Junk Removal Founder Awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by International Franchise Association

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Bill Dube

(VANCOUVER, BC) -  1-800-GOT-JUNK? Founder and CEO Brian Scudamore took a step closer to realizing a global dream today, accepting the International Franchise Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year award at the IFA annual convention in Orlando, Florida.

In accepting the award, Scudamore stretches his junk removal company’s international footprint, joining the ranks of Frederick DeLuca of Subway and Anthony DeSio of Mail Boxes Etc., both previous winners of the prestigious award.

“We are building a globally admired brand, and the IFA is the world’s largest and most trusted franchise association,” said Scudamore, “Not only is this a great achievement for our company, it’s also an honor to be recognized by such a reputable organization among business leaders I greatly respect.”

When Scudamore was 18 he invested $700 in an old pickup truck and founded the Rubbish Boys. By 1999 Scudamore had changed the name of his Vancouver-based company to

1-800-GOT-JUNK? and began franchising the business. Less than 10 years later 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is the World’s Largest Junk Removal Company with more than 330 locations across North America and Australia and annual sales nearing $150M.

As CEO, Scudamore has mentored thousands of franchisees and prospective entrepreneurs. In 2004 he was inducted into the Young President’s Organization. He’s served on the board of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization, won the Fortune Small Business Best Boss Award and was named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in business in 2005. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? also participates in the IFA’s VetFran program, which gives discounts to veterans who are looking to transition their skills into civilian life.

The IFA credited 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s excellent communications strategy for creating brand awareness and driving the company to its current success, as well as generating positive awareness for franchising in general.

About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is pioneering an industry that is helping people remove junk, de-clutter, and live cleaner, better lives. Whether it’s an old sofa or a pile of junk in the garage, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removes it for you. Founded in 1989, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? operates in all major metros across North America including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

About the International Franchise Association

Founded nearly 50 years ago, the International Franchise Association is the world’s largest and oldest trade group representing franchised small businesses spanning 80 different industries that operate in more than 100 countries.  IFA’s membership includes more than 1,300 franchisors, more than 10,000 franchisees and 500 suppliers of products and services to the industry.