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Easy Go Junk Removal credits service, donations and Sahuarita mentorship for growth
Summary
On the Town of Sahuarita’s Grow Sahuarita podcast, co-founders Gary and Joanne Noland described moving from Florida to Southern Arizona to start Easy Go Junk Removal, expanding with a second box truck to segregate donations, and quietly donating usable items to local nonprofits.
On the Town of Sahuarita’s Grow Sahuarita podcast, Gary and Joanne Noland, co-founders of Easy Go Junk Removal, described how a move from Florida and mentorship from the town’s economic development program helped them build a locally focused junk-removal business that donates usable items to nonprofits.
The Nolans said their business grew after Gary watched a TED Talk by Brian Scudamore of Got Junk and the couple decided to relocate to the Green Valley–Sahuarita–Tucson area. "Our mission is simple, yet powerful, to serve others while giving back," Gary Noland said, describing the company’s emphasis on pairing usable donations with local charities.
The pair told host Alex Mazanis, economic development specialist for the Town of Sahuarita and lead for the Grow Sahuarita program, that they researched the region before relocating and met with several area chambers of commerce. Joanne Noland detailed the couple’s market visits and outreach to chambers in Oro Valley, Marana, Tucson, Green Valley and Sahuarita as part of their decision to settle in the area.
Easy Go Junk Removal partners with local organizations such as Friends Indeed, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity Restore, the Salvation Army and Gospel Rescue Mission to place usable furniture, clothing and mobility aids, the founders said. Gary estimated the cumulative donations to some partners have amounted to multiple truckloads over the company’s years in operation. "We make these donations very quietly," he said, adding they vet items so charities receive only usable goods.
The Nolans said they purchased a second box truck to separate donatable items from general junk after encountering long pickup lead times at donation centers. "Donation centers are 5 plus weeks out," Gary said, and the additional truck lets Easy Go bring items the centers will accept while preventing usable goods from being discarded.
They described handling sensitive jobs—downsizing, estate cleanouts and moves—with a focus on customer service: arriving in uniform, being insured and licensed, introducing themselves, and taking time to understand customers’ circumstances. "When we are invited into somebody’s home, it’s a big thing," Joanne Noland said, describing the company’s approach to discretion and compassion.
Alex Mazanis pointed to the Nolans’ online reputation as evidence of their approach; the episode cites the business having more than 955 five-star Google reviews. The Nolans said they regularly ask satisfied customers for reviews and rely on referrals and online feedback to reach new clients.
Both founders credited mentorship from the Town of Sahuarita’s Grow Sahuarita program for helping them scale and navigate challenges. "It was a game-changer for us," Gary said of the town’s mentorship offerings. Mazanis described the program as a no-cost resource for local entrepreneurs.
For service, Gary Noland provided a contact number of 520-833-3964 and said the company uses social media platforms and a website listed as Tucson Junk Hauling for search-engine visibility. For Grow Sahuarita assistance, Mazanis said business owners may contact grow@sahuarita.az.gov. The podcast concluded with the hosts thanking the Nolans and inviting listeners to future episodes.
