The goal of Hardly Hustle is to provide inspiration, drive and motivation in a 10 minute read or less. What you see is what you get. This is hot off the press without an editing team.
Josiah Hall is up.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Josiah Hall and I am a student at NC State. I have several interests/passions that I spend my life pursuing and one of those is with my junk removal business "Clean-Cut Junk." Junk removal is exactly what it sounds like- taking away furniture, appliances, debris, and junk from people's homes. Building this business is a big commitment, yet it allows freedom for me to enjoy being a student, YoungLife leader, club basketball player, and brother to the foster children that live with my family.
What did it take / how did you get started?
I am here by accident in regards to Clean-Cut Junk. In high school, I started hauling junk and found it a good way to make some money- it beat working some minimum wage high school job.
I realized pretty quickly that people appreciated and needed our service greatly. Many times we are walking into unique points in peoples’ lives (moving, death in the family) and taking away junk has a huge impact on them. It’s still surprising to me how thankful and relieved our clients are through this simple service.
What does the future look like for you and your hustle?
May 2020 was when my perspective shifted from generating income for myself to building a business for the long haul. I realized that I was nowhere near the ceiling of what a junk removal business in Charlotte can be and saw no reason why I shouldn’t press forward. Right now, growth is intentionally slow and steady as I cannot dedicate enough hours year-round to manage rapid expansion. I hope to continue to use this business as a tool to better myself and open up other doors in the business world. I intend to leverage my skills, knowledge, and resources to serve others and my community- specifically those affected by systemic racism and generational poverty.
What drives / motivates you?
Money is a big driver and I am not afraid to admit that. The current income and future, passive streams are enticing to me. I am able to invest in awesome life experiences at a young age which I find valuable. Building a business excites me- even at the small scale we are at now I can see how entrepreneurship and leaving your mark opens up unique opportunities. I love the freedom of working for yourself and for what I can see Clean-Cut Junk becoming. The affirmation we get from our clients has a profound impact on me- when someone is in tears because of the service I build and nurture it is no doubt special.
What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?
I think starting a hustle or business has tremendous value for someone in college or even high school. I have built the business amidst what many people would consider a very ‘busy’ schedule, but because I have been consistent and dedicated to the process it’s manageable. You have to be willing to sacrifice some comfortability and take on more pressure, but I have more freedom and time for fun than most people my age with jobs.
What has been the hardest part of the hustle?
Figuring out how much to push for growth has been a challenge. There are actions I could take to get a lot more business but I will hold back because I don’t want my life to be controlled by my business, especially since I am a student. I struggle because I push myself for progress and sometimes see this as being lazy when it’s really to protect my time and energy.
What are a few resources that you'd recommend?
I was very intentional about absorbing a lot of business/self-improvement content when I was 17-18, and I see a lot of fruit from it today. I think it’s important to learn from great people, but also to take action.
Books- Essentialism, 4 Hour Workweek
Podcasts- We Study Billionaires, Tony Robbins Podcast
On a different note, the enneagram has helped me to understand and have more empathy towards myself and others unlike any other ‘personality’ tool. (https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions)
The STATS
Side or full-time hustle?
Side in terms of time
List the founders
Josiah Hall and Connor Perkins
How many hours a week do you work on this hustle?
25
# of Employees?
6
When did you start?
January 2018
How much did it cost to launch?
$30
What were your funding methods and ballpark amount raised?
We have only used business profits for investments.
Annual Revenue?
Not provided.
Projected Revenue?
Not provided.
Any call to action?
If my story or approach to business/life leads resonates with you, please reach out. I have realized recently that I have not been active in cultivating relationships with those who are pursuing similar goals as me. I am eager to receive advice and mentorship.