Denise is a Queen Leader: She battled the BIG name in town on trash service & she's removing junk from people's lives one load at a time- for OVER 30 years!

Queens Lead

Listen as Denise lets us in on the secret to her successful business of over 30 years. She has dominated a male-centric space for decades. Giving back to what matters in her community & leading a team of loyal employees, THIS is what true grit & Queen Leadership looks like.

🎙️ Podcast Episode with Denise
Amy and Denise discussed a range of topics related to Denise's entrepreneurial journey, her experiences in the junk removal business, business growth, and community-centered entrepreneurship. They also touched upon technical issues, leadership experiences, and the challenges of delegating tasks in a growing business.

🚀 Technical Issue Resolved, Excitement for Collaboration
Amy and Denise experienced a technical issue where Denise's voice had a significant delay compared to their video. Amy suggested trying a different device or joining from a phone. Upon switching to a phone, the issue was resolved. Amy suggested Denise should contact their IT department about the problem. The conversation ended on a positive note with Amy and Denise expressing their excitement to work together.

📚 Denise's Entrepreneurial Journey and Social Media Strategy
Amy and Denise discussed the details of Denise's social media platforms and the upcoming release of Denise's episode. They also talked about the challenges Denise faced in their 30-year-long entrepreneurial journey, particularly in their junk removal business. Denise shared their experiences with expanding their business into different areas, including estate cleanouts, fire and water damage remediation, and even weekly trash pickup services. They also touched upon the issue of larger corporations monopolizing trash collection services in certain areas.

📊 Business Growth and Challenges in 2023
Denise discussed the growth and development of their business in 2023. They highlighted that they had faced challenges, especially regarding advertising on Facebook, but was able to resolve them with the help of legal attorneys. Denise shared that their business expanded to include waste collection services in unincorporated areas and they purchased their first trash truck in November 2023. They also mentioned that their team has grown to six members, including part-time employees, and emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic in their team.

📈 Business Growth and Covid Impacts: Denise's Journey
Amy and Denise discussed the evolution of Denise's business over the years. Denise shared that they started with a franchise in 1993 and has since grown to a team of 35. They emphasized the importance of hard work, respect, and leading by example. Denise also mentioned the impact of Covid on their workforce and the changes in work culture over the years. Towards the end of the conversation, Denise highlighted the importance of customer service and the commitment of their team.

🤝 Delegation and Technology in Growing Business
Denise and Amy discussed the challenges of delegating tasks in a growing business. Denise shared their strategy of gradually entrusting employees with customer interactions and encouraging open communication. They also emphasized the importance of utilizing technology and promoting efficiency to reduce physical strain on workers. The conversation also touched upon the difficulties Denise faced when an employee, who was fascinated with their work, infiltrated their computer system and stole customer information. Despite these challenges, Denise underscored their commitment to their business's growth and success.

👩‍💼 Women's Business and Leadership Experiences
Denise and Amy shared their experiences in business and leadership, emphasizing the importance of caution and trust. Denise recounted a past experience with a business partner who took advantage of their trust, leading them to develop a more cautious approach in future business dealings. Both women discussed the challenges of being women in male-dominated industries and the importance of resilience and perseverance. Amy acknowledged the need for caution in their own industry and commended Denise's leadership style.

🌱 Sustainable Property Purchase and Community-Centered Entrepreneurship
Denise discussed their experiences with a local family-owned real estate agency that has mentored them throughout their property purchase process. They also shared about their eco-friendly junk removal and hauling business, Spark's, which prioritizes recycling, donating, and repurposing items. Denise mentioned their partnership with a woman involved in 22 nonprofit organizations to ensure the items they can't sell are donated to those in need. They highlighted an instance where they donated items to a church acting as a warming center for the homeless. Amy praised Denise's community-centered approach to entrepreneurship.

♻️ Spark's Trash Expansion and Safety Incident
Denise discussed the expansion of their trash removal business, Spark's, into commercial buildings. They revealed the addition of two new services, including a drive-in service for contractors who want to avoid landfill rates and 12 new purple dumpsters for commercial buildings. Denise also shared an incident where they were almost injured by a drill they had purchased for the business. They mentioned that they are awaiting the results of an MRI and the final verdict from a hand surgeon.

🌍 Business Journey and Community Impact
Amy and Denise had a conversation about Denise's journey as a business owner in the junk removal industry. Denise encouraged those starting or considering starting their own business to follow their dreams. They shared their personal experiences and the challenges they faced, emphasizing the importance of hard work and determination. Denise also mentioned their commitment to giving back to their community through supporting non-profit organizations. Amy acknowledged Denise's contributions, including their provision of jobs and support to non-profits. Denise also discussed the areas their business covers and how they attract customers through SEO and word-of-mouth referrals.

🌐 Links:

Website: sparksjunkremoval.net
Instagram: instagram.com/sparksjunkremoval
Facebook: facebook.com/SparksJunkRemoval
YouTube: youtube.com/@sparksjunkremoval4681/featured
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/denise-sparks-33205810

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📢 Connect with Amy:
To learn more about Amy, hire her to speak at your event, or work with her team on your marketing, visit www.amysingleton.net.