College Hunks Hauling Junk

Franchise investors often grapple with the challenge of identifying a robust, scalable business opportunity within a fragmented market, burdened by the inherent risk of capital deployment and the anxiety of selecting an unproven brand. College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise presents a compelling solution, operating within the essential and resilient sectors of moving and junk removal, offering a dual-revenue stream model designed for significant market penetration. The brand’s origin story begins in the summer of 2003, when Omar Soliman, then 21, initiated junk hauling services in the Washington, D.C. suburbs using his mother’s cargo van, with the memorable name "College Hunks Hauling Junk" playfully coined by his mother. Soliman, alongside his best friend Nick Friedman, whom he had met in high school detention in 1995, officially expanded this summer side hustle into a full-scale operation in 2004, a pivotal moment catalyzed by Soliman winning $10,000 in a business plan contest. The company began franchising in either 2007 or 2008, establishing its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, during the same period. As of 2024, College Hunks Hauling Junk boasted 202 franchised units, with other reports indicating approximately 177 franchises in 2025 and 211 locations across the United States as of January 26, 2026, alongside operations in Canada, cementing its strong brand presence across North America. The brand’s identity is underpinned by the "HUNKS" acronym, signifying Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service, reflecting a commitment to purpose-driven service that extends beyond mere transactional interactions. This comprehensive market positioning is strategic, tapping into a combined addressable market exceeding $30 billion, encompassing the US moving industry valued at $19.4 billion in 2022 and the junk removal industry estimated at $10 billion. The broader waste management and remediation services industry, valued at $208 billion in 2019 and projected to reach $230 billion by 2027 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3%, further underscores the expansive potential of this franchise opportunity. For the astute franchise investor, College Hunks Hauling Junk represents a structured entry into industries that are both recession-resistant and automation-resistant, offering a differentiated, nationally recognized brand in sectors traditionally characterized by a multitude of small, independent operators. This independent analysis from PeerSense aims to provide a data-dense evaluation, not merely marketing rhetoric, for those considering a significant franchise investment.

The industry landscape for College Hunks Hauling Junk is characterized by substantial market size and consistent growth, presenting a robust environment for franchise investment. The US moving services industry alone was valued at approximately $18.5 billion in 2021, demonstrating a year-over-year growth of 5.4%, further expanding to $19.4 billion in 2022 with a growth rate of 1.8%. Projections indicate a continued expansion of the US moving services market by $4.4 billion from 2024 to 2029, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. Complementing this, the junk removal industry is estimated at around $10 billion, with the broader waste management and remediation services industry, which encompasses junk removal, valued at $208 billion in 2019 and forecast to reach $230 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.3%. Collectively, these two primary markets represent an opportunity exceeding $30 billion, offering significant scope for market capture and expansion for the College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise. Key consumer trends are powerful drivers of demand across both segments, including ongoing urbanization, the evolving landscape of remote work, a dynamic real estate market leading to rising transactions, increased commercial remodeling activities, and continuous technological advancements in logistics and tracking systems. Furthermore, heightened mobility driven by changing lifestyle preferences and job transitions consistently fuels the need for professional moving and junk removal services. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing affordable moving options and the convenience of integrated moving storage solutions, trends that directly benefit a dual-service provider. A critical competitive dynamic within both industries is their high degree of fragmentation, with a pervasive presence of numerous small, independent operators. This structural characteristic creates a substantial advantage for professional, branded services like College Hunks Hauling Junk, enabling them to stand out through consistent service quality, brand recognition, and operational efficiency. Both the moving and junk removal services are inherently recession-resistant and automation-resistant, providing a stable foundation for franchise investment even amidst economic fluctuations, making this industry category particularly attractive for long-term growth and capital preservation.

Understanding the financial commitment is paramount for any prospective franchisee, and the College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise investment structure provides a detailed overview of the required capital. The franchise fee, a foundational component of the initial investment, is $55,000, as cited in the provided franchise data, although other sources indicate a fee of $75,000 which explicitly includes both the junk removal and moving business lines, underscoring the dual-revenue model inherent in the offering. The total initial investment required to launch a College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise spans a range from $250,000 to $350,000, with other reported ranges including $250,000-$300,000, $258,000-$481,000, and $250,000-$480,500. This comprehensive investment covers a multitude of essential startup expenses, encompassing the aforementioned franchise fee, the acquisition of necessary trucks and equipment, the provision of uniforms for staff, initial marketing expenditures, localized launch campaigns to establish market presence, thorough training programs, critical onboarding support, and invaluable access to proprietary technology platforms and the national call center. To qualify for this investment, prospective franchisees must meet specific financial benchmarks, including a minimum liquid capital of $70,000, as per the franchise data, though some web sources suggest $75,000 or $50,000. Additionally, a minimum net worth of $200,000 is required, coupled with a credit score of at least 680, which is crucial for facilitating financing approvals. Beyond the initial outlay, franchisees are subject to ongoing fees designed to support the brand’s continued growth and operational excellence: a royalty rate of 7% of gross sales, a Brand Development Fee (ad fund) of 2% dedicated to national marketing efforts, and a Technology Fee of 1% to maintain and enhance proprietary systems. This total cost of ownership positions College Hunks Hauling Junk as a mid-tier franchise investment, offering a robust support infrastructure and a dual-revenue model that aims to justify the capital outlay. The company further supports its franchisees by offering financing options through third-party providers and extends a discount to qualified veterans, recognizing their service and facilitating their entrepreneurial journey.

