Franchisor Stories
This Pittsburgh-based junk removal brand is open only to veterans, leaning on military discipline and teamwork to build a service business that puts the community first.
For many veterans transitioning out of the military, the challenge isn’t capability — it’s finding a business model that aligns with the mission and sense of purpose they’re used to. G.I. HAUL Junk Removal was built with that exact transition in mind.
Founded by post-9/11 veterans David and Mike McCloskey, the brand was created after the brothers experienced firsthand how expensive and inaccessible traditional franchise opportunities could be. Instead of following that path, they built a system designed specifically for veterans — one that lowers barriers to entry while maintaining the operational support, training and systems needed to succeed.
“The mission of G.I. HAUL is to provide outstanding service to our clients as well as small business ownership opportunities for military veterans,” David said in a press release. “We know firsthand that the military instills qualities in veterans that make for great business owners.”
Junk removal may seem simple on the surface, but the business itself is highly operational — requiring logistics, efficiency, customer service and strong team leadership. Those are all areas where veterans already excel.
From coordinating routes and managing crews to executing jobs with precision and professionalism, the day-to-day responsibilities mirror the structured environments many veterans are trained in. The model rewards discipline, accountability and the ability to execute under pressure, which are all core military traits.
For Fernando Galvan, a Marine veteran and former owner of G.I. HAUL in Austin, that alignment was a major factor in choosing the brand. “I looked at several different opportunities, but when I spoke with David and saw how involved they were — especially in the veteran community — I knew I wanted to be part of that team,” Galvan said in a video interview.
He also touched on the advantage of entering business through franchising rather than starting from scratch. “They’ve already made a lot of the mistakes and figured things out,” Galvan said. “They share their experience with us and mentor us through it, which makes a big difference when you’re getting started.”
Junk removal is a service that cuts across residential and commercial markets, from homeowners clearing out garages to businesses managing office cleanouts. “Everybody has junk,” Galvan said. “It piles up, and most people don’t want to deal with it. That’s where we come in.”
Most owners get their start with just one truck and a small, dedicated crew, then grow the business at their own pace by adding more vehicles and reaching into new neighborhoods. Those trucks do double duty on the road. Not only do they handle the heavy lifting, but they also serve as rolling billboards that help the community get to know the brand naturally.
What truly sets G.I. HAUL apart is its veterans-only ownership model. Every franchisee is part of the same community, bringing shared experiences, values and a built-in sense of trust.
“No matter the situation, they’re there to guide us,” Galvan said. “It’s a good place to lean on when you’re learning how to run a business.”
That culture extends beyond internal operations and into the communities franchisees serve. Many operators partner with local organizations to donate usable items, recycle materials and support fellow veterans. Galvan, for example, works closely with veteran organizations in his area to ensure items are repurposed whenever possible.
“I try to give back as much as I can,” he said. “A veteran is a veteran — no matter the branch. That’s what it’s all about.”
For veterans exploring business ownership, Galvan encourages others to take that step, even if the path forward isn’t entirely clear at first.
“There’s a lot you don’t think about until you’re actually running the business — marketing, taxes, operations,” he said. “But if you’re willing to learn and take on the challenge, it’s worth it.”
Ultimately, the same qualities that define military service also drive success in franchising.
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