From Shark Tank to Success: 15 Years of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving's Inspiring Journey
15 Years After Shark Tank: The Inspiring Journey of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving
In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. Founded in 2005 the company’s rise from a simple college idea to a national franchise powerhouse exemplifies hard work, innovation, and the American entrepreneurial spirit. In honor of Shark Tank’s 16th season airing last week, we wanted to take this time to revisit the very first episode of the show!
The story begins when best friends, Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman used Omar’s mom’s beat- up cargo van to complete junk removals in the area. Omar's mom came up with the name "College HUNKS Hauling Junk." After that summer, the guys returned to their schools: Nick at Pomona College in California and Omar at the University of Miami. Soliman then went on to win $10,000 in the Leigh Rothschild Business Plan Contest. This prize served as the seed for what would become College HUNKS Hauling Junk.
In 2007, College HUNKS moved its headquarters to Tampa, Florida, and embraced franchising as a model for growth. This strategic decision paid off handsomely. The expansion didn’t go unnoticed; in 2009, College HUNKS was featured on Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies, highlighting their rapid ascent in the junk removal industry. Now in 2024, the company boasts over 200 franchises across the country!
In a fun twist, Omar and Nick showcased their entrepreneurial spirit on the very first episode of Shark Tank. They pitched a unique spin-off idea called College Foxes Packing Boxes, aiming to expand their brand into professional packing and organizing services. They received an offer, but the Sharks demanded too large a share of the College HUNKS business. Soliman and Friedman declined and went on to build a thriving business that eventually surpassed their initial expectations. The Sharks claimed that College HUNKS would never be a $10 million company; however, as of 2024, the brand is making $250 million a year in revenue.
Want to watch them on Shark Tank? Check out the episode here. https://vimeo.com/665261973
Beyond their impressive growth, Soliman and Friedman have garnered numerous accolades for their contributions to the business world. In 2010, they co-authored Effortless Entrepreneur, sharing insights from their journey. Their success culminated in 2023 when they were awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association, recognizing their outstanding leadership and impact on the franchise industry.
Adding to their impressive resume, they appeared on the reality show Undercover Boss in 2022, becoming the first company to go from Shark Tank to said show. Their episode provided an insightful look into their company culture and commitment to their employees. Additionally, College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving was the first company to sign an NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal, once the law was passed, with University of Miami’s D'Eriq King!
Despite their professional successes, both Omar and Nick remain grounded, happily married with two and four children, respectively. Their journey began as fresh college graduates, and they continue to embody the values of hard work, integrity, and community support that propelled them from humble beginnings to franchise leaders.
The story of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving is more than just a tale of business success; it’s a narrative of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference. As the company continues to grow and inspire others, it stands as a shining example of how innovative ideas, when paired with determination and a strong team, can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whether you’re considering a move, decluttering your space, or simply looking for entrepreneurial inspiration, College HUNKS has a story worth following.