Marine Veteran Builds a Successful College HUNKS Franchise

Tom Hughes turned one Nebraska territory into a two-office moving and junk removal business by focusing on people, systems and steady leadership

Building a successful franchise rarely happens overnight. For Tom Hughes, the journey required years of hands-on work, a dependable team and the willingness to keep moving forward during difficult market conditions.

The Marine Corps veteran opened his College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving franchise in May 2017. His business serves customers throughout Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, providing residential and commercial moving, junk removal, donation pickup and related services.

By the fifth year, the operation had expanded to two offices and was generating nearly $2.5 million in annual sales.

Finding the Right Franchise Partnership

Hughes entered College HUNKS with previous experience as a franchise owner in the fitness industry. That background helped him understand what separates a strong franchise system from one that simply sells a business concept.

For Hughes, the quality of the relationship between a franchisor and its franchisees was especially important. He wanted a company that provided practical support, encouraged collaboration and treated franchise owners as long-term partners.

His first visit to the College HUNKS corporate headquarters helped confirm his decision. The enthusiasm he saw across the organization—from the founders to the call centre team—showed him that the brand’s culture extended beyond marketing materials.

That energy mattered because customer service is a major part of the moving and junk removal industry. Employees often enter customers’ homes during stressful transitions, making professionalism, communication and attitude essential.

Growing Through Difficult Business Conditions

Hughes’ expansion did not come without setbacks. His Nebraska franchise faced rising operating expenses as well as slower activity in the housing market. Both challenges placed pressure on a business closely connected to residential moves and property turnover.

Rather than managing those problems alone, Hughes relied on advice from the corporate support team and other College HUNKS franchise owners. Access to an experienced franchise network helped him evaluate problems, adjust operations and continue pursuing growth.

His experience demonstrates one of the main advantages of franchising: owners remain responsible for their businesses, but they can draw on systems and knowledge developed across a larger organization.

Moving From Daily Operations to Leadership

During the early years, Hughes was involved in nearly every area of the business. He prepared employee schedules, led morning meetings, interviewed applicants, trained new team members and created customer estimates.

He also worked alongside his crews in the field. Spending time on the trucks allowed him to understand the customer experience and ensure that service standards were being followed.

As the company grew, his role gradually changed. Established processes and a stronger management team made it possible for Hughes to step away from many routine responsibilities.

Today, he spends more time coaching managers, supporting moving consultants and identifying opportunities to expand the business. This shift from working inside the operation to guiding its direction is an important stage for many growing franchise owners.

Military Values Shape the Workplace

Hughes has carried several lessons from the Marine Corps into his company. Dependability, integrity, selflessness and service remain central to the way he leads.

His team also follows a people-first leadership philosophy. Managers are expected to support employees, take responsibility and put the needs of the group ahead of personal recognition.

That mindset has contributed to a workplace built around teamwork. The Nebraska operation combines a strong work ethic with an upbeat environment, helping employees remain focused on both customers and one another.

Hughes describes the culture as placing the team before the individual. In a labour-intensive service business, that approach can improve cooperation, accountability and the overall customer experience.

Contributing Beyond His Own Franchise

Hughes’ involvement with College HUNKS extends beyond Omaha and Lincoln. He spent four years chairing the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council, helping strengthen communication and cooperation between franchise owners and the corporate team.

His participation gave him an opportunity to represent franchisee interests while contributing to the continued development of the system.

Nearly a decade after opening, Hughes has built more than a moving and junk removal company. He has created a leadership team, developed repeatable processes and established a culture influenced by both Midwestern values and his military background.

His growth story shows how franchise support, disciplined execution and people-first leadership can turn one local operation into a thriving multi-office business.

Explore more about College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving franchise opportunities.