Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Hoang.
Philip, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The idea came when I was working for Waste Management. Customers would frequently ask how to get rid of large bulky items like couches and mattresses. We didn’t offer that kind of service. So I looked online to see if that service existed and there were several companies that specialized in that kind of service, so it looked like something I could do, so Southern Rubbish was born.
Growth has been tough. There were several times that I thought, “Well… this is it… this is how it ends.” But we always made it through. And we were able to do so with a, “Keep Moving Forward,” attitude. We started as a junk removal company, but now we offer asbestos testing and demolition services too. I’m really grateful to my customers and mentors who helped me along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The winter is the biggest struggle for us. How do we continue to grow through our slowest time of the year? As the business was at its highest growth period thus far, my wife and I get a call from DFACS that our application for adoption was approved and that 4 children were moving into our home immediately. That was in the summertime, which is our busiest time of year. The adjustment was very difficult.
Our company almost went bankrupt last winter. The growth meant we needed more employees and more trucks. Which meant increasing costs, but as long as sales were good, that was fine. When the sales dropped by 50% in the winter time, we were screwed. Layoffs and other cuts followed.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Southern Rubbish story. Tell us more about the business.
Junk Removal, Asbestos Testing, and Demolition are our services. I guess what sets us apart is we’re pros at getting rid of stuff for our customers; doesn’t even matter what it is. Our employees also care deeply about getting the job done. Many employees at other companies are simply there for a paycheck, but our workers refuse to leave until the job’s done.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
It was dumb luck that our company was founded in Cumming, Ga. It’s at the top of 400 and gives us access to the landfills and transfer stations that are close by.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3240 Keith Bridge Rd. Cumming, Ga 30041
- Website: www.southernrubbish.com
- Phone: 404-910-7108
- Email: phil@southernrubbish.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/southernrubbish
Image Credit:
Taylor McGlammory
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