The Junkluggers

When people hear that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-mejia-junkluggers?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lucy-mejia-franchisee-story-2730769" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lucy Mejia</a> owns a location of&nbsp;<a href="https://junkluggersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lucy-mejia-franchisee-story-2730769" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Junkluggers</a> junk removal franchise, they often do a double-take. “When I say I do junk removal, people look at me like, ‘How did you get into this business? You?’” she said.&nbsp;Before she became a business owner, Mejia worked as a GIS technician at Southern Company Gas. “I loved my job,” she said. “But then, you know, I wanted to start a family. Once I had my son, I decided, ‘You know what? I’m going to stay home.’ So I stayed with him, had my daughter, and then I just knew that I would always go back to work one day.”That desire to return to work eventually turned into something bigger — entrepreneurship. “My husband was like, ‘What if you start your own business?’” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh gosh, that’s a lot to think about.’ My dad’s an entrepreneur. I know what it’s like. It’s very stressful to have a business. You have your ups and downs. But ultimately, the pros outweighed the cons — the flexibility — I could be with my kids during the day and take them to school and go to their games and have family life — not the nine-to-five.”<h2>Finding the Right Fit</h2>When Mejia and her husband began looking at franchise opportunities, one brand stood out immediately. “We did decide on The Junkluggers,” she said. “They checked every single box — from sustainability to being community-oriented, to the people at headquarters, to the other franchisee owners. The culture was solid, and it really hit all my passions and checkpoints.”Founded in 2004, The Junkluggers is an eco-conscious junk removal franchise that donates, recycles and repurposes items to keep them out of landfills. The brand’s mission is to make junk removal more sustainable with a growing network of over 75 locations across the country. For Mejia, that mission wasn’t just appealing — it was personal.“My day-to-day, I do the business and the marketing for my locations,” she said. “I hired a chief of ops and he’s handling the day-to-day with the crew. I’m out there being the face, connecting with the community, finding all our resources for recycling. We have eight different recyclers that we work with and over 15 different donation partners that we work with that need and recycle different kinds of items.”<h2>Leading With Heart</h2>Whether she’s networking at business association meetings, collaborating with local nonprofits, or jumping in to help her crew on a clean-out, Mejia’s leadership is hands-on and values-driven.&nbsp;“I couldn’t do it without my team,” she said. “They show up every day, no complaints. They get the job done. They work hard and they take care of us, and we take care of them. I don’t expect them to do anything that I wouldn’t do.”As a woman in what’s often considered a male-dominated field, Mejia doesn’t see barriers — she sees opportunities. “I don’t really see it as a roadblock,” she said. “I just show up like I need to, and they give me respect. It actually gives me a point to stand out, which I think is an advantage.”<h2>Building a Legacy and a Message</h2>Today, Mejia’s business continues to thrive — and so does her family.&nbsp;“To have my kids watch me growing a successful business, it just means the world to me,” she said. “Having that business, growing that legacy, helping the community and then educating people that we can do better — bringing that circular economy into the mix of our everyday lives is my ultimate goal. And I hope to pass that trait on to my kids.”Learn more about The Junkluggers franchise here:&nbsp;<a href="https://junkluggersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lucy-mejia-franchisee-story-2730769" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://junkluggersfranchise.com/</a>.

Lucy Mejia's Story: From Mom to Junkluggers Franchisee

1851 Franchise

After leaving her corporate career to raise her children, Lucy Mejia discovered a new path to purpose and flexibility through The Junkluggers franchise.

This brand page has been paid for by THE JUNKLUGGERS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

How This Stay-at-Home Mom Found Her Calling With The Junkluggers

lucy-mejia-franchisee-story

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Why Junkluggers

Mission-Driven Junkluggers Franchise by Husband-and-Wife Team

Top 5 Reasons To Buy

Deep Dive

Learn

Visit Website

THE JUNKLUGGERS

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

TikTok

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

How Technology and Market Shifts Are Transforming Home-Service Franchising in 2026

The Junkluggers Franchisees and Leadership Gathered to Build Momentum for 2026

Husband-and-Wife Team Grow a Mission-Driven Junkluggers Franchise Focused on Local Service

THE JUNKLUGGERS MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT THE JUNKLUGGERS

CONTACT THE JUNKLUGGERS

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Region

Postal Code

Amount Available to Invest

Tell Us More

Terms and Conditions

Ready to be part of a company that is changing the way the world treats junk?

