Meet Our Junk Hauling Heroes: Austin Shaw

At Up Up and Away Junk Hauling, it’s the people behind the work that truly make the difference. This month, we’re featuring Austin Shaw, one of our team leads who helps keep jobs running smoothly.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to join the team?

I actually heard about the company through a friend. In her previous role, she attended Powercore meetings and got connected with Taylor and the business. She told me about the opportunity, and I decided to check it out!

2. Can you describe your role and what a typical day looks like for you?

As a team lead, my days mostly consist of driving around neighborhoods throughout the greater Atlanta area and helping people reclaim their spaces. Every job is a little different, but the goal is always the same – make the process easy and get the job done efficiently.

3. What are some of the most interesting or unusual items you’ve hauled?

You see a lot of things in this line of work, but one that stands out was a full pink cowboy outfit – hat and boots included. Definitely not something you expect to find.

4. Can you share a memorable experience or a particularly rewarding moment from your time here?

One that stands out was helping a single mom who was in the middle of moving with her three kids. We cleared out everything she wasn’t taking with her, and you could just see the relief when we were done. She was so grateful, and we were just happy to be able to help.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced on the job, and how did you overcome them?

We had a really large cleanout where it got dark before we finished, and we were still moving heavy furniture. We made it work by using headlamps and pushing through safely. It was a tough job, but we got it done.

6. What do you enjoy most about working in junk hauling?

I enjoy being outside and staying active. It’s a physical job, but it’s rewarding, and every day is a little different.

7. What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not hauling junk?

Now that the weather’s warming up, I spend a lot of my free time playing disc golf.

8. How would you describe the team dynamic at our company?

It’s a true team environment. Everyone is always ready to lend a hand at a moment’s notice, which makes a big difference day-to-day.

9. What do you think is the key to providing excellent customer service in our industry? How do we stand out at UUA from our competition?

It really comes down to listening. Customers will tell you exactly what they need – you just have to pay attention. This is one thing I feel sets us apart from the competition. Everyone is focused on the customer and making sure their needs come first.

I think the key to great customer service is actually listening to customers. They will tell you exactly what they are looking for you just need to listen to their needs. This is where UUA stands apart from the competition. Everyone is thinking about the customers needs about all else.

10. What impact do you hope we make at UUA in the community we serve?

I hope we help people feel comfortable in their spaces again. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes when a garage, basement, or home gets cleared out. People feel relieved, and that’s a big part of what we do.