Celebrating 20 years in business and 30 years of friendship, College HUNKS founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman have transformed a summer side gig with a beat-up cargo van into a nationally recognized, purpose-driven brand. College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, known for its iconic orange and green trucks, has redefined the moving and junk removal industry. From borrowing Omar’s mom’s van to expanding into over 200 franchises nationwide, the company’s journey is marked by media appearances and a deep commitment to community impact. College HUNKS has supported domestic violence survivors, led hurricane relief efforts, and partnered with U.S. Hunger to donate over 5 million meals—showcasing entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of friendship.
Met in High School Detention (1995)
Nick and Omar’s friendship began in high school detention, unknowingly setting the stage for an entrepreneurial journey that would change the moving and junk removal industry.
Cargo Van Summer in College (2003)
Omar’s mom lent her beat-up cargo van for neighborhood jobs, sparking the start of their business and earning them the nickname “College HUNKS who Haul Junk.”
Won Entrepreneurship Competition (2004)
Winning the Rothschild Entrepreneurship Competition at the University of Miami provided funding and validation, fueling the company’s early ambition and future aspirations.
Officially Launched Business (2005)
College HUNKS Hauling Junk was trademarked and incorporated, blending hustle, muscle, branding and a vision to become purpose-driven and values-based, turning a summer gig into a year-round business.
Moved To Tampa (2007)
The company relocated to Tampa, launched a franchise offering, expanded operations and established a headquarters for its growing franchise network.
Published Best-Selling Book (2010)
Effortless Entrepreneur became an inspirational blueprint for aspiring business owners, sharing lessons from the College HUNKS early journey.
Reality TV Features: Shark Tank, Millionaire Matchmaker, House Hunters, Below Deck (2010-2012)
National TV appearances, including ABC’s “Shark Tank” premiere, catapulted College HUNKS into the spotlight, showcasing its brand and story.
Acquired 10,000-Square-Foot Facility in Ybor (2012)
A major milestone, securing a permanent home base as the company continued scaling its franchise model nationwide.
Acquired 50,000-Square-Foot Facility on Tampa Bay Blvd. (2017)
Expansion and real estate investment continued with a new, larger headquarters to support franchise and corporate growth.
Won Entrepreneurs of the Year by EY & IFA (2018)
Recognized for industry leadership, Nick and Omar earned prestigious national entrepreneurship awards from EY and the International Franchise Association.
Free Moves for Survivors of Domestic Violence (2020)
During COVID, the company launched an initiative to provide free moving services for domestic violence survivors, reinforcing its commitment to social impact.
Hurricane Cleanup & Key to the City (2024)
College HUNKS stepped up in disaster relief, earning recognition for aiding communities after devastating hurricanes and received the Key to the City of Tampa from Mayor Castor.
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