6 REAL Reasons Why You Need A Mobile-Optimized Website
We’ve all heard the saying, “If you build it, they will come.” But what about that other saying: “If you build it right, they&...
In the world of entrepreneurship, success often starts in the most unexpected places. For Taylor Chastain, founder of Up, Up and Away Hauling, it all began with a toilet—literally. What started as a side job disposing of unwanted fixtures evolved into a thriving junk removal company. But the real story isn’t just about hauling junk; it’s about leadership, team-building, and strategically positioning a brand for long-term success.
Let’s dive into Taylor’s journey and uncover the lessons he’s learned along the way.
This podcast is sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, a marketing agency offering website design, branding, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services for Home Service businesses.
Like many entrepreneurs, Taylor’s journey started with a simple job. While working in landscaping as a teenager, he was asked by a client to haul away old toilets. What seemed like a random task sparked an idea: people will pay to have their junk removed. That small moment ignited a passion, leading him to transition from landscaping to junk removal full-time.
“I drove to the dump, threw the toilets on the ground, and as we all know, they shattered. And I went… that was fun. My next thought was, I bet I can get paid for that.” — Taylor Chastain
Running a junk removal business isn’t just about having a truck and hauling junk—it’s about building a team and a culture. For years, Taylor operated solo, handling everything himself. But as the business grew, he realized he couldn’t do it all.
Initially, he played the “genius with many minions” game, where everything relied on him. This led to burnout and inefficiencies. The turning point came when he started empowering his team to take on more responsibility, leading to incredible growth.
“It was really me stepping out of the way that allowed them to step up.” — Taylor Chastain
How he did it:
One of the hardest lessons for business owners is learning to step back and trust the team. For Taylor, this was a gradual process. Over time, he built systems that allowed him to delegate, ensuring the company could run smoothly—even in his absence.
A pivotal moment came when he took a week-long vacation. Instead of things falling apart, the team exceeded their sales goals. This experience reinforced his belief that he had built a strong leadership structure.
“Their highlight from the week was how little I talked to them. They crushed their goals, and I wasn’t even there.” — Taylor Chastain
While some business owners think branding means flashy billboards and expensive ads, Taylor believes it starts with the customer experience. Instead of focusing on high-cost advertising, he prioritized delivering exceptional service, fostering relationships, and engaging in community events.
This approach has made Up, Up and Away Hauling a household name in their area. One customer even left a review saying, “They’re like my little brothers for hire—I’m always happy when they come around.”
“Building a brand is not about billboards—it’s about the experience customers have with you.” — Taylor Chastain
How he strengthened his brand:
For many junk removal businesses, residential jobs provide consistent cash flow, but commercial contracts offer long-term stability and recurring revenue. Taylor Chastain understood this early on and knew that to grow Up, Up and Away Hauling, he had to break into the commercial market. But there was one major obstacle—competing with national franchises like 1-800-GOT-JUNK.
At first glance, going head-to-head with a multi-million-dollar company may seem like an impossible task. These industry giants have massive advertising budgets, extensive brand recognition, and established relationships. However, Taylor quickly discovered that their size often worked against them. Unlike smaller, locally-owned businesses, big franchises tend to follow rigid pricing models and slower, bureaucratic processes, leaving an opening for companies that can offer something different.
“When you’re competing with the big guys, speed and customer experience are your biggest weapons. If you can be faster, more responsive, and provide better service, you will win every time.” — Taylor Chastain
One of the biggest advantages Taylor leveraged was price transparency. National chains often charge significantly higher rates for commercial jobs, sometimes inflating costs simply because they can. Instead of using a generic pricing structure, Taylor focused on customized pricing that accurately reflected the scope of work. This approach not only saved clients money but also built trust, showing that his company was more flexible and client-focused than a big-name franchise.
But it wasn’t just about price. Speed and adaptability became key differentiators. Unlike large corporations that have to navigate multiple layers of approval for scheduling and pricing, Taylor’s team could respond quickly and adjust to client needs on the fly. Whether it was a last-minute office cleanout or a complex multi-day project, Up, Up and Away Hauling was able to deliver faster, more personalized service—a major selling point for property managers and commercial clients.
This strategy paid off in a big way. When competing for a recent commercial cleanout job, Taylor’s company submitted a $5,000 bid—$1,500 lower than 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s quote. Not only did they win the contract, but they also completed the job with a profit margin of 88% while still saving the client money.
Winning commercial contracts isn’t just about having competitive pricing—it’s about positioning yourself as the go-to provider before a job even comes up. Taylor has mastered this by building relationships with property managers and proactively creating opportunities instead of waiting for leads to roll in. Here’s how:
Attending networking events specifically for property managers. Instead of general business networking, Taylor targets property management associations and commercial real estate events—places where his ideal clients are already gathering. By showing up consistently, he becomes a familiar face and builds trust over time.
Offering free recycling events as a way to build relationships. Many property managers need solutions for bulk recycling but don’t always have a direct contact for it. By hosting free recycling events, Taylor provides immediate value, which makes his company the first call when a paid job arises. This strategy has helped him secure lucrative long-term contracts with commercial clients.
Providing upfront, flat-rate pricing instead of vague estimates. One of the biggest frustrations property managers face is unclear pricing. By offering flat-rate pricing, Taylor eliminates the guesswork and makes it easier for property managers to approve his proposals over competitors who submit fluctuating bids with hidden fees.
These strategies transform Taylor from just another junk removal company into a trusted resource. As a result, he’s been able to land repeat commercial clients, high-ticket contracts, and ongoing business opportunities—all without needing to outspend the big franchises on advertising.
Taylor firmly believes that building relationships is the best way to grow a business. Whether it’s through local networking groups, industry events, or online engagement, he has positioned himself as a trusted authority in the junk removal space.
By consistently showing up, adding value, and making genuine connections, Taylor has built a reputation that brings in consistent business without relying solely on paid advertising.
“Let people see you as the digital mayor of your town. Be part of the community, and the business will follow.” — Taylor Chastain
Taylor Chastain’s journey from hauling toilets to running a successful junk removal company is packed with valuable lessons. Whether you’re in junk removal or another industry, these principles apply:
Taylor’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and leadership. From learning the hard way about delegation to building a business with a strong community presence, his journey provides a blueprint for other entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably.
“If you keep showing up, doing the right things, and serving people well, success will follow.” — Taylor Chastain
For business owners looking to take their company to the next level, the key isn’t just working harder—it’s working smarter, empowering your team, and making a lasting impact in your industry.
Want to learn more about Taylor and Up, Up and Away Hauling? Check out their website and follow them on social media to see their latest projects and community initiatives.
This Podcast is sponsored by Blue Crocus Solutions, a marketing agency offering website design, branding, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services for Home Service businesses.
To see more episodes of the Marketing Without Rules Podcast, visit the podcast here:
