20 Years, 20 Iconic Moments: The Journey of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving

20 ICONIC MOMENTS IN 20 YEARS: Celebrating Milestones, Making an Impact, and Moving the World

As College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving celebrates two decades of growth, purpose, and unforgettable moments, we’re taking a walk down memory lane to reflect on the pivotal events that have shaped who we are today. These milestones aren’t just about business success—they’re about the impact we’ve made on the communities we serve, our team's dedication, and our passion for making a difference. Here are two more iconic moments from our journey that stand out as a testament to our core values!

Iconic Moment #1: The Humble Beginnings of College HUNKS

Before we became a nationwide brand with over 200 locations, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving started with a simple, but powerful idea. In 2004, co-founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman began the business with nothing more than Omar’s mom’s van and a dream. It was just two college friends looking to create a service that would change the moving industry.

That humble beginning quickly turned into something much bigger when they won a grant for their business plan. This grant served as the launching pad for what has now grown into a thriving franchise with a nationwide presence. The spirit of that early hustle is still alive today as we continue to operate with the same core values: Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable Service, and our commitment to Building Leaders within our company.

From that first van to a fleet of trucks across the country, College HUNKS has proven that big things can grow from small, determined beginnings. 

Iconic Moment #2: Moving with Purpose – Moves That Matter

At College HUNKS, giving back is more than just a tagline—it’s a core value that defines everything we do. Through our Moves That Matter program, we’ve had the privilege of providing free or discounted moving services to survivors of domestic violence. Over the years, our HUNKS have helped hundreds of individuals take the next step toward a safer, brighter future by assisting with their moves to new homes.

These moments of compassion and support are more than just moving jobs; they represent a lifeline for those who have been through incredibly tough circumstances. We are proud to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors, one move at a time. This program reflects the heart of what we stand for: moving with purpose, kindness, and a commitment to improving lives. 

Iconic Moment #3: Late-Night Recognition 

You know you've truly made it when you get featured as the punchline on national television—and that’s exactly what happened to College HUNKS! During an opening monologue on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, our brand was mentioned, proving that the fun, hardworking nature of College HUNKS had reached the spotlight. It was a moment of triumph for our team and a truly iconic part of our legacy.

Iconic Moment #4: HUNKS Got Talent!

It's not just about hauling junk and moving furniture at College HUNKS. Sometimes, it’s about sharing a heartfelt moment. During a move at an assisted living home, one of our HUNKS, AJ, took a break from his work to play the piano. He serenaded a resident with a beautiful rendition of Ordinary People by John Legend. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love building lasting connections with our clients and communities.

Iconic Moment #5: A Photo That Moved the World

Some moments become more than just memories—they turn into a powerful reminder of humanity's kindness. One of our HUNKS, Cesar, went above and beyond when he was stuck in an elevator with an elderly resident who was struggling to stand. As the elevator became crowded, Cesar selflessly got on his hands and knees to act as a human bench, offering support until help arrived. The photo of this act of kindness went viral and earned a place among the Top 10 Photos That Restore Your Faith in Humanity.

Iconic Moment #6: US Hunger

Our commitment to giving back has always been a key part of who we are. Through our 2-for-1 social giving program, which donates two meals for every completed job, we’ve surpassed a major milestone: over 5 million meals donated to US Hunger! It’s proof that the College HUNKS team is not only focused on growth, but also on making a positive impact on the world.

Iconic Moment #7: Moving for Communities During Hurricane Season

When tragedy strikes, the College HUNKS team is there. From clearing debris in the wake of historic storms in Florida and North Carolina, to transporting emergency supplies, our HUNKS stepped up to help. This wasn't just about moving debris—it was about helping people get back on their feet. At the request of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, our HUNKS worked tirelessly to clear paths and support those in need. No matter the natural disaster, we’re always ready to move the world!

Iconic Moment #8: A Popstar Endorsement

When global pop icon Miley Cyrus (and her mom, Tish Cyrus Purcell) shared how much they love College HUNKS, we couldn’t help but celebrate! To have such a renowned star shout out our brand? It was a true moment of recognition. And who can forget when she sang “Party in the USA”—a fitting anthem for a brand that's always been about fun, positivity, and doing great work!

Iconic Moment #9: Vanilla Ice Rocks Our Reunion

In 2022, we took our franchise reunion to a whole new level when Vanilla Ice performed a private concert for our team! As the legend himself says, “If there’s a problem, yo, College HUNKS will solve it!” The night was one for the books, as our team jammed out to iconic 90s hits and celebrated the impact we’ve had over the years.

