Former IBM Manager Opening Georgia’s First 1-800-JUNKPRO Franchise

For the last 15 years, Eric Reynolds has wanted to own a franchise, and on May 3, his dream is coming true. Reynolds will open Georgia’s first 1-800-JUNKPRO, a 6-plus unit Wichita-based, customer-centric junk removal franchise.

His main goal? Providing Atlanta and north Georgia with a unique business that makes its customers smile, makes north Georgia residents’ lives more fun and makes junk removal an enjoyable experience.

The former IBM security manager has spent the last decade working in the customer service field, which he feels will ultimately benefit his new role as a business owner. With his experience and passion for helping others, he hopes his business will provide a positive experience for those looking for junk removal services. 

1851 Franchise: Tell me your story – what did you do before franchising?

Eric Reynolds: Before franchising, I was a manager with IBM Security. I managed a group of people that advised our larger customers on how to use our security products. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising, and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?

Reynolds: I’ve been aware that I wanted to open a franchise for about 15 years. I recognized where I got my haircut, where I ate and all the other small franchises I used on a daily basis. I thought if I got the chance, franchising would be how I would start a business. I don’t have a business background, so franchising seemed very appealing to me. 1-800-JUNKPRO actually contacted me after looking at my LinkedIn and thought I would be a good candidate. 

1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?

Reynolds: I’ve always wanted my own business, but I thought I would like to invest with someone that could show me how to do it. I like to have coaches and mentors, and franchise opportunities seemed like a way to learn from people who have already been doing it. 

1851: How did you perform your research?

Reynolds: One of the reasons I stayed with 1-800-JUNKPRO was because they were instructive and purposeful with how I should research their franchise. They had a franchisee contact me who had been in franchising for the last 30 years, and I was able to ask him a lot of questions based on his experience.

I also researched the cost to make sure it was feasible, and I looked up others who had started 1-800-JUNKPRO. I took my time and appreciated that they didn’t rush me. They allowed me to take my time to figure out logistics. 

What attracted me most was that they felt like people I would want to work for. They were able to help me through issues and were interested in my success. They are also a smaller franchise, which I was advised to look for so I could be part of franchising from the ground up with the company.

1851: Why did you pick 1-800-JUNKPRO? What excited you most about the potential?

Reynolds: Their instruction in helping me research and their willingness to give me time. They have a lot of great values that resonate with me as far as running a business. They were very honest and open. 

I feel like the area I am servicing is a big market for people with stuff they want to get rid of, and they are willing to pay for it to be removed. It’s a market of wanting to pay for services like mine. I’ve been in a customer service-related field almost my entire career. I started as a software engineer, but my favorite part was being able to fix issues for customers. I enjoy providing a good experience for others. 

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Reynolds: I want to be known for quality and timeliness. I want to carve out a market for myself that can give me the life I am looking for later in my retirement years. I want to provide people an enjoyable service, and I want my name associated with quality, reliability and satisfaction. 

I’m starting out with three territories that cover about a million people. I’m starting with one truck and 18 dumpsters, and that area would probably support tripling what I have. I’m hoping within three to five years I’ll be able to triple the amount of equipment I have to cater to a bigger clientele. I’m hoping to more broadly cover the territory I have. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Reynolds: Get in the early stages of a franchise. Work with people that want to make you successful and find people willing to work with you. Make sure you have a good idea of what you are getting into through research. Also, find something in an area where you have some experience. I chose 1-800-JUNKPRO because I feel like I can relate to the demographic I am servicing. My strength is in customer service, and a lot of franchising is in customer service. Play to your strengths. Work with people who have integrity, values and are positive. 

1851: What do you do in your personal time (hobbies, family, sports, etc.)?

Reynolds: I spend a lot of time working with my youngest son on baseball. I do a lot of work with my church and love the children’s ministry. I enjoy doing the worship service, and before that, I was a youth camp director during the summers. I also love the outdoors and hiking.