For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-jones-28b041222/">Dana</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-jones-a91a86221/">Terri Jones</a>, the path to business ownership didn’t start in an office building. It started at a summer camp for children with cancer. Meeting as counselors, the pair established a foundation of service that has defined their personal and business relationship for 25 years.&nbsp;When they decided to leave their lives in Texas and relocate to Pittsburgh in 2020 to be closer to Dana’s father, they weren't just looking for a change of scenery. They were looking for a way to continue weaving that lifelong commitment to helping others into a sustainable career.The couple found their answer in&nbsp;<a href="https://junkluggersfranchise.com/">The Junkluggers</a>, a franchise dedicated to keeping items out of landfills. Today, as owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.junkluggers.com/pittsburgh/">The Junkluggers of Pittsburgh</a>, the Joneses operate four territories and recently expanded their footprint by opening a physical location of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-junkluggers/info">The Junkluggers’</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.junkluggers.com/about-us/remix-market/">Remix Market</a>, a secondhand concept breathing new life into the items they haul.<h2>A Shared Mission</h2>Pivoting from corporate finance and high school education into the world of junk removal might seem like a leap. But for the Joneses, the mission was a familiar one. Dana, who also holds a Master of Divinity, had previously founded a nonprofit in Fort Worth aimed at providing furniture to those in need."We met the owner of Junkluggers through a friend of a friend in Austin," Dana said. "He told us about a company started in Connecticut that did work similar to what we were doing through the church: procuring furniture and home goods for people coming out of shelters or arriving as refugees."The ability to provide high-quality items to local nonprofits while giving employees a second chance at a career resonated with the couple. They opened in October 2021, starting with just one truck and a single employee.<h2>The Power of Partnership</h2>Running a business as a married couple requires a delicate balance of shared vision and divided labor. From the start, the Joneses played to their individual strengths to manage the complexities of running a new business in a new place.Dana handles the daily operations, managing the crews and the fleet of trucks. Terri oversees the back office essentials, including HR, technology and billing. This division of labor allows them to move quickly without second-guessing one another."I don’t know how solo owners do it," Dana said. "We both work full time. It’s nice not having to question whether the other person is doing what needs to be done."Terri noted that while the work is constant, the trust they share is the business's greatest asset. "When you own a business, you bet on yourself — and your partner," she said. "One thing I’ve learned is not to wait until everything is figured out. Roll it out and figure it out as you go."<h2>Growing the Brand</h2>That mentality helped the Joneses successfully launch Remix Market Pittsburgh. What began as the online selling of items from a storage unit quickly became a 12,000-square-foot facility. The Junkluggers sister brand serves as a hub for rehoming furniture and home decor with a portion of proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.The expansion has turned the Joneses into multi-brand franchisees, a growth spurt that has come to involve the entire family. Their children have worked on the trucks and behind the registers, witnessing firsthand the grind required to build a business from scratch in a new city."Whether I was in a conference room in a suit or getting trucks out the door, it’s work ethic," Dana said. "Any success we’ve had isn’t because we’re smarter than anyone else. We just work hard with the idea that five or 10 years of effort will pay off."As they look toward the future, the couple hopes to add more routes and eventually step back into leadership roles that allow their employees to grow. But for now, they’re content building a business that reflects their values."We want to be profitable. But we also want to serve people," Terri said. "That thread has been woven through our relationship for 25 years."About The JunkluggersFounded in 2004, The Junkluggers provides sustainable junk removal services. This team of big-hearted professionals revolutionizes the hauling and removal industry by focusing on eco-conscious, community-oriented practices as they remove your furniture and junk. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.junkluggers.com">www.junkluggers.com</a>. For franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.junkluggersfranchise.com">www.junkluggersfranchise.com</a>.

