A bay area success story enters a new chapter after 23 years

The familiar sight of orange trucks hauling furniture and junk across the Tampa Bay area represents more than just a moving service; it’s a testament to the American dream, built from a borrowed van and a simple idea. College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, founded in 2003 by Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, has grown from a summer job for two college students into a national franchise business generating nearly $300 million in annual sales. Now, after 23 years, the founders are passing the reins to a new CEO, Brad Cowan, signaling a new chapter for the company and a shift in leadership as it aims for even greater heights. St. Pete Catalyst, this transition marks a significant moment for a company deeply rooted in the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

From Borrowed Van to National Franchise

The story began in 2003 when Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, then college students in the Washington, D.C., area, started hauling unwanted belongings. Recognizing a need for reliable help with junk removal and moving, they transformed a summer job into a full-time business by 2005. Two years later, they began selling franchises, allowing entrepreneurs across the country and Canada to operate College HUNKS businesses in their communities. The company relocated its headquarters to Tampa in 2008, drawn by what Friedman described as a welcoming place for young business owners. Today, College HUNKS offers a range of services including household moves, junk removal, and packing, serving communities throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon. The Tampa Bay area has long been a magnet for entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant business climate and a strong workforce.

The franchise model proved remarkably successful, expanding the company's reach and impact. In 2016, former Tampa crew members Brandan Underwood and Acey Ignacio became franchise owners serving Pinellas County. This demonstrated the company’s commitment to promoting from within and fostering a culture of opportunity. Currently, the company boasts nearly 200 franchisees, a testament to the strength of its business model and the appeal of its brand. The Clearwater area, like much of the Tampa Bay region, has seen significant economic growth in recent years, providing a fertile ground for businesses like College HUNKS to thrive.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision

However, the company's rapid growth presented new challenges. Recognizing the need for experienced leadership to manage a business of this scale, the founders decided to bring in Brad Cowan as CEO. Cowan previously worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and at Paul Davis Restoration, a national business that repairs homes and commercial buildings damaged by fires, floods and other disasters. Friedman said Cowan’s experience appealed to them because both moving and restoration involve crews traveling to different jobs, dealing with unpredictable problems and serving customers who often need help during stressful circumstances. “We felt like somebody who’s seen what $2 billion looks like, somebody [who] understands this complex service model … could be a valuable addition,” Friedman said.

The decision comes as the Tampa-based company looks to grow beyond what Friedman and Soliman have built, with an eventual goal of $1 billion in annual sales across its locations. “I think Omar and I as founders, I think we’re great visionaries,” Friedman said Thursday. “I don’t know that we’re necessarily great managers of process and execution, especially given the size and scope of where the business is today.”

Guiding the Future

While Cowan assumes the day-to-day leadership responsibilities, Friedman and Soliman will remain involved as co-chairmen of the company’s board. They’ll help guide its plans, recruit leaders and represent the business, but will leave more of the daily decisions to Cowan and his team. Friedman acknowledged that giving up some control of something he spent 23 years building will take adjustment. He described it as a relief, but also a matter of trusting other people to do work he and Soliman once handled themselves.

Challenges in a Changing Market

The transition in leadership comes at a time of economic uncertainty for the moving industry. With mortgage rates remaining high and fewer people buying and selling homes, College HUNKS has had a harder time finding customers. Friedman said the company has also spent more money attracting business. Its total sales across the franchise network fell approximately 4%, or $10 million, between 2024 and 2025, Friedman confirmed in a follow-up message. The company has also pulled back on opening new franchises. According to its 2026 franchise disclosure document, it had 159 franchised outlets at the end of 2025, down from 202 at the end of 2023.

Friedman said the company deliberately slowed expansion while newer franchise owners struggled with a difficult housing market. Some larger operators absorbed smaller neighboring franchises, allowing the company to concentrate on improving existing locations rather than continuing to open new ones. “We have now, yes, less locations but healthier locations,” he said.

Strategies for Achieving a Billion-Dollar Vision

To achieve its ambitious goals, College HUNKS is exploring new avenues for growth beyond traditional household moves. This includes expanding into longer-distance relocation services, catering to military personnel, and securing contracts with large corporations requiring moving and hauling services across multiple cities. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to its Tampa headquarters, returning to a hybrid office schedule and prioritizing local candidates, or those willing to relocate, when filling management positions. Cowan has purchased a home in Tampa for use during the workweek. Friedman said three years is the company’s ambitious target for reaching that goal. He acknowledged that the timeline is meant to push the business to find better ways of working, not serve as a promise.

A Reminder of the Value of Family and Commitment

The story of College HUNKS is more than just a business success; it's a reflection of the values that underpin strong communities. Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman started with a simple idea, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to serving others. Their decision to step aside and bring in new leadership, while demonstrating sound business acumen, also speaks to the importance of recognizing one's limitations and seeking help when needed – a principle applicable to families as well as businesses. The challenges the company has faced in recent years, stemming from broader economic trends, serve as a reminder that even the most successful ventures require adaptability and resilience. The emphasis on supporting existing franchisees and prioritizing local talent highlights the importance of community and commitment – values often overlooked in today's fast-paced world.

Friedman acknowledged that the business has leveled off at around $300 million in annual sales. He believes Cowan can help get it growing faster again. He said the change has brought back some of the excitement they felt when they first started the company. “I think there’s a tendency sometimes to either get bored or complacent or, I don’t know, just burnt out even,” Friedman said. “And now I feel like we’re as energetic as ever because of what we see as possible for this brand to achieve.”

Finding Help and Opportunities

For those seeking moving or junk removal services in the Tampa Bay area, College HUNKS operates franchises throughout the region, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa. College HUNKS Website provides information about their services and franchise locations. Individuals interested in exploring franchise opportunities can find details on the company’s franchising website. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers resources and support for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses. The SBA website provides access to loan programs, counseling services, and other valuable resources. For those seeking employment opportunities within the moving and logistics industry, online job boards and local career centers can provide valuable leads.

The transition at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving represents a significant moment for a company that has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success in the Tampa Bay area. As the company embarks on this new chapter, it carries with it the legacy of its founders and the promise of even greater achievements to come, demonstrating the enduring power of the entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of strong communities built on commitment and hard work.