HH #33: Your Business, Your Responsibility: How Thinking Outside the Box Led to a Game-Changing Location

Welcome to our newsletter! No one’s ever going to look out for your business quite like you will. Not even paid professionals, no matter how much you shell out, are going to do the job with the same level of dedication you bring. They’ll always keep their own interests in mind—it’s just human nature.

Take my recent experience with real estate agents, for example. I was looking to move my business out of Stamford. Rent here has skyrocketed, and it’s only getting worse as more land gets scooped up by developers. Stamford’s growing population is great for the junk removal industry—more people, more junk. But it’s been a nightmare for finding the right property because a lot of places aren’t zoned for what I need, and many landlords just don’t want to deal with dumpsters and trucks.

So, I went to the "pros". Hired real estate agents. And year after year, they came up empty-handed. Every time, they ran some MLS reports, made a few calls, and hit the same wall. Either the space wasn’t right, or landlords weren’t interested. And because these agents weren’t seeing a big commission, they barely put in the effort to get creative or explore off-market options.

Finally, after years of going in circles, I took matters back into my own hands. And this is where things started to turn around.

I reached out to a somewhat local competitor—Rob Paradis from Junk Bear. Rob and I go back; he’s a sharp business guy, and a great entrepreneur. He’s made a huge impact in Connecticut, and I knew he’d be willing to help if he could. I reached out, and just like that, Rob connected me with his landlord.

Although Rob’s landlord didn’t have any space, he recommended another commercial realtor to try. I gave that new realtor a call, and no exaggeration—just two days later, they found me the perfect off-market, back-pocket listing in West Haven.

Not only was it exactly what I needed, but it was also a fraction of the cost I was paying.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

1. Be a good person, and grow your network. You never know who’ll be there when you need a hand.

2. When in doubt, trust yourself and get creative. If one approach doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to try a different one.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for a favor. Sometimes, your best leads don’t come from the professionals but from those you’d least expect.

Without Rob’s help, I’d still be looking for a space, lost in the endless back-and-forth of MLS reports and half-hearted phone calls. Finding the right location for my operation required thinking outside the box and leaning on my connections.

For business owners out there, I hope this story is a reminder that the most valuable solutions aren’t always in a database or a report—they’re in the people you know and the effort you’re willing to put in. ✌️

Justin Hubbard

LinkedIn | Instagram

PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you grow your business:

1. Get Personal Help with a FREE Strategy Call

Need fresh insights on your business strategy? Book a FREE 30-minute call with me. I help identify winning strategies to boost your bottom line and enhance your quality of life.

You’ve hired experts for your golf game and finances—now hire a coach to help your business thrive. As a fellow small business owner, I understand the challenges and know how to navigate them for growth and success. Book your strategy call HERE.

2. adimize: Grow Your Business with Our Proven Google Ads System

Want to maximize your ad spend and drive results? Get a FREE Google Ads account review with adimize. Our team specializes in optimizing ad campaigns to drive leads and increase bookings. With over a decade of hauling industry marketing experience, we help your business grow using intent-driven, results-focused strategies. And with no contracts, there’s nothing to lose. Schedule your free review HERE.

3. Order My New eBook: Beyond Breaking Even | Unlocking Profit Potential In Hauling Businesses

Discover how to generate sustainable revenue and growth. This book provides targeted, efficient strategies specifically designed for the hauling industry. Inside, you'll find actionable insights on how to scale your business, optimize operations, and increase profitability while minimizing risk. Learn from real-world examples and proven methods that have helped businesses like yours go beyond survival to achieving success. Purchase your copy HERE.