College Hunks Franchise Cost (2026): $93K–$222K Junk & Moving

College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise startup costs run $93K–$222K for a branded junk removal and residential moving services concept. With a low-overhead truck-based model and strong brand recognition from TV appearances, College Hunks offers one of the lower-investment entry points in the service franchise segment.

Key takeaways

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (CHHJ) is a franchise founded in 2003 in Washington, D.C. by Omar Soliman and Nick Friedman. The brand operates two complementary service lines: junk removal (hauling away unwanted items from homes, offices, and construction sites) and local moving services. The truck-based model requires no retail storefront — franchisees operate from a commercial vehicle fleet and storage facility. CHHJ gained significant national brand awareness through appearances on ABC's Shark Tank and HGTV programming. As of 2026, the brand operates 200+ franchise territories across the US and Canada. College Hunks is privately held and has been recognized on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list. The dual-service model gives franchisees two revenue streams — junk removal jobs and moving jobs — with shared truck and labor infrastructure.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise runs $93,000–$222,000. The truck-based model keeps buildout costs low relative to retail or restaurant franchises:

Ongoing fees

College Hunks Hauling Junk charges a 7% royalty on net sales plus a 1% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of net sales. The 1% ad fund is among the lower in the home services franchise segment — franchisees are expected to invest in local digital marketing to build territory awareness. The brand provides a proprietary CRM and customer communication platform that automates booking, routing, and follow-up.

Financing options

College Hunks Hauling Junk is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:

What lenders look for in a College Hunks franchise application

College Hunks Hauling Junk is on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA-approved lenders can process applications without SBA individually reviewing the franchise agreement. At the $93K–$222K investment range, College Hunks is among the lower-capital-requirement franchises eligible for SBA financing. Here is what lenders evaluate:

Deal structure for a College Hunks territory

Most College Hunks loans are structured as SBA 7(a) term loans covering franchise fee + truck purchase + equipment + working capital. At $93K–$222K total cost, the loan amount after the 20–25% equity injection runs $70K–$178K. SBA Express (up to $500K, faster processing) is well-suited for the lower end of this range. 7-year term is common for equipment-heavy service franchise loans; 10-year term is available when leasehold or working capital components are included. See SBA 7(a) vs. SBA Express loan for the processing tradeoff.

Realistic ROI timeline

Truck-based service franchises with low overhead and high-margin jobs typically target break-even within 12–24 months. College Hunks's dual service model — junk removal and moving — provides revenue diversification that smooths seasonal patterns. Junk removal jobs command strong margins; moving jobs are higher-volume. Operators who actively build local digital presence and referral networks in their territory accelerate revenue ramp.

Who's a good fit

College Hunks Hauling Junk suits operators who prefer a service business with tangible, same-day job completion over retail or restaurant complexity. People management skills are critical — the business runs on a crew of hourly employees, and customer experience depends on crew professionalism. Former military, operations managers, and logistics professionals adapt well to the model. Net worth of $200K+ and liquid capital of $80K+ are the financial benchmarks.

Apply for franchise financing

ClearValue Lending works with home services and junk removal franchise operators on SBA, equipment, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much does a College Hunks Hauling Junk franchise cost in 2026?

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $93,000–$222,000. The franchise fee ($50,000), trucks, and commercial insurance are the primary cost drivers. No retail storefront is required.

What services does College Hunks offer?

College Hunks offers two primary services: junk removal (hauling away unwanted items from homes, offices, and job sites) and local moving services. Franchisees can operate one or both service lines with shared truck and labor infrastructure.

What is the College Hunks royalty rate?

College Hunks Hauling Junk charges a 7% royalty on net sales plus a 1% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 8% of net sales.

Can I finance a College Hunks franchise with an SBA loan?

Yes. College Hunks is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) and SBA Express loans cover the franchise fee, trucks, equipment, and working capital within the $93K–$222K range. Trucks and equipment can also be financed separately.

How long does it take to break even on a College Hunks franchise?

Service franchise operators with low overhead typically target break-even within 12–24 months. College Hunks's dual junk removal and moving revenue model smooths seasonal variability and supports faster payback compared to single-service concepts.

What equity injection does an SBA lender require for a College Hunks franchise?

SBA lenders require 20–25% of total project cost as an equity injection from non-borrowed funds per SBA SOP 50 10 7. At College Hunks's $93K–$222K range, that is approximately $19K–$56K — among the lowest absolute equity injection requirements for any SBA franchise loan. The low total investment makes College Hunks one of the more accessible entry points for first-time franchise operators using SBA financing.