans and military family members, enabling them to realize the American dream of business ownership.
One such veteran is Windell Bonner, who owns a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise in Shreveport, LA. We recently spoke with Bonner and learned what his role was in the military, what trend he’s excited about and what he would do differently if he had the chance to do it over.
How long have you owned a JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise?
I have been in business for four and a half months.
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What were you doing before becoming a franchise owner?
Before becoming a franchise owner, I was on active duty at Fort Hood, TX as a Maintenance Technician as a mobilized Army Reserves Chief Warrant Officer.
Why did you choose JDog Junk Removal & Hauling?
My initial plan was to start my own cardboard recycling business when I met a franchise advisor named Mr. Rich Ashe at my retirement briefing in Fort Hood. In choosing to own a franchise, he was the deciding factor for me.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your franchise?
I was so excited about the business to the point where I felt like everything went without a hitch. I guess the challenge I encountered was the length of time it took to get insurance for this type of business. I was ready with everything, but had to delay my opening date about 10 days. Overall, though, it was not a show stopper.
Where did you research or get advice about starting a franchise?
I got a lot of franchise advice from my franchise advisor and a JDog franchisee in another area. I supported with some of my own research online.
How much did you spend before your doors were officially opened?
I spent approximately $35,000 before my first day of business.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day is starting preparation at 0730 hours. If there is a job, we load required tools, check the vehicle and necessary equipment and determine driving directions. If there isn’t a job on schedule we use the time to market by visiting businesses or placing door hangers. We normally end the day between 1700 and 1900.
What is your secret to success?
I believe that my business’ success lays in the dedication, determination, upholding of Army values and application of the JDog corporation’s advice.
What would you do differently if you had to do it all over?
I don’t think I would do anything differently, but if I could have processed out of the Army faster, I would have loved to open a couple of months earlier.
Where do you see your business in five years?
In five years, I see myself with two territories, employing family members in addition to my son and brother, sponsoring more community charities, and putting a few of my ideas for the business into action.
What is one trend that really excites you?
The junk removal business definitely excites me, as it has proven to be one of the best recession-proof industries. However the idea of keeping veterans employed is a larger trend that I fully support and am passionate about.
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
My three favorite online tools and resources include:
- My iPad: This is a helpful tool for me because I can check my email, review my bank account, locate my customers, and find anything at anytime, anywhere.
- JDog email connection: This portal lists emails from everyone in the business and provides a sense of belonging to something great, something that gives back to the community.
- Google: Helps me to always find what I need.
Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?
Throughout this process, the entire JDog staff has acted as my mentor. I have all high praises for them especially JDog Founder Jerry Flanagan and others involved on the JDog corporate side of the business.
What advice do you have for others looking to own a franchise?
My advice to others looking to own a franchise is to go for it with all your heart and determination only if you love hard work, people and giving to charity.
Would you recommend others be franchisees? Why?
Yes, I would recommend others to own a franchise because it is a business where you can make money with a proven set of systems and best practices. Through JDog specifically I feel that I am helping my family, my local community and my military comrades.
Write any unique stories or anything you feel would be great to have in the article.
I have many unique stories to share since opening four months ago. However, one rewarding story that stands out is about my client Greg Tilley’s Bossier City Mobile Homes, Inc. This company is a dealership that sells manufactured mobile homes. I went to their office to solicit business to move furniture. A service manager at the company said he would call me the next day to move furniture from storage to one of their doublewide homes. Well, three days went by and no phone call, so I spent the next two weeks calling and telling them that I would do the best job and deliver a level of service that no other company could. After three weeks, the company let me do one job consisting of moving furniture from storage to a singlewide. My team and I arrived on time and we were ready to get to work. Before we could finish the first job, a service manager added three more jobs, which totaled a five-hour work day. The service manager and his executive team told the other staff that we were the best they had seen in many years even stating we were, nice, respectful and courteous. Now, they call us for all of their furniture moving needs.
Where can people get more information on JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise opportunities?
Visit the website here.
Where can people find your JDog Junk Removal & Hauling on social media?
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