Photo of The Junkluggers franchisees Dana and Terri Jones

By combining four Junkluggers territories with a physical Remix Market storefront, the Joneses have turned a career change into a mission-driven operation serving the Pittsburgh community.

dana-terri-jones-franchise-husband-wife-team

<a href="https://junkluggersfranchise.com/">The Junkluggers</a> hosted its 2026 Franchisee Conference, bringing franchisees and leadership together to recognize performance across the system and discuss the brand’s priorities for the year ahead.The event focused on the strategies working across the network today and the company’s direction for this year. Sessions focused on operational updates, systemwide initiatives, and opportunities for franchisees to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.“This conference is always a chance to step back and look at how far we’ve come as a system,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwaltz/">Justin Waltz</a>, brand president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-junkluggers/info">The Junkluggers</a>. “We’re seeing strong execution across the board, and just as important, we’re seeing franchisees support each other and stay committed to what makes this brand different.”<h2>Focus on Operations and What Comes Next</h2>A large part of the conference focused on improving day-to-day operations and supporting more consistent franchisee growth.&nbsp;Leadership shared updates tied to customer experience, marketing support, and system standards, all designed to make it easier for franchisees to run their businesses while maintaining a consistent brand experience across markets. A major area of focus was the continued development of Remix Market, the brand’s resale platform that provides an additional revenue stream for franchisees.As part of that effort, The Junkluggers is building out a two-part resale approach: Remix Market, which will serve as a more curated, brand-forward experience, and a more streamlined&nbsp; Outlet model designed to help franchisees move inventory faster with fewer requirements.To support this rollout&nbsp; the company plans to introduce additional tools this year, including short-form content, social support, and clearer in-store messaging to help tell the brand’s story.“We’re focused on building systems that actually work in the field,” Waltz said. “If we can help franchisees move items faster and create a better experience for customers, that’s a win for everyone.”The brand is also inviting franchisees to play a direct role in shaping what comes next through a small working group called the Thrift Council, which will test ideas and provide feedback as the resale model continues to evolve.<h2>A Strong Culture Across the System</h2>Beyond operational strategy, the gathering also highlighted the collaborative culture that has developed across The Junkluggers system. Franchisees spent time sharing insights, discussing&nbsp; challenges, and learning from each other’s experiences.Sustainability and community impact remained central themes throughout the conference, with a spotlight on landfill diversion, donation partnerships, and responsible disposal practices that franchisees carry out locally.“Our franchisees care about doing the job the right way,” Waltz said. “That shows up in how they serve customers, how they run their teams, and how they show up in their communities.”<h2>Recognizing Franchisee Achievement</h2>The conference also featured an awards ceremony recognizing franchisees who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the past year.&nbsp;<ul><li>The&nbsp;Weirdest Piece of Junk Award went to Evan Tyler of Los Angeles, California, who uncovered a skull bowling ball on a job.</li><li>The Impact Award&nbsp;was presented to Ian McCartney of Willamette Valley, Oregon for his leadership and growth throughout 2025.</li><li>The&nbsp;Green Way Award went to Joe Sandoval, Koby Agor, Rory Agor, and the Orange County, California team for their work in landfill diversion and sustainability.</li><li>The&nbsp;Green Way Award — National Accounts&nbsp;was presented to Bob Wojcik of Greater Northwest Indiana for his reporting and operational consistency.</li><li>The&nbsp;Helpful Neighbor Award&nbsp;was presented to Lucy Mejia of Atlanta Metro East for her willingness to support other franchisees across the system.</li><li>The&nbsp;Top NPS Location Award went to Josh Eaton and Caitlyn Eaton of Willamette Valley, Oregon for delivering a strong customer experience and earning high satisfaction scores.</li><li>The&nbsp;Distinguished Mensch Award honored Charles Dennis of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island for his leadership and integrity.</li><li>The&nbsp;2025 Franchise of the Year Award was presented to franchise owner Frank Hill and CEO Kevin McGill of Long Island, Queens, and Nassau County for their performance and leadership within the system.</li></ul>“These awards are a reflection of the people behind this brand,” Waltz said. “They’re doing the work every day and setting the standard for others to follow.”<h2>Building on Momentum</h2>With continued investment in operations and marketing, The Junkluggers is focused on equipping franchisees with more tools to grow while maintaining consistency across markets. But leadership made it clear that the brand's foundation will remain the same.“We’re building on what already works,” Waltz said. “Strong operators, clear systems, and a shared commitment to our mission. That’s what will carry us forward.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-junkluggers">https://1851franchise.com/the-junkluggers</a>.

