College H.U.N.K.S. Franchisee Builds a Thriving Business
Franchisee finds success in College H.U.N.K.S. with strong systems and community support.
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Tom Hughes, a veteran and franchisee of College H.U.N.K.S., has successfully expanded his two Nebraska offices to nearly $2.5 million in sales. His experience highlights the strong franchisee support and culture that College H.U.N.K.S. provides, emphasizing its impact on operational efficiency and customer service.
Why It Matters
As franchisees like Hughes benefit from robust support systems and collaborative culture, this may influence the attractiveness of College H.U.N.K.S. to potential franchisees, impacting territory availability in the home services sector.
Tom Hughes, a Marine veteran, has successfully expanded his College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving franchise in Nebraska from one to two offices since starting in May 2017. He credits his success to the strong support systems and culture provided by the franchisor, emphasizing that "the strength of any franchise system comes down to support from the brand and the franchisor-franchisee relationship." Upon joining, Hughes was impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of the College H.U.N.K.S. team, which he believes translates into better service for customers.
Despite facing challenges such as increasing operational costs and a downturn in the housing market, Hughes has managed to grow his business, achieving nearly $2.5 million in sales by the fifth year of operation. He highlighted that successful franchise relationships are built on real partnerships characterized by trust and shared goals, a sentiment he feels is often lacking in other franchises. His experience with the brand has proven positive, bolstered by what he describes as an unparalleled level of collaboration and commitment from Brand Central.
As Hughes has scaled his operations, he has moved from the hands-on day-to-day tasks—like managing schedules, conducting interviews, and directly serving customers—to a more strategic leadership position. He now focuses on developing his managerial team and ensuring systems are in place for continued growth, allowing him to work "on the business rather than in it." This transition reflects a well-organized franchisee structure that may inspire other operators facing similar challenges.
