From Junk to Genuine Connections with Michael Kane of Rubbish Works

When someone finally says “I can’t deal with this garage/estate/basement anymore,” Michael Kane is often the first call. In this episode of Connections That Matter, Andrew sits down with Michael, owner of Rubbish Works of Northern Colorado, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes of “junk removal” — and how he’s built a five-star, relationship-driven business in a competitive market.

Michael shares how compassion, professionalism, and follow-through turned a new franchise into a Best of NOCO winner with nearly 150 Google reviews in under a year. From hoarder-level cleanouts to last-minute commercial jobs where other vendors bailed, his story is all about showing up, doing what you say you’ll do, and asking for the review.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:
✨ What “full-service junk removal” really looks like for homes, estates, and businesses
✨ How Michael puts anxious or embarrassed clients at ease in tough situations
✨ The simple review strategy that helped Rubbish Works explode on Google
✨ Why networking has been crucial to growing a new service business in Northern Colorado
✨ What it’s really like competing with long-established national franchises
✨ How Michael thinks about persistence, market share, and adding a second truck and crew

💡 Why You Should Listen
If you’re a service-based business owner, this episode is a playbook in how to launch in a crowded space, earn trust quickly, and turn happy customers into vocal fans. If you’re a realtor, property manager, or homeowner staring down an overwhelming cleanout, you’ll also get a clear picture of what a good junk removal partner can actually do for you — beyond “just hauling stuff away.”

Connect with Michael Kane & Rubbish Works of Northern Colorado
📧 Email: mKane@rubbishworks.com
📞 Phone: 970-402-8879
🌐 Search: https://www.rubbishworks.com/northern-colorado/

Connect with Business Networking Done Right & Upcoming Events
Want to meet more Northern Colorado entrepreneurs like Michael in person?

Check out upcoming Next Level Networking and Business Labs here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/nia-next-level-networking-3697909

00:00 – Why junk removal is more emotional than you think
00:48 – What Rubbish Works actually does (and what they won’t touch)
02:16 – Putting clients at ease during estate and hoarder cleanouts
03:31 – How Michael hustled to nearly 150 Google reviews
05:12 – The exact follow-up system he uses to get more 5-star reviews
08:32 – Competing with big, established franchises in Northern Colorado
09:53 – Using networking groups to launch a new local brand
11:08 – Growth goals, second truck, and expanding the service area
12:02 – One-off jobs vs. repeat clients and realtor partnerships
13:25 – Helping clients let go of their “stuff” without judgment
14:37 – When “I just have a little” turns into five truckloads
15:27 – Serving people respectfully while you’re in their space
16:21 – Hidden treasures and memorable finds on cleanout jobs
17:56 – Real talk for new entrepreneurs entering crowded markets
19:30 – How to connect with Michael and Rubbish Works