image of junk luggers franchise  2026 Franchisee Conference

The annual gathering gave owners and leadership time to recognize standout performance, exchange ideas, and align around the year ahead.

junkluggers-franchise-conference-2026-recap

SEYMOUR, Conn.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://junkluggersfranchise.com/">The Junkluggers</a> spent 2025 adding new franchise owners and entering new markets, signing eight franchise agreements for eight territories. That growth included new locations in Silver Spring, MD; Windsor Hills, CA; College Station, TX; Saratoga, N.Y.; Orlando West, FL, Rocherster, NY, St. Louis, MO, and Katy, TX.That expansion reflects growing demand for values-driven home services as consumers and businesses seek more environmentally responsible ways to manage clutter and waste. For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-junkluggers/info">The Junkluggers</a>, it also signals a franchise system built for scale without sacrificing its mission.“2025 was about strengthening the foundation and proving that purpose-driven businesses can scale responsibly,” said Brand President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwaltz/">Justin Waltz</a>. “As we head into 2026, we’re focused on smart growth, putting the right owners in the right markets and giving them the tools to win from day one.”The Junkluggers picked up several industry recognitions that reflected its continued growth. The brand moved up to No. 204 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500</a> list, improving from No. 218 the year before. It also advanced on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/top-400-2025/">Franchise Times Top 400</a>, rising to No. 387 after ranking No. 399 previously. During the year, The Junkluggers was also named a finalist for the Zor Awards in the “Throw It Away (Junk Hauling)” category.“These rankings aren’t just about growth; they’re about consistency,” Waltz said. “They tell us we’re building something sustainable, something franchisees can trust long term.”The Junkluggers is built on the idea that junk removal shouldn’t end at the landfill. The brand focuses on donating, recycling, and reusing items whenever possible.Under Waltz’s leadership, the brand has doubled down on what he calls “frictionless franchising,” reducing operational burdens so owners can focus on people and performance.“Our goal is to take friction out of the system,” Waltz said. “When we lower back-end costs and centralize things like booking and support, franchisees can reinvest in their frontline teams — and that’s where real growth happens.”Support includes a national contact center, modern routing and job-management software, and a clear, data-driven operating playbook. Pre-opening training spans four virtual weeks prior to a week in person, consisting of ongoing coaching, marketing resources, and vendor partnerships available after launch.As the junk removal industry continues to grow, The Junkluggers is positioning itself for its next phase of expansion. Priority markets include Central Florida; Houston; Phoenix; Northern California; Milwaukee; Salt Lake City; Indianapolis; Las Vegas; Birmingham, AL; and Jacksonville, FL.“We’re entering 2026 with momentum, clarity, and hunger,” Waltz said. “We know where we’re going, and we’re building a network of owners who want to grow something meaningful in their communities.”About The JunkluggersFounded in 2004, The Junkluggers provides sustainable junk removal services. This team of big-hearted professionals revolutionizes the hauling and removal industry by focusing on eco-conscious, community-oriented practices as they remove your furniture and junk. For more information, please visit www.junkluggers.com. For franchise opportunities, visit <a href="http://www.junkluggersfranchise.com">www.junkluggersfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;

After Receiving Top Franchise Accolades and Adding Eight New Franchisees in 2025, 

The junk removal franchise under Authority Brands signed eight new territories last year and is planning targeted growth in key markets nationwide.

How This Stay-at-Home Mom Found Her Calling With The Junkluggers

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS