Where did you go to high school and college? – Needham High School, University of Tampa, Boston University
What’s your favorite sport? – Golf
How long have you lived in the area where you started your business? I grew up here
Professional Background
What inspired you to join the junk removal industry? I take great pride in hard work and assisting others. There’s nothing more fulfilling than lending a hand to a neighbor on a challenging task or project that they find daunting or may need help with. Additionally, I noticed a deficiency in integrity among our competitors. I aimed to offer a valuable service that emphasizes honesty and transparency, giving our clients the quality service they truly deserve.
Can you share a bit about your career journey leading up to becoming a brand president? I was initially involved in audio engineering, focusing on recording, mixing, and mastering music. I stumbled into the waste management industry while looking for a part-time job, but I quickly found a passion for it. My experience as the owner of Lug Away, much like how I spend my time now, revolved around the concept of “Making it Happen.” I was out in the field, busy in the office, expanding the business, and working alongside my team members to guide them. Thanks to our integrity-driven team, I’ve been able to create opportunities for them and will keep doing so as they lead the way into the future.
What is your favorite part of working in the junk removal business? What I enjoy most about being in the junk removal industry is the numerous times we can genuinely impact our customers’ lives.
Leadership and Vision
How do you define your leadership style? I would describe my leadership style as a combination of Servant and Coaching.
What are your top priorities as a brand president? As a Brand President, my main goals include driving the expansion of Lug Away, creating additional leadership and management opportunities for our team, and establishing new locations throughout the state.
How do you motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best work? I motivate and inspire my team to perform at their best by demonstrating that each member makes a significant difference. I engage in difficult conversations that promote their growth and strengthen our relationships, allowing them to feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their mistakes, ultimately leading to greater achievements.
Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud of your team or company? I often feel proud of my team. They continuously surprise me with innovative ways to support our clients and help each other grow. Whether it’s 0 degrees with a foot of snow on the ground or 103 degrees after working 10 hours or more, they always rise to the occasion.
Company Culture and Values
What makes your company unique compared to others in the industry? We strive to provide exceptional customer service while investing heavily in our team to foster leadership growth and confidence.
How do you ensure the company’s core values are reflected in daily operations? We have an open-door policy where everyone can speak freely. We hold everyone to a high standard of accountability and value our team members’ opinions.
What role does customer satisfaction play in your company’s success? Every day, we strive to find new ways to impress our customers. “How can we improve?” is a common topic of discussion. Our 500+ five-star reviews serve as proof of our commitment.
Challenges and Successes
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an Owner and Brand President is hiring qualified team members. I have addressed this challenge by developing our systems and processes and by cultivating a team of like-minded individuals who align with our core values. This approach helps my team foster strong relationships with new team members and weed out those who do not fit the mold.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement during your time as brand president? The most significant mileston during my time as Brand President has been providing a team member with the opportinuty to manage the operation.
Personal Insights
What drives you personally and professionally? What drives me personally is helping others by providing solutions. What drives me professionally is watching my team develop and flourish into the professionals they may not have realized they could become.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your career? Problems? Good.
How do you balance the demands of your role with personal life? Balancing the demands of my role with my personal life can be a challenging feat and does require some juggling. I admit that I sometimes work too much. While the business may require it at times, I am deeply passionate about what I’ve built and the team that has supported me. I often find myself spending an extra twenty minutes with a client or team member to ensure they feel satisfied and heard. I’ve discovered that achieving balance can be challenging, and it’s crucial to disconnect from work when I come home. My family is just as important, if not more so. They keep me grounded and enable me to perform at a high level in my business.
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the company over the next 5–10 years? In the next 5-10 years Lug Away will have at least three locations, and likely more. I will develop more economical and viable solutions for disposing, recycling and repurposing the items that find their way into our trucks.
How do you see the junk removal industry evolving, and how is your company preparing for that future? The junk removal industry is set to evolve in many ways as we move into the future. As consumers, it is becoming increasingly easy to acquire what we need. In today’s world, we are growing alongside technology, and with the convenience of being able to purchase anything without leaving our homes, we have developed a “need it now” mentality. If this is the case on the front end, we must also adapt on the back end. Our efforts will focus on urgency while supporting ecological, human, and economic health and vitality.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about? I’m particularly excited about “The Academy.” This is the first year that Lug Away is introducing a classroom-style approach to teach the ins and outs of operating a successful junk removal business. The program focuses on developing team members and ultimately providing opportunities for them to manage new locations.
Fun and Relatable
If you could describe your leadership in one word, what would it be? Collaborative
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I am a Dog Dad of 4
Do you have a favorite story or memory from your time in the industry? We may or may not have cleaned out an old “stash house” of a widely known Irish Mob boss…