is Entrepreneur’s Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. If you're a franchisee with advice and tips to share, email ktaylor@entrepreneur.com.
Stephen Bienko has played a vital role in making College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving what it is today. As the largest franchise owner in the system, he manages locations across four states. He says he's also the one responsible for the idea of adding moving services to the original business model (the company used to simply haul junk). With his team, he has not only built franchises up from skratch, but also aquired franchises in the bottom five percent within the organization and brought them into the top five percent. Here's how he's made himself a key franchisee for the company.
Stephen Bienko Image credit: Stephen Bienko
Name: Stephen Bienko
Franchise owned: College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, in parts of N.J., Cleveland, Nashville, and Ft. Meyers, Fla.
How long have you owned the franchise?
Three years.
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Why franchising?
I had done a few businesses on my own since graduating from college. I was at a stage in my life that taking a full business start up risk with two children under the age of three and one more on the way was not the smartest thing to do. Franchising became a safer alternative, as I could drive my entrepreneurial spirit into a business model that had some prior success.
What were you doing before you became a franchise owner?
I had owned health clubs and athletic training centers for 10 years and was spending some time working with a tech start up when I decided to go my own route again
Why did you choose this particular franchise?
I have always been interested in the mid youth (18-28) market. It is a time in their life that they can either take off of stay stagnant. When I saw the College Hunks Hauling Junk brand, it was a direct connection to that employee demographic. I had always been interested in waste management, so this was an interesting angle. I was also very interested in the moving and storage market. I thought junk hauling could be a nice lead into that market also. From the junk hauling we decided to begin our moving and preceded to pitch it to the franchisor. Upon driving moving for one year, the franchisor decided to add it to the company's services.
How much would you estimate you spent before you were officially open for business?
Franchise fee: $75,000 (multiple territories included)
Marketing: $45,000
Vehicles: $25,000
Reserves: $35,000
Where did you get most of your advice/do most of your research?
I have been blessed with many great mentors in business and community. I am believer in multiple perspectives because you never know where your answers may come from. However, as a business man I have always learned from my father. He has had a true knack for trends and growing a business with multiple angles.
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What were the most unexpected challenges of opening your franchise?
State regulations and red tape have been one of the biggest challenges. Sometimes it seems that certain state governments do not want business owners to succeed. Another surprise has been the rising costs of workers comp. This has challenged us from the very beginning and continues to this day.
What advice do you have for individuals who want to own their own franchise?
Love the industry not the brand. The brand may change. If you are simply an investor then look for franchises that seem to be heading down a less traveled lane but its future is three to five years out. This will give you two levels of satisfaction.
What’s next for you and your business?
The continued growth within the College Hunks brand. We are looking forward to taking our growth model and entering a few other cities in 2014. Also, on my groups' agenda are some of our own franchised brands.
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