The operating model for a College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise is meticulously structured to support franchisees, even those without prior experience in the moving or junk removal industries, through a comprehensive support system and clear daily operational guidelines. A franchisee's daily operations are dynamic, focusing on building and leading effective management structures for their moving and hauling teams, driving sales and business development efforts for both residential and commercial clients, diligently reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, fostering a strong and positive team culture, and actively building local partnerships within their community. Additionally, franchisees are responsible for efficiently managing a fleet of trucks, strategically overseeing a dedicated marketing budget, and networking extensively with other local business owners, real estate agents, and charity organizations to generate leads and enhance brand visibility. Staffing typically commences with 6-8 part-time employees, and the brand’s distinctive fun, youthful, and mission-driven culture plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining quality, college-age workers, providing a consistent labor pool. The comprehensive training program is designed to be effective and thorough, preparing franchisees for real-life operational scenarios and challenges. Ongoing corporate support is a cornerstone of the College Hunks Hauling Junk system, featuring dedicated business coaches and marketing coaches who provide continuous operational and strategic guidance. Franchisees gain access to proprietary technology platforms, notably custom software dubbed "HUNKware," which streamlines operations, provides real-time business dashboards for informed decision-making, and facilitates efficient scheduling and dispatch systems. A centralized call center is a critical component of this support, adeptly handling all appointment bookings and customer inquiries nationally, significantly reducing the administrative burden on franchisees. This call center has demonstrated impressive capacity, booking over 1,300 jobs systemwide in a single day, processing 313,000 jobs for franchise owners in 2020, and exceeding 350,000 jobs last year. In 2020 alone, the call center generated an additional $4.8 million in revenue from "Open Leads," effectively re-engaging individuals who did not book on their initial call. National marketing and lead generation efforts, including digital advertising and brand awareness campaigns, complement local efforts, ensuring a steady stream of customer inquiries. Each franchise is granted a protected territory, typically serving 300,000 to 400,000 people, providing exclusivity and focused market development. The high rate of multi-unit ownership, with 70% of franchisees owning multiple territories, further underscores the scalability and confidence in the operating model, suggesting an owner-operator model that supports growth through additional units.

Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document provided in the franchise data. However, publicly available revenue data and growth metrics from the web research findings offer significant insights into the financial potential and robust performance trajectory of the College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise system. The brand has demonstrated consistent and impressive growth, with system-wide revenue increasing by 17% year-over-year in 2020, reaching a substantial $145,973,221. This growth is further evidenced by the average franchise revenue, which experienced a remarkable 230% increase over the past decade, climbing from $442,000 in 2013 to $1.46 million in 2023. More recent figures from the 2025 FDD, as cited in web research, indicate that the average gross revenue per franchise location was $1.45 million in 2024, while other FDD reports suggest an average gross revenue of approximately $1.03 million annually. These figures are compelling, particularly when considering the performance of top-tier operators. The top 25% of franchisees, representing the highest-performing owners, achieved an average gross revenue of $3.09 million with an average EBITDA of $309,000 in 2024, according to the 2025 FDD. This top quartile also reported an impressive average 19% EBITDA margin, translating to approximately $474,000 in profit in a recent year, showcasing the significant earnings potential for high-performing units. For the system as a whole, the average EBITDA margin is estimated at roughly 15-18%, implying that an average franchisee generating $1 million in sales could anticipate around $150,000 in operating profit annually. The dual revenue streams are a key contributor to these strong financial outcomes, with local moving jobs averaging approximately $1,100 each and junk removal jobs averaging around $400 each, providing diversified and consistent income. Further underscoring the profitability trend, franchisee net income as a percentage of revenue increased by 39% year-over-year in 2020. These comprehensive financial signals, despite the absence of Item 19 disclosure in the provided franchise data, strongly suggest a franchise opportunity with substantial revenue potential, healthy profit margins, and a proven track record of growth for dedicated operators within the College Hunks Hauling Junk system.

