Brian Scudamore never finished high school and dropped out of college after a short stint. Once burdened by the stigma of being a 'dropout,' the founder and CEO of O2E Brands—home to four home-service companies, including 1-800-GOT-JUNK?—now celebrates forging his own path. A member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization since 1996, Scudamore launched his junk-hauling business at age 19. Nearly three decades later, O2E Brands has surpassed $200 million in revenue.
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Scudamore, who has ADHD and struggled in traditional classrooms, advises aspiring entrepreneurs: "The conventional path is to excel in school, attend college, and land a secure job. But when you blaze your own trail, it can intimidate those on the standard route."
"Paint a vivid picture of your destination and trust you'll arrive. Don't obsess over the 'how'—commit to your long-term vision. If you're passionate and believe in it, write it down. This builds the belief that propels you forward."
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Read on for Scudamore's full Q&A.
When did your first business start?
As a kid, I hustled selling candy from my bedroom or helping at my grandparents' Army Surplus store. At 19, in the summer of 1989, inspiration struck while waiting in a McDonald's drive-thru, pondering college tuition. Spotting a beat-up truck labeled 'MARK'S HAULING,' I thought, 'I can do that.' I invested my $700 life savings in a rundown pickup truck. Within two weeks, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was profitable.
As it grew, I envisioned it as the FedEx of junk removal—professionalizing a fragmented industry with stellar customer service and a sense of sensationalism. We franchised in 1999, hit over $200 million in revenue last year, and have diverted over 1 billion pounds of waste, with 61% recycled or donated.
In 2010, after experiencing a house painted in one day, I launched WOW 1 DAY PAINTING. A nightmare move in 2013 inspired You Move Me, and 2014 brought Shack Shine for window cleaning. These four brands form O2E Brands.
I'm not obsessed with junk, paint, moves, or windows—I'm passionate about consolidating fragmented industries and empowering franchisees to live their entrepreneurial dreams.
What challenges have you faced growing your business?
Early days meant 16-hour shifts; downtime felt like failure. It took years to learn that family time fueled my business.
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Naysayers dismissed franchising junk removal. I tackled every objection with innovative systems. Hiring was tough too—once, I fired my entire 11-person team in one day to realign with our vision. Running solo refined our processes; now we prioritize passionate, vision-aligned hires.
Growth brought pivots, like rebranding WOW 1 DAY PAINTING after its initial 'prison' colors flopped. The 2008 crisis tested us with layoffs, but we emerged stronger. Launching O2E Brands in 2015 unified four systems, thanks to COO Erik Church's strategic execution since 2011.
What personal challenges have you faced?
My 2004 divorce after 19 years was devastating, especially post-daughter's birth. We prioritized co-parenting and now thrive as friends, even with her new husband. My ADHD led to dropping out of high school and college; my liver-surgeon father struggled with my choice, straining our bond.
What sets your brand apart?
Our people: happy, motivated teams create delighted customers. We professionalize unreliable industries with spotless trucks and frontline stars. Our WTF ('Willing to Fail') culture fosters innovation through calculated risks.
Related: The best work cultures have more than happy hour and free snacks
How did you first hear about the Entrepreneurs' Organization?
An article in SUCCESS magazine by Doug Mellinger, whom I've since befriended. I've been a member since 1996. From ages 19-29, panic attacks hindered me—EO peers helped immensely.
Related: 4 good reasons to join a professional organization
With so many successful entrepreneurs skipping formal education, why the stigma?
The road less traveled is scary and solitary. Tradition reigns: school, college, job. Forging ahead challenges the majority, sparking caution until proven.
I felt that stigma for 20 years as a double dropout.
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What advice for hesitant entrepreneurs?
Paint your vision vividly, commit fully, write it down, and believe. Don't sweat the 'how.' Passion drives success.
Related: 11 Strategies to Develop an Unshakeable Belief in Yourself
What lies ahead for O2E Brands?
$1 billion revenue and 10 brands by end of 2021. Ambitious, but doable!
This article originally appeared in the September 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
