Young Ones to Watch: Mike Davis, CEO & President of 1-800-JUNKPRO

Mike Davis and his wife Misty created Better Hauling Company in 1999 as a way to earn extra money. Today, the company (now known as 1-800-JUNKPRO) has grown to become one of the leading junk removal franchises in the country.

Davis worked at a mall in the auto center as well as a uniform company before founding Better Hauling Company. Then he went to the International Franchisee Association’s (IFA) annual convention. “I met some incredible people there who helped us take the necessary steps towards franchising,” he said. “With their knowledge and willingness to help, it was an easy decision to move in that direction.”

Since then 1-800-JUNKPRO has grown to six open locations and is targeting major metropolitan areas for expansion. Davis’ favorite thing about the franchising industry is that he gets to work alongside people who care as much about the business as he does.

“Having franchise owners is different because you can selectively choose people who are equally as passionate about taking care of customers as you are as the franchisor,” he said.

Despite the challenges that many franchises faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis says 1-800-JUNKPRO not only survived but thrived. “We were deemed an essential business from day one,” he said. “What happened to other businesses that had to shut down is heartbreaking, but we have been very blessed.”

His biggest piece of advice to young entrepreneurs who are interested in joining the franchising industry is to meet a few franchising professionals, ask a lot of questions and listen to the cons as well as the pros. “Ask about the negatives, too,” he said. “Some people forget how hard it was at first. A lot of people I met when I first started talked about the financial commitment, which for a young person can be a tough pill to swallow. So find some leaders in the franchise space who have been in your shoes and can guide you to success.”