Although Mike Gorman had a successful career working in communications for NYC advertising agencies, his inner entrepreneur called out to him to establish a company on his own. After thoroughly investigating the possibilities, Mike’s desire to find an economy-proof, recession-proof industry with a mission of helping the community led him to open Junkluggers of Northern New Jersey.
“We help homeowners and business owners get rid of unwanted items,” says Mike. “What sets us apart from our competition is our purpose of finding a second home for everything we take away. By 2025, our goal is that 90% of what we collect will be reused rather than brought to a landfill.
When a Junkluggers truck arrives at the job, the homeowner’s part of the project is complete because their staff has the tools, skills, and trucks needed to provide easy, stress-free junk removal solutions.
“We pull up in our container truck, and calculate the cost based on the volume of the truck,” says Mike. The homeowner lets us know what they want removed, and we take care of it all with white glove service. The container stays on the truck, sparing your driveway from the damage caused by a dumpster, and we are in and out in one day.”
That’s music to the ears of any homeowner or business owner who needs to clean up and clear out a room, office, or entire building. The added benefit is that Junkluggers will clear out your space and make a point to find a new home for most of the items collected, delivering community service and environmental sustainability by the truckload.
“We work with several non-profit organizations,” says Mike. “For example, we work closely with the 9/11 Foundation, which focuses on collecting medical equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, and various items that help people with disabilities. Everything gets sorted in our warehouse, and allocated to different charities.”
Junkluggers also collects housewares for the Breast Cancer Foundation and furniture for Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. “It’s a privilege to be a part of redistributing items to families in need,” Mike notes.
The company also works closely with shelters and social workers to help families displaced due to fire or a home disaster.
“The State may provide them an unfurnished apartment,” says Mike, “so, the entire family may be sleeping on the floor. The local shelter will forward a list of needed items, and we load the truck and deliver it directly to the person or family in need. Often, we furnish the entire place. It’s amazing how many distressed or underprivileged families are thrilled to have these things. Sometimes, my delivery guys get hugs from grateful recipients, too!”
Customers have the assurance of a clean home and a job well done and the knowledge that their donated items are being put to good use serving other families. The Junkluggers team even completes donation receipts and then forwards them to the homeowner, so they receive the tax deduction, too!
The business’s emphasis on reusing and recycling ensures that very little of what is collected actually ends up in a landfill. “Anything you bring to a landfill is not good for the planet—and we keep as much as possible out of the landfills.”
“When I lay my head on the pillow at night, I know I gave back, helped, and made a difference,” says Mike. “That’s what I truly love about this business.”
Junkluggersofnorthernnj.com
"By 2025, our goal is that 90% of what we collect will be reused rather than brought to a landfill."