The growth trajectory of College Hunks Hauling Junk demonstrates a consistent expansion and strong market acceptance, underpinned by strategic developments and a clear competitive edge. The brand’s unit count has steadily climbed, reaching 202 franchised units as of 2024, with other sources indicating approximately 177 franchises in 2025 and 211 locations across the United States as of January 26, 2026, further solidifying its North American footprint. A significant milestone was achieved in November 2022 when College Hunks finalized its 200th location, reflecting robust expansion. The company added 50 new locations in 2021 and continued its impressive growth by 23% with 37 new locations in 2022. This unit expansion is mirrored by substantial revenue growth, with system-wide revenue increasing by 17% year-over-year in 2020, reaching $145,973,221. Over the past decade, the average franchise revenue has seen an extraordinary 230% increase, rising from $442,000 in 2013 to $1.46 million in 2023, showcasing the long-term viability and increasing profitability of individual units. The competitive moat for College Hunks Hauling Junk is multi-faceted, built on strong brand recognition across North America and a commitment to its "HUNKS" acronym (Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service), which differentiates it in a fragmented market. Proprietary technology, including "HUNKware" for streamlined operations, real-time business dashboards, and efficient scheduling and dispatch systems, provides a significant operational advantage. The centralized call center, which booked over 350,000 jobs last year, is a critical asset, ensuring consistent lead generation and customer service. National marketing and lead generation efforts are robust, having garnered over $30 million in earned national media exposure through appearances on high-profile shows like Shark Tank, Oprah, and Undercover Boss. The brand is also recognized for its social impact initiatives, including a national partnership with U.S. Hunger, through which it has donated over 5 million meals, and providing free moving services for survivors of domestic violence, recycling or donating up to 70% of hauled items. College Hunks Hauling Junk has also demonstrated adaptability and innovation, being among the first franchise systems to accept cryptocurrency for franchise fees and becoming the first company to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with a collegiate athlete. These efforts, combined with numerous accolades such as being recognized on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list, Inc. 5000 for rapid growth, and winning Franchise Times' Fast and Serious Awards in 2022, along with the Community Hero award by U.S. Hunger in 2022, solidify its position as a leading and evolving brand. The co-founders, Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, received the Key to the City of Tampa in 2024 for their economic and social contributions, particularly for hurricane cleanup efforts where they hauled over 500 truckloads of debris, further enhancing brand reputation. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, marking two decades of growth and innovation.

The ideal College Hunks Hauling Junk franchisee is characterized less by prior industry experience in moving or junk removal and more by a strong leadership acumen and a commitment to team development. The comprehensive support system is designed to guide individuals even without direct sector knowledge, focusing on their ability to build and lead effective management structures for their teams. Many franchisees, including those like Bryan Saad, a building company owner for 35 years, have lauded the invaluable corporate and peer support received, enabling them to successfully meet revenue goals. Veterans, in particular, find the structured environment and robust support appealing, often likening it to being part of a mission again. This indicates a preference for candidates who are dedicated owner-operators, focused on fostering a strong team culture and engaging actively in sales and business development for both residential and commercial clients. The model strongly supports multi-unit ownership, with 70% of franchisees owning multiple territories, underscoring the scalability and the expectation that successful operators will expand their footprint. This suggests that candidates with aspirations for growth and the capacity to manage multiple units would be well-suited. While major markets such as Chicago, Miami, Denver, Boston, and Seattle are currently sold out, hundreds of prime territories remain available across the U.S. and Canada, providing ample opportunity for new franchisees. Each franchise is granted a protected territory, serving a population range of 300,000 to 400,000 people, ensuring a defined market for development. The timeline from signing a franchise agreement to opening is supported by thorough training and onboarding processes, designed to prepare franchisees for real-life situations effectively. The franchise agreement term length is not specified, but the emphasis on long-term growth and multi-unit expansion implies a commitment to enduring partnerships.

For investors seeking a high-growth franchise opportunity within resilient and essential service sectors, College Hunks Hauling Junk warrants serious due diligence. The brand offers a compelling investment thesis, combining a dual-revenue model in the over $30 billion moving and junk removal markets with a strong national brand presence and a comprehensive, proven support system. Its impressive financial trajectory, including system-wide revenue exceeding $145 million and average franchise revenue growing to $1.46 million in 2023, signals significant unit-level potential, further highlighted by top-performing franchisees achieving average gross revenues of $3.09 million and average EBITDA margins of 19%. This strong financial performance, coupled with a purpose-driven mission, proprietary technology, and extensive marketing support, positions College Hunks Hauling Junk as a differentiated leader in a fragmented industry landscape. The opportunity capitalizes on secular tailwinds such as increasing mobility, urbanization, and the demand for professional, branded services in a market historically dominated by smaller, independent operators. PeerSense provides exclusive due diligence data including SBA lending history, FPI score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side-by-side comparison tools. Explore the complete College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.