When Chase Neblett was an undergraduate at the University of Alabama, he wasn’t planning to build a junk removal company.

A political science major with an entrepreneurial itch, Neblett began to notice something simple but telling on Tuesday nights: garbage bins would be emptied, but the piles of junk next to them stayed put.

That pile of unwanted stuff – and the unmet need behind it – was the spark.

“I just saw a massive need for it,” Neblett said. “People didn’t know how to get rid of those things or didn’t have the vehicles to haul it away. So I decided to figure it out.”

Today, nearly two years later, Alabama Junk Removal is a fast-growing operation covering the Birmingham metro area down to Tuscaloosa, with plans to expand in the future.

But if you ask Neblett, the company’s growth isn’t just about dumpsters and dump trucks. It’s about service.

“Customer service will always be at the forefront of our mentality,” Neblett said. “That’s what people love most.”

A hands-on approach

From the moment a customer books a job – either online or over the phone – Neblett’s team walks them through every step. The crew gives free quotes, removes items on-site, and then sweeps and inspects the space before leaving. Everything collected is sorted back at their warehouse, where recyclables and donations are separated from true landfill waste.

This isn’t just good practice; it’s a differentiator. “Our focus on customer experience and commitment to recycling and donating sets us apart,” Neblett said.

Volume, not guesswork

The company uses a straightforward, volume-based pricing model. One full truckload equals roughly eight to nine pickup truck loads. Customers can book everything from a single-item pickup to multiple truckloads. The transparency, Neblett believes, builds trust – and keeps people coming back.

And they do come back. “One of the biggest surprises has been the amount of repeat business,” he said. “People might clean out a garage once, but we’ve had folks call us multiple times in a month. That’s huge.”

Team culture that pays off

Junk removal is hard, physical work. For Neblett, the key to attracting and keeping good employees is culture. Workers are rewarded with bonuses for strong customer reviews, whether they’re posted online or relayed directly to Neblett.

“The junk removal is important,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s how we make people feel about the process.”

Safety is non-negotiable. In more hazardous cleanups, like those involving needles, Neblett brings in hazmat crews. “We can accommodate a lot,” he said. “But our team’s safety comes first.”

Adapting to the industry

As the industry evolves, Neblett sees two major trends shaping the future. First, expanding roll-off dumpster rentals – for DIYers who want to handle the sorting themselves. Second, optimizing routes and scheduling for faster turnaround and same-day service.

“People love the flexibility,” he said. “Sometimes they call the day before a house closing and need everything gone tomorrow. We make that happen.”

The road ahead

In just under two years, Alabama Junk Removal has added multiple trucks and expanded its services. Neblett plans to continue that growth, hopefully moving into other Alabama markets as time progresses. But he’s clear about what won’t change.

“We want to get bigger,” he said, “but not too big to lose that personal touch.”

For Neblett, this isn’t a side hustle or short-term flip. It’s a long-term vision. “It’s something I can see myself in 20 years from now,” he said. “Expanding locations, growing smart, but always staying focused on service.”

A simple lesson

There’s a temptation in business to make things more complicated than they are – to build tech before building trust. Neblett’s approach cuts through that.

“One thing I hope people take away,” he said, “is that great customer service is what matters most. That’s what makes this business work.”

In a world where companies automate everything, Alabama Junk Removal is betting on something far more old-fashioned: people.

Baylor Frazier is a digital and radio sales specialist for YHN Media Group. For advertising opportunities through our portfolio of publications, you can contact him directly at [email protected].