Veterans Repurposing Your Unwanted Items WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG
One of the newest businesses in town is dedicated to helping people remove items that no longer serve them, while giving exceptional customer-focused service. The Orange-based franchise of JDog Junk Removal and Hauling, owned by local resident Sean-Michael Green, sports camo-wrapped vehicles showcasing the company’s military-based theme.
“Our goal is to give people back space in their lives,” shared Green. “We take something unwanted but still of value and give it to someone who can use it.” The company also removes items of little or no value and either recycles, repurposes, or appropriately disposes of them. OWNER’S BACKGROUND Green moved to Orange 8 years ago when he accepted a position to serve as the Associate Vice President for Graduate Enrollment at The University of New Haven and began to teach in the Master of Public Administration Program. He then joined the team at Albertus Magnus College as the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
There is currently no storefront for Green’s JDog Junk Removal and Hauling franchise, but he has been looking for a commercial space. He and his staff have a dump truck used for hauling, and as the business grows, the vehicle fleet will be expanded. There is also a unique vehicle in the fleet, “The Orange franchise has the only JDog muscle car—my 2002 Camaro Z-28!” BUSINESS MODEL Green explained that a military mindset is used in serving his customers, who can expect that he and his employees will “Be on time, be respect-
Photo: Paula Severino
“I always wanted to pursue entrepreneurship,” stated Green, who has
founded several businesses. Green had been aware of the JDog Junk Removal and Hauling franchise opportunity for a while; in fact, his younger brother, also a Marine Corps veteran, owns a franchise in their home state of Pennsylvania. “JDog is my primary business and main focus now. We’ve actually set up a friendly competition between brothers,” chuckled Green.
WINTER 2021
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Photo: Paula Severino
“It is a veteran-owned company,” explained Green, who is a Marine Corps veteran. “To own a franchise, you have to be a veteran or a direct relative of a veteran.”
Owner, Sean-Michael Green
ful, and will also treat any items being removed with respect as well.” He went on to add that the company, which employs veterans or family members of veterans, offers a free estimate for the services, there is never any pressure put on the customer, and if chosen can often do the job right on the spot. “Our goal is to be a small part of our customers’ lives, and be quick, efficient, and kind.” “We want people to think of us as problem solvers,” shared Green. “Our ideal customer is someone who has already come up with what the problem is, and we come in to help them solve it.” He and his team have removed things such as hot tubs, above ground pools, a boiler from a basement, and countless other items. | 27
