Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek DeLaRosa.
Hi Derek, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I studied Business Management at St. Edwards University and quickly developed an interest in entrepreneurship. After graduation, I was able to utilize much of what I learned through my various employment opportunities. It’s a true tale of working your way up. However, it wasn’t until my wife Stacey and I had our first child in 2023, that I sought to truly bet on myself. As a first time dad, I quickly realized I needed more flexibility. I wanted more time with my daughter and wife. I reflected on how to best use my skills and education. Thankfully, I have built connections and friendships with fellow business owners, while building experience in contract work. As the Austin and surrounding area have continued to grow, I was able to identify profitable work in the junk removal business. I then founded Haul-Away Junk Removal in 2025.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While it’s a heavily saturated market and the inconsistencies that can come with building a business can be scary, I have worked hard to reduce risk. I’ve done some side work to offset any dry spells, and utilized social media to advertise. It has also helped to have a supportive and strong partner. My wife is quite the planner, and is successful in her own right, so that has been a great safety net for us as a family. Each week, we check in to track if the business is growing and how we can generate more customers.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Haul-Away Junk Removal is a family owned, local business, that prides itself on giving back to the community. We work hard to do this through providing fair prices, great customer service, and providing those in need with access to usable items we come across. I pride myself specifically on the community service aspect. My wife and I come from hard working parents who did what they could to provide for us. We both understand what struggle feels like. We also value the power of community and want to do what we can to help those in need. When the opportunity arises where I can provide someone with decent furniture or household items, I work to facilitate a hand off rather than toss items. I’ve recently worked with agencies that support foster children aging out of the system, elderly clients, and those going through abusive circumstances seeking support.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’m not so sure about luck per say, but have really been grateful to have sought the education I did, along with exposing myself to various jobs and experiences. I greatly value my friendships, as well as this community, which itself has continued to help grown this business. I believe its more the connections built throughout this experience that have made it thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haulawayjunk.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Haul-Away-Junk-Removal/61573430844818/
