The Junkluggers' CEO Reach's Out: How to Start a Business

At the young age of 26, Josh Cohen, President and CEO of The Junkluggers, LLC found himself speaking at UCONN in Stamford for the “How to Start a Business” seminar.

The audience was filled with SCORE business coaches and owners, as well as aspiring future business owners, all of which were older than Mr. Cohen. The question is, how does a young man, become successful so quickly, right out of college, and in the midst of the current recession?

“When you combine passion with a much needed service, and a good support system, anything is possible – as long as you are persistent during the highs and the lows,” explains Cohen, sporting khakis, green converse sneakers, and a bright green Junklugger T-shirt.

It was in the year 2004 that the company now called The Junkluggers was born. Josh, a UCONN business school graduate, first started this business with home-made flyers and his mother’s Dodge Durango SUV, lugging away unwanted items from local residences in Fairfield, CT. Armed with nothing more than help from his younger brother Zach, and a love for the environment, one man’s dream became a reality. The Junkluggers now lead the industry in environmentally friendly and community oriented junk removal practices.

Josh spoke passionately during the seminar, preaching of his journey thus far, telling stories of all the rewards, challenges, and set backs that any business owner is sure to experience.

“I loved your entire story… told from the heart…,” says Pat Duncan – SCORE Business Coach. “A person with an idea, without training in that field, with people telling him probably not, and who just does it anyway…step by step and day by day.”

Mr. Cohen explained how starting your own business means that you are ready to wear many hats and not get overwhelmed. Employee and financial management, marketing, and dealing with competition single handedly are jobs that all business owners need to be ready to take on, full force from the get-go.

By quickly identifying his competition, how he wanted to compete, hiring employees gradually given his means, and finding the most beneficial ways to market, Josh learned the do’s and don’ts of having your own business. To this day he continues to grow through the good and the not so good experiences, while trying to stay positive.

“There are days were you’ll want to give up and throw in the towel. But don’t let the stress get to you. Keep your cool, and start each day with a fresh mind and a good attitude. Things will get better,” says Cohen. “You have to love what you’re doing. I never thought I’d be in this business, but here I am. I love it, and wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.”

The Junkluggers have now grown into a multi-state operation, currently operating throughout most of Connecticut and New York. The company has 15+ dedicated employees and has their eyes set on covering the United States within 10 years.

For more information about The Junkluggers or to book an appointment or free estimate, visit The Junkluggers’ website at www.junkluggers.com.

PRESS CONTACT:
Name: Dana Fraioli
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.junkluggers.com