Nick Friedman, co-founder of the successful moving and hauling company, shares his journey of how a simple summer gig transformed into a thriving business empire. It all began during college when a spontaneous idea from a friend’s mom sparked the birth of “College Hunks Hauling Junk.” Embracing the unexpected, they ventured into uncharted territory, learning to navigate the moving and hauling industry. From their humble beginnings, they transitioned from working in the business to working on the business, realizing the importance of creating systems and processes. The pivotal shift towards franchising and expanding their services marked a new chapter in their entrepreneurial story. Nick’s candid account of the challenges and triumphs in building a distinctive brand resonates with budding entrepreneurs, showcasing the power of adaptability and resilience. This episode provides a rich source of content for future discussions on leadership, company culture, and brand impact, making it a valuable listen for entrepreneurs and established businesses navigating changing market conditions.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to uncover effective strategies for shifting from working in your business to working on it.
- The secrets to successfully franchising a moving company.
- How to explore innovative marketing tactics tailored for moving services.
Connect with Paul here:
Website: https://innovativewealth.com/
Podcast Website: https://businesslegacypodcast.com/
Connect with Nick here:
Website: https://www.nickfriedman.com/
Website: https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/
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About Nick:
Nick Friedman is the Co-Founder and Visionary behind College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. He was named among the Top 30 Entrepreneurs in America Under 30 by INC Magazine and was on the same list as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell in a Newsweek article entitled “College Kid to Millionaire”. Nick is a three-time Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist, and he won the prestigious award in 2018, and he continues to be an active Board Member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). He was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year by the IFA in 2023. In terms of charitable involvement, Nick launched an innovative solution that provides free moves for Survivors of Domestic Violence, and has completed over 200 free moves since the program began. His company also donates 2 meals for every completed job to US Hunger, having donated over 4 Million meals since launching the program.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 – Introduction and Unconventional Start
Nick Friedman shares the unconventional start of College Hunks, how the idea originated from a casual conversation, and the initial challenges of starting a moving and hauling business.
00:01:58 – Working On the Business
Nick discusses the shift from working in the business to working on the business, focusing on documentation processes, creating checklists, and empowering team members to improve systems.
00:05:28 – Grassroots Marketing and Client Experience
Nick reflects on the early marketing strategies of College Hunks, including guerrilla marketing tactics and leveraging the brand’s catchy name. He emphasizes the importance of providing a quality client experience to build brand loyalty.
00:08:29 – Franchise Onboarding and Vision
Nick explains the onboarding process for franchisees, which includes visualizing their business’s future, creating a roadmap for success, and providing support in marketing, hiring, and training their team.
00:10:09 – Lessons from Market Cycles
Nick shares insights from navigating market fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness, grit, and avoiding complacency. He highlights the value of facing adversity to become better entrepreneurs.
00:11:47 – Thriving in Challenging Times
Nick discusses the importance of being strategic, resourceful, and tactical during tough times for long-term success in business.
00:12:34 – Creating a Positive Culture
Nick emphasizes the importance of creating a positive culture within the company, using sports analogies and core values to empower and train team members.
00:13:42 – Satisfying Impact
Nick finds satisfaction in the impact College Hunks has had on franchise owners, team members, and the community, creating opportunities and removing stress from people’s lives.
00:15:18 – Brand Recognition and Impact
Nick shares his excitement when he sees College Hunks’ trucks in different cities, aiming to make the brand synonymous with positivity and empowerment.
00:16:53 – Legacy and Impact
Nick discusses the legacy of making a difference in people’s lives and aims to be remembered as a passionate leader who left a mark on the business and the communities it operates in.
