The Great Franchisee | Local Air Force Veteran and Firefighter Opens Veteran-Centric Junk Removal Business

Local Air Force Veteran and Army firefighter Brandon Ouellette is using his military experience to open and grow his business in the community. In 2021, Ouellette opened his own junk removal company but soon discovered JDog, the Veteran-centric junk removal and hauling franchise, and couldn’t wait to join its network. 

Ouellette is excited to open another JDog location so he can continue his and JDog’s mission of hiring local Veterans and giving back to the community. Ouellette plans on celebrating the opening of the Ann Arbor location at the University of Michigan football game on November 12. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Ouellette to learn more about his franchising journey with JDog Brands.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Brandon Ouellette: After high school, I went into the Air Force for four years. I worked for the Army for a year as a firefighter after that. In 2017, I moved to Toledo to be a firefighter. Then, I opened my own junk removal company. Six months later, I reached out to Jerry Flanagan to combine my junk removal with JDog Junk Removal and Hauling. I wanted to be a part of a network of other Veterans and have the benefits of being associated with a bigger brand and team. It’s easier to succeed and grow with a successful business model already in place. Franchising gives you all of the tools you need to succeed.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Ouellette: I didn’t really have a perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee. I’m new to business ownership, so I didn’t have to really look into it before. I did think that franchising gave you an extensive network to work with.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Ouellette: We stand out because of our professionalism, branding and service. Also, 80% of my employees are Veterans, so you know when you hire us at JDog, you will get a group of hard-working people. I also use my business to give back to the community that supports us, so I think people really appreciate that.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Ouellette: I was excited to be a part of the vast network of business owners that are Vets. We can share knowledge and network together. I can also give back to the Vet community through the JDog Foundation and working with the VA. Being a part of JDog is almost like being back in the military because of the strong networks and bonds I’ve made.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Ouellette: I plan on growing the territories I have now and getting more trucks on the road. I would love to have eight to 10 trucks on the road for my current territory. I am definitely interested in expanding in the future.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Ouellette: The military instilled that grit and hard work mentality that it takes to be a business owner. And being a firefighter made me a people person. Through those experiences, I can successfully talk to people and network and be confident while doing it. Because of that, I can provide great customer service.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Ouellette: Do your research and make sure that the franchise is in an industry you are passionate about. We are passionate about providing the best customer service out there. And once you do find a franchise you love, give it your all.