College HUNKS lands 9 franchise spots on Inc. 5000 list

College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving says nine of its franchise locations made the 2026 Inc. 5000 ranking of America’s fastest-growing private companies. The company is highlighting the recognition as proof that its franchise model, local operators and human-centered service are still growing in an AI-driven market.

Why it matters: - Nine College HUNKS franchise locations made the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, giving the brand a broad showing on a national ranking of fast-growing private companies. - The result highlights demand for moving and junk removal services and points to continued growth across the company’s franchise network. - The company is positioning that growth as evidence that service businesses built on human interaction can still scale even as technology reshapes the economy.

What happened: - College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving announced on Aug. 19, 2026, that nine franchise locations earned spots on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list. - The ranking measures private companies by revenue growth and highlights businesses creating jobs and supporting local economies. - The nine ranked locations were Houston; Asheville; Macomb County; Fairfield, N.J.; Chelmsford; Richmond; Grand Rapids; Hampton Roads; and Kalamazoo.

The details: - Houston ranked No. 3,037 with 101% growth. - Asheville ranked No. 4,237 with 51% growth. - Macomb County ranked No. 4,360 with 47% growth. - Fairfield, N.J., ranked No. 4,793 with 26% growth. - Chelmsford ranked No. 4,856 with 22% growth. - Richmond ranked No. 4,901 with 18% growth. - Grand Rapids ranked No. 4,952 with 15% growth. - Hampton Roads ranked No. 4,961 with 15% growth. - Kalamazoo ranked No. 4,973 with 14% growth. - College HUNKS says it has grown to nearly 200 franchise locations nationwide after being founded more than 20 years ago by two college friends with a borrowed van. - The name College HUNKS stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable Service. - The company provides full-service moving, junk removal, donation pickups and labor services in the United States and Canada. - College HUNKS says its social impact work includes more than 6 million meals donated through U.S. Hunger, with two meals donated for every job completed. - The company also offers free moves for domestic violence survivors transitioning to safe housing. - College HUNKS says it donates or recycles junk to keep it out of landfills and supports charitable thrift stores and nonprofits including Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity. - The company says it was awarded the Community Hero award by U.S. Hunger in 2022.

Between the lines: - Nick Friedman, co-founder of College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, framed the recognition as a sign that franchise owners are building strong teams and staying rooted in community service. - Friedman also argued that more college graduates and corporate professionals are choosing entrepreneurship in hands-on industries because those businesses offer real human connection and a path to long-term growth. - The company is using the Inc. 5000 placement to reinforce a broader message: jobs that depend on people, trust and local execution still have room to expand.

What's next: - College HUNKS will likely keep leaning on franchise growth, community partnerships and service-based branding as it expands. - The company says it aims to remain a values-based organization and become an iconic brand known for company culture and service. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.