College Hunks Hauling Junk

College Hunks Hauling Junk operates in moving and junk removal, two essential service categories with separate revenue streams. Omar Soliman started hauling junk in the Washington, D.C. suburbs in the summer of 2003 when he was 21, using his mother’s cargo van. His mother came up with the name College Hunks Hauling Junk. Soliman and his best friend Nick Friedman, whom he met in high school detention in 1995, turned the summer business into a full operation in 2004 after Soliman won $10,000 in a business plan contest. The company began franchising in either 2007 or 2008 and established its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, during that period. The system had 202 franchised units in 2024. Other reports list approximately 177 franchises in 2025 and 211 locations across the United States as of January 26, 2026. The company also operates in Canada. Its HUNKS name stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service. The combined addressable market exceeds $30 billion, including the US moving industry at $19.4 billion in 2022 and the junk removal industry at $10 billion. Waste management and remediation services were valued at $208 billion in 2019 and are projected to reach $230 billion by 2027, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.3%. Moving and junk removal are described as recession resistant and resistant to automation. The system provides a branded model in markets with many small independent operators. PeerSense presents this information for buyers evaluating a significant franchise investment.

The US moving services industry was valued at approximately $18.5 billion in 2021, after year over year growth of 5.4%, and reached $19.4 billion in 2022 with growth of 1.8%. The market is projected to expand by $4.4 billion from 2024 to 2029, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3.8%. The junk removal industry is estimated at around $10 billion. The broader waste management and remediation services industry was valued at $208 billion in 2019 and is forecast to reach $230 billion by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.3%. Together, moving and junk removal represent a market exceeding $30 billion. Demand is supported by urbanization, remote work, real estate transactions, commercial remodeling, and improvements in logistics and tracking technology. Lifestyle changes and job transitions also create demand for professional moving and junk removal. Customers increasingly seek affordable moving services and the convenience of combined moving and storage options. Both markets remain highly fragmented, with many small independent operators. A branded provider can compete through consistent service quality, recognition, and operating processes. The services are described as resistant to recessions and automation, which may provide stability during economic changes.

The franchise fee is listed as $55,000 in the available franchise data. Other sources report a $75,000 fee that includes both the junk removal and moving business lines. Reported total initial investment ranges include $250,000 to $350,000, $250,000 to $300,000, $258,000 to $481,000, and $250,000 to $480,500. Startup costs include the franchise fee, trucks and equipment, staff uniforms, initial marketing, local launch campaigns, training, onboarding support, proprietary technology platforms, and access to the national call center. Financial qualifications include minimum liquid capital of $70,000. Some web sources report $75,000 or $50,000. A minimum net worth of $200,000 and a credit score of at least 680 are also required. Continuing fees include a royalty of 7% of gross sales, a Brand Development Fee of 2% for national marketing, and a Technology Fee of 1% for proprietary systems. The company offers financing options through third party providers and a discount for qualified veterans. Buyers should compare the different fee and investment figures carefully when reviewing the franchise offering.

A franchisee does not need previous moving or junk removal experience. The role centers on building and leading management structures for moving and hauling teams, generating sales and business development from residential and commercial customers, reviewing key performance indicators, developing team culture, and creating local partnerships. Franchisees manage a truck fleet, oversee a marketing budget, and network with local business owners, real estate agents, and charity organizations for leads and visibility. Staffing commonly begins with 6 to 8 part time employees. The fun, youthful, and mission driven culture is intended to attract and retain college age workers. Training prepares franchisees for operating situations and day to day challenges. Business coaches and marketing coaches provide continuing guidance. The HUNKware software supports operations with real time business dashboards, scheduling, and dispatch. The national call center handles appointment bookings and customer inquiries. It booked over 1,300 jobs systemwide in one day, processed 313,000 jobs for franchise owners in 2020, and exceeded 350,000 jobs last year. National digital advertising and brand awareness campaigns supplement local marketing. Territories generally serve 300,000 to 400,000 people and are protected. About 70% of franchisees own multiple territories, supporting expansion through additional units.

The brand’s publicly reported results provide several measures of system performance. Local moving jobs average approximately $1,100 each, while junk removal jobs average around $400 each. These figures reflect reported averages and estimates, so a buyer should evaluate the underlying assumptions, costs, and individual territory conditions before relying on them.

College Hunks Hauling Junk reached 202 franchised units in 2024. Other sources report approximately 177 franchises in 2025 and 211 locations across the United States as of January 26, 2026. The company completed its 200th location in November 2022. It added 50 locations in 2021 and 37 locations in 2022, representing growth of 23% that year. The brand’s differentiation includes its North American recognition, the HUNKS service standards, and HUNKware software with operational dashboards, scheduling, and dispatch functions. Its call center booked over 350,000 jobs last year. Social impact programs include a national partnership with U.S. Hunger that has donated over 5 million meals, free moving services for survivors of domestic violence, and recycling or donating up to 70% of hauled items. The company was among the first franchise systems to accept cryptocurrency for franchise fees and became the first company to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with a collegiate athlete. It has appeared on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and the Inc. 5000 for rapid growth, and won Franchise Times’ Fast and Serious Awards in 2022 and U.S. Hunger’s Community Hero award in 2022. Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman received the Key to the City of Tampa in 2024 for their economic and social contributions. Their hurricane cleanup work included hauling over 500 truckloads of debris. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025.

The preferred franchisee profile emphasizes leadership and team development more than direct moving or junk removal experience. The support structure is intended for people who can build and lead effective management teams. Bryan Saad, a building company owner for 35 years, has praised the company’s corporate and peer support for helping him meet revenue goals. Veterans may find the structured operating environment attractive and have compared it with being part of a mission again. The model favors dedicated owner operators who can build a positive team culture and generate sales with residential and commercial customers. Since 70% of franchisees own multiple territories, candidates interested in growth and capable of managing several units may fit the model. Chicago, Miami, Denver, Boston, and Seattle are currently sold out, while hundreds of territories remain available across the United States and Canada. Protected territories serve populations of 300,000 to 400,000 people. Training and onboarding support the period from signing a franchise agreement to opening and are designed to prepare franchisees for real operating situations. The franchise agreement term length is not specified. The model’s focus on long term growth and multiple unit ownership indicates an expectation of continuing partnerships.

College Hunks Hauling Junk offers a dual service model in moving and junk removal, markets with a combined size exceeding $30 billion. The model also includes protected territories, proprietary technology, a national call center, training, coaching, and national marketing. Its social programs and HUNKS service standards provide additional elements for a buyer to assess. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm that introduces franchise buyers to SBA and conventional lenders. PeerSense is not a lender and does not approve or provide loans. Buyers considering this brand should review the franchise offering, validate the reported financial information, assess available territories, and determine whether the required capital and operating role fit their circumstances.