Iconic Moment #10: HGTV’s House Hunters

Iconic Moment #10: College HUNKS and Nick made a splash on HGTV’s House Hunters, bringing a fun and memorable episode to life! While some things may have changed over the years, this behind-the-scenes peek into our office highlights the same energy, teamwork, and dedication that have been part of our culture from the very beginning. From day one, we’ve always been committed to creating a Fun, Safe, Winning Team, and this iconic moment was a perfect reflection of that spirit in action! 

Iconic Moment #11: The Grind Never Stops

Iconic Moment #11: In 2008, founders Nick and Omar were honored on Inc. Magazine's 30 Under 30 list, recognizing them as two of America's top entrepreneurs under 30. The following year, College HUNKS earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., landing at position 156. Later that same year, they were featured in a Newsweek story titled “College Kid to Millionaire,” alongside entrepreneurial legends like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. In 2009 and 2010, Nick and Omar were finalists for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, which they would ultimately win in 2018. Additionally, they were honored with the International Franchise Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. Since those early milestones, over 20 independent College HUNKS Franchise Owners have made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America multiple times, bringing our vision to life as a platform and launchpad for entrepreneurs, fulfilled millionaires, and leaders!

Iconic Moment #12: Nick Friedman on Below Deck

In 2013, founder Nick Friedman made an unforgettable cameo appearance on Below Deck on Bravo TV! His iconic “I’m on a boat” moment took the world by storm, proving that College HUNKS can move the world both on land and sea.

Iconic Moment #13: College HUNKS and Oprah

When Oprah herself hired College HUNKS to help clear hoarder houses on her show, it was a moment of pure magic. Since then, we’ve appeared on Hoarders, Sell This House, and The Pitch—proving that our reputation as trusted professionals extends to all areas of life.

Iconic Moment #14: Shark Tank – A Pivotal Moment

In 2009, Nick and Omar appeared on the very first episode of Shark Tank and respectfully declined an offer from Robert Herjavec. They were fearless in offering advice to Kevin O’Leary, and their appearance set the stage for the brand’s meteoric rise. Today, College HUNKS is a franchise powerhouse with over 200 locations nationwide!

Iconic Moment #15: Red Bull Flugtag

When Nick took a literal leap off a flying craft at the Red Bull Flugtag in Tampa, we knew it would be a moment for the ages. He managed one of the furthest flights in the event’s history, and College HUNKS moved into a new frontier with College HUNKS Flying Junk.

Iconic Moment #16: MTV's Jobs That Don’t Suck

Thanks to our commitment to providing an amazing workplace, MTV featured College HUNKS in their series Jobs That Don’t Suck! It was an honor to be recognized as a world-class franchise and a place where team members feel empowered and fulfilled.

Iconic Moment #17: Undercover Boss

In 2022, Nick and Omar went undercover for the season premiere of Undercover Boss. The episode showed them going undercover in their own company to experience the day-to-day operations and understand the challenges their employees face. Through their time working alongside their team members, both Nick and Omar gained valuable insights into the company’s strengths and areas for improvement. The episode highlighted their commitment to both their business and their employees, ultimately leading to positive changes within the company and heartfelt moments of gratitude. Their surprise visits to franchises led to heartwarming moments, and the heartfelt gifts they left behind proved that at College HUNKS, we always go the extra mile for our team.

Iconic Moment #18: Nick Meets Gronk

When Nick Friedman met NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski, it was pure magic. Two certified “hunks” sharing the spotlight—what could be more iconic than that?

Iconic Moment #19: The Millionaire Matchmaker Ride-Along

In 2008, Omar took a date on an unconventional ride-along on a College HUNKS junk truck, during an appearance on The Millionaire Matchmaker. The scene was a perfect blend of humor, business savvy, and charm, reflecting the unique spirit that has made College HUNKS Hauling Junk such an unforgettable brand. The ride-along highlighted not only the company's distinctive approach to business but also Omar's ability to mix professionalism with personal connection. This moment truly exemplified the essence of College HUNKS—where hard work, humor, and personality come together to create something memorable.

Iconic Moment #20: Key to the City!

Mayor Jane Castor honored College HUNKS co-founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman with an honorary "Key to the City" for their outstanding contributions to Tampa over the past 20 years. The recognition highlights the company's dedication to supporting the city through various challenges, including its recent efforts in helping Tampa recover from two historic hurricanes this year. College HUNKS has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the community, providing invaluable services and relief during times of crisis. This award serves as a testament to their long-standing impact and unwavering support for the city of Tampa.

As we reflect on these amazing moments, we can't wait to see what the next 20 years will bring. Our journey is far from over, and with our incredible team, loyal clients, and unwavering community spirit, we’re ready to move the world forward—one iconic moment at a time!

“We believe that every move we make is an opportunity to change someone's world for the better,” says Nick Friedman, Co-Founder of College HUNKS.