Justin Waltz of The Junkluggers On Pushing the Boundaries of AI
Understanding the Implications — There are a lot of AI tools out there. While some can seem fun, many are still in the early stages of development and many users are just learning how to use them. When looking into AI, make sure to go in with clarity on its purpose and potential.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries at a breakneck pace, and the entrepreneurs driving this innovation are at the forefront of this revolution. From groundbreaking applications to ethical considerations, these visionaries are shaping the future of AI. What does it take to innovate in such a rapidly evolving field, and how are these entrepreneurs using AI to solve real-world problems? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Waltz.
Justin Waltz has been Brand President of The Junkluggers since January 2024. With over a decade of experience in junk removal and franchise operations, he has held significant roles at 1–800-GOT-JUNK and College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving®, where he showcased his skills in business growth and sustainability. At The Junkluggers, he is dedicated to strengthening relationships with franchise owners, expanding the brand’s national footprint, driving technological innovation, and upholding the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community impact.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory and how you grew up?
I come from a family of hardworking individuals in the automotive and hospitality industries. Growing up, I learned a lot from the restaurant world, which shaped my strong work ethic and ability to thrive under pressure. I was also active in sports like basketball, baseball, volleyball, track and field, and BMX cycling, which taught me discipline and teamwork. Since high school, I’ve aspired to build a business of my own, fueled by a love for problem-solving. I started small, selling CDs and mowing lawns, but these early entrepreneurial ventures gave me the foundation for my career. My journey in junk removal began humbly as a truck driver for 1–800-GOT-JUNK in 2005, where I helped the franchise achieve $1.7 million in revenue. I later transitioned into several corporate roles before leading The Junkluggers, where I could bring my experience and ideas to life.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Some of the most interesting stories from my career come from my early days on a junk removal truck. Every job told a unique story, often involving families in transition — whether upsizing, downsizing, or navigating life changes. I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, from professional athletes to scientists and teachers. Each encounter offered a chance to make a positive impact, whether on our clients or my colleagues. That’s why I believe junk removal isn’t just about clearing out spaces; it’s about creating moments of connection and support. These experiences have shaped my perspective on service and the power of human connection.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Over the years, many people have guided me personally and professionally, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. However, my father stands out the most — he’s always been my sounding board, offering wisdom like, “Anything you’re going through, I’ve been through three times.” His guidance has been invaluable in navigating challenges, modeling solutions, and keeping me grounded. Two memories that stand out involve his funny reactions to my milestones. When he joined LinkedIn and saw I had over 500 connections, he was amazed by my professional networking skills. Later on, when I published my book titled “Disrupt from Within,” his pride in my accomplishment was palpable. His unwavering support in me and the role he’s played in my life have been a blessing.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite quotes is “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This philosophy has spoken volumes to me, guiding me in both life and leadership. I believe having a positive attitude is everything — it’s what drives teams to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Whether tackling personal or professional hurdles, I’ve found that belief in success, paired with hard work, can result in the best outcomes.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
If you look at what’s hanging above my office desk, it’s a poster that says “GRIT.” To me, with grit comes hustle, passion, and perseverance — three character traits that have been instrumental to my success. Hustle is about taking initiative, passion fuels long-term motivation, and perseverance helps weather tough times. These qualities have shaped how I lead my teams and tackle challenges.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Share the story of what inspired you to start working with AI. Was there a particular problem or opportunity that motivated you?
My first experience with AI stemmed from a desire to simplify daily tasks. I regularly use voice technology on my iPhone to schedule appointments and read text messages, so I quickly realized how these tools could enhance efficiency, both personally and professionally. When I transitioned this mindset to my business and watched the rise of AI, it became clear that this was an opportunity to transform our operations to make processes faster and streamlined.
Describe a moment when AI achieved something you once thought impossible. What was the breakthrough, and how did it impact your approach going forward?
As soon as ChatGPT learning models came out, I started asking it basic questions, like most of us. Eventually, one of my most significant breakthroughs was asking it to help answer questions for me while drafting large contracts. Through this, I was able to gain instant clarity and insights I could keep in mind for the future. This not only has saved me and my team’s time, but demonstrated AI’s potential to simplify other detail-oriented tasks for us. This really started to open my eyes to AI’s broader applications and why AI-driven technology may be worth pursuing.
