December 6, 2003

  1-800-Dump Runs provides much needed, highly appreciated service
By Judith A. Roman

People are pack rats. We keep things we no longer want or need. We'd feel much better and have more living space if we got rid of these things, but it's too big a hassle. We're all so busy. And bulky waste items are never a high priority because it's a big chore.
That's where 1-800-Dump Runs comes to the rescue.The company, licensed and fully insured, will clean out attics, basements, garages, yard waste, anything that two men can lift. They remove and dispose of all types of bulky waste, except hazardous materials and oil-based paint.

Brian Kicklighter, 32, owner and CEO, conceived the idea of "dump runs" to help people get rid of stuff too big for normal, curbside trash pickup. Since 2001, he has surrounded himself with a knowledgeable staff that keeps the company running smoothly, resulting in positive feedback from grateful clientele. Numerous testimonials from satisfied customers are documented in company literature and at their Web site.
One member of Kicklighter's group is Dave Johnston, 33, director of marketing. He arrived in May and has instituted numerous successful programs to promote the growth and awareness of the business. Kicklighter credits his operations manager with scheduling the work crews so that customers realize a quick turn around time - sometimes on the same day - resulting in high marks for customer satisfaction.

Once Kicklighter got the idea and acted on it, with no more than a pick up truck at the time, the opportunities seemed unlimited. "I got over 200 phone calls in the first few weeks and realized we were on to a good idea," he reported. "Since the beginning of 2003, 1-800-Dump Runs has taken on a life of its own and company growth and expansion are obvious next steps," he continued.
Kicklighter considers their East Hartford location an ideal facility, located near all local highways. The 5,000-square-foot office and shop is being renovated to make it more spacious and attractive for conducting business meetings. Someone is at the facility from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to respond to customer inquiries.

According to Johnston, "Everyone is a potential customer including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. People call us when they are moving and selling a property, or need help getting their space cleaned up or just getting organized," he said. "In some towns you set up an appointment with your trash hauler and pay the town an extra fee, but you still need to get the items to the curb for pick up. We take items that regular trash haulers will not and charities cannot take. We keep it clean and simple because we do all the work. We are the aspirin to your headache," he stated.

"We work quickly and efficiently," Johnston boasted. "In fact, an average job takes 35 to 45 minuets. A crew of two can fill a container in an hour and we can complete six or seven jobs per day."

Appointments are made to accommodate the homeowner's schedule and all jobs are completed to the customer's satisfaction.
    In addition to homeowners with single items too difficult to move themselves, 1-800-Dump Runs also works with remodelers; property management companies; real estate agents; foreclosure companies; construction professionals to keep their job sites clean; antique dealers; attorneys; auction houses; builders and contractors; carpet and floor installers; convalescent homes; funeral homes; mortgage lenders and banks; moving companies; plumbing and heating specialists; rental companies; self-storage centers; warehouse and distribution centers; and furniture stores.
Items most often removed include appliances, lumber, boxes, furnaces, hot water heaters, mattresses, box springs, carpeting, brush/firewood, sheet rock, tile, pianos, flooring material, sheds, fencing, furniture, and lawn equipment.
The service is all-inclusive. 1-800-Dump Runs provides the labor, hauling, cleanup, and disposal anywhere in Connecticut and parts of western Massachusetts. Or the crew will deliver a 10 foot long by 5 foot high by 7-foot wide container, capable of storing 12 cubic yards of waste (that's approximately the capability of six pickup truck beds), to any address and remove the container after the resident has filled it. This option is less expensive and appeals to homeowners who have the time and ability to fill the container themselves.
Customers are encouraged to phone for fast, free estimates. Pricing is based on the volume of items to be removed and the location of the property. Surcharges may apply to certain items including appliances with coolant, latex paint, propane tanks, tires, computers, and monitors. Payment by credit card, cash or check is accepted. Company personnel are currently reviewing discounts for seniors and other incentives.

The uniformed, professional two-man crews don't find the work mundane. They have been confronted with removal of a 20-foot sailboat, a 24-foot camper, 20 docks from a marina, Volkswagen "bugs," and 300 pounds of rotten fish.

Such challenges require that company personnel be knowledgeable about all aspects of their work and aware of rules and regulations regarding disposal.
"It is imperative that we stay aware of all the regulations in the industry," Kicklighter said. "We procure any required permits. We are environmentally conscientious and research new laws and regulations to be sure we are in compliance. We encourage clients to call with questions about hazardous waste and how to get rid of it. With the closing of many landfills homeowners have questions about where to bring some materials. We can usually answer their questions quickly and eliminate any confusion or stress the disposal of such items has caused them."

Items for disposal are usually taken to the closest appropriate place. 1-800-Dump Runs personnel use their discretion to determine whether items should be brought to landfills, recycle centers, transfer stations, or donated to local charities or needy families. Some organizations, such as The Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries, are prohibited from accepting certain items such as mattresses and fabric. The company attempts to help people in need, if at all possible, and to recycle as much of the material as possible.
Our goal now is "to create more of a presence, get the name 1-800-Dump Runs out in the public, and make it synonymous with bulky waste removal. Need to remove a piano, freezer, sofa or shed? Call 1-800-Dump Runs," Kicklighter said.

]Kicklighter anticipates the company's expansion will begin hiring additional personnel early next year to meet the needs of their growing client base. He hopes his customers will increase awareness of his business through "word of mouth."
"We have the potential to double our business without making any major changes and we are anxious to take it to that level," he announced.
The company hopes to start franchising by next summer, first within the state, then in areas throughout New England.
The company is a sponsor of the Hartford Wolf Pack, where the 1-800-Dump Runs logo is seen on the penalty box, and is a member of numerous Chambers of Commerce in greater Hartford. Kicklighter's membership in the prestigious Young Entrepreneurs Organization, for successful business owners under 40, is expected to be accepted early next year.
To schedule an appointment or for additional information about the company call 1-800-DumpRuns or visit their web site at www.1800dumpruns.com