Chamber Insider Blog

Small Business Finalist Spotlight: Pack Rat Hauling

Thanks to Michael Scott of Pack Rat Hauling, and congrats again!
Register here for the Small Business Awards on November 2, 2017. 

1.  Tell us your story of how your company got to where it is today

After being layed off from my Electricians job in the recession of 2007, a friend of the family needed help getting rid of several loads of stuff.  I had an old pickup truck and needed the money so I agreed to help. With that job, an idea was formed and an ad was placed in the Blue Ridge Leader, the only western Loudoun newspaper circulating regularly at that time.  It was an immediate success as people started calling the first week.  From there I bought a trailer to accompany the old pickup truck and slowly the business was able to set aside enough money for a nicer truck with several more to follow.

One of the core missions of the business has always been to deposit as little as possible into the landfill. With that in mind, we donate reuseable items to local charities and recycle all of our metal, cardboard, paper and some plastics.

The first few years I did the majority of the work in the field along side of the employees, which were mainly comprised of friends from the firehouse.  I have been a volunteer firefighter for almost 10 years and has been a very thrilling hobby and a great way to give back to the community in which I live.

During winter months when the junk hauling slows, plowing snow for VDOT provides excellent income for the business and hours for the employees during what is normally a slow season.  This, along with the overall growth of the junk business has provided the capitol for Pack Rat Hauling to grow and buy a fleet of trucks and snow equipment (we now have 9 trucks) along with the expansion into our dumpster business.

The dumpster business is currently projected to provide an additional 40% of the businesses annual revenue in 2018.  This greatly broadens our customer base being able to serve small contractors and homeowners looking to declutter themselves.

Overall, we provide a service that removes people’s unwanted items in an environmentally responsible manner whether it is trash, recycling, or can somehow be reused.

2.  What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award? 

It would mean quite a lot to me and my employees to win a small business award.  We all work extremely hard, day in and day out to provide the best possible experience for the customer.  2017 has been a banner year for our business not only financially but for the culture of the business as well.  Plus its always nice to get a little recognition for your efforts!

3.  If you weren’t running your own business/working at this business, what would you be doing?  If I wasn’t running my business I would be running a charter boat 40 miles off the coast of North Carolina looking for a big blue marlin or tuna.

4.  What book are you reading right now? / What is your favorite book?

Right now I’m reading Hatteras Blues. It’s about the evolution of sport fishing on the outer banks of North Carolina.  My favorite book is My Side of the Mountain.

5.  If you have 24-hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

If I had 24 hours off and my family was out of town I would fish or hunt depending on the time of year however I volunteer at the firehouse 1 night a week so thats always a thrill!

6.  What is the smallest thing that has made the largest impact on your business?

The smallest thing that has made the biggest impact on my business is Google Calender.

7.   What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

When I was a child I wanted to be a meteorologist. I have always loved storms of all types.

8.  Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

The one person that has influenced me the most in my career is my son, Landon.  If it were not for him coming into this world in 2008 the drive would have never been there to keep this business alive.

9.  What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County?

My favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun is the people and the places.  Almost all of our customers are the nicest most understanding people.  The people of Loudoun are different but almost everyone loves where they live and it shows.  As for the places, I have been in homes worth over 10 million dollars and in homes barely worth $50k all in the same day all in Loudoun county.  It is a diverse area with beautiful scenery and some of the best customers a small business could ask for.

10. If you’re not in the office where can we find you?  If I’m not in the office you can find me outside.  I love the outdoors!

11.  What is your favorite weekend activity in Loudoun County?

My favorite weekend activity in Loudoun county is going to Firemans Field in the fall to watch my son play football on a cool Saturday morning.  Nothing better!

Thanks to Michael Scott of Pack Rat Hauling, and congrats again!
Register here for the Small Business Awards on November 2, 2017.