Talk about a challenge you faced when working with AI. How did you overcome it, and what was the outcome?
One of the biggest challenges was sifting through the myriad of AI tools to find those with the most meaningful impact. It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny new technology and apps, but I always wanted to focus on being practical, ethical and simple. After conducting careful research, I was able to find the best programs for me. However, I believe the next frontier of AI will involve better guidance on ethical use cases and integration into daily operations.
Can you share an example of how your work with AI has had a meaningful impact (on others, on business results, etc.)? What was the situation, and what difference did it make?
First and foremost, AI has revolutionized The Junkluggers’ operations, particularly for our franchise owners. Think bigger picture — running a home service franchise requires more than just trade skills. Franchise owners must be able to manage a variety of administrative tasks too, like paperwork and inventory. AI has streamlined our processes, such as screening phone calls and categorizing customers based on their needs. These tasks can streamline backend operations, allowing owners to focus on other important aspects of their businesses like staffing, taking on additional jobs, and delivering exceptional service. Overall, we’ve seen significant benefits from adopting AI, even boosting appointment conversions by 25%.
Secondly, AI helps us to enhance customer services and capture data. The technology we’ve integrated helps our owners improve data management, making it easier to capture, organize, and analyze customer information. While AI is beneficial for inputting details on new customers, it can also double-check and organize existing data. Because of its ability to capture and update data, our AI technology has significantly reduced our customer handle time and has helped eliminate scheduling inefficiencies. Many franchises are finding traditional methods of managing customer and financial data, like spreadsheets, are time-consuming and becoming outdated, so adopting AI-powered systems have helped streamline the billing and invoicing processes. This has reduced inefficiencies and allowed our teams to focus on delivering exceptional service.
Here is the main question for our discussion. Based on your experience and success, can you please share “Five Things You Need To Know To Help Shape The Future of AI”? (Please share a story or an example, for each.)
Understanding the Implications — There are a lot of AI tools out there. While some can seem fun, many are still in the early stages of development and many users are just learning how to use them. When looking into AI, make sure to go in with clarity on its purpose and potential.
Integrating Technologies — With so many tools available, it’s important to get those you do use working together effectively. For instance, a single AI-driven system with 50 capabilities can often be more efficient and cost-effective than juggling multiple fragmented tools that each offer limited solutions. I believe the future of AI will focus on bridging these gaps, creating systems where fragmented tools communicate effortlessly to deliver comprehensive, streamlined solutions.
Defining Use Cases — Without clear application examples, people may remain skeptical of AI or unsure about adopting it. Providing teachable moments and accessible resources helps the technology seem more approachable.
Master the Basics — For those looking to just get started, check out sources like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemin. Experiment with different prompts to get a feel for the programs and use cases to build confidence. You will make progress so fast!
Adopt a Solution-Oriented Mindset — In business, automation and connectivity are key. Entrepreneurs must look to AI as a way to improve processes, connect with customers and unlock growth opportunities. Don’t be afraid of it!
When you think about the future of AI, what excites you the most, and how do you see your work contributing to that future?
What excites me most about the future of AI is its potential to revolutionize how businesses, like The Junkluggers, operate and interact with customers. I see AI as a powerful catalyst for growth, enabling companies to meet evolving customer expectations while maintaining a competitive edge. From enhancing customer interactions with video and voice technology to automating data capture and analysis, I believe the possibilities are endless. At The Junkluggers specifically, our franchise owners are blending traditional service methods with cutting-edge solutions to provide more personalized and efficient services. I believe this will only grow as time goes on.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who want to innovate in AI? Can you share a story from your experience that illustrates your advice?
For entrepreneurs looking to innovate with AI, I recommend prioritizing the user experience. AI needs to be intuitive and user-friendly for your team and customers to embrace it. Start by teaching your team how the technology works, the benefits it offers, and how it will enhance your business operations. From there, continue to equip your team with ongoing AI training so additional advancements can be integrated. Equally as important is staying agile. The AI landscape evolves rapidly, so businesses must be prepared to pivot and adapt as needed.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
I’d love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Elon Musk. I admire his ability to think outside the box and envision possibilities far beyond traditional norms. He’s like a modern-day Einstein or Newton.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
For additional information and to learn about our franchising opportunities, readers can visit Junkluggers.com or follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJunkluggers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-junkluggers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejunkluggers/
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success in your important work.
