Professional of the Week – January 31, 2012

John Patterson

1-800-GOT-JUNK?

How long have you been at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, and how would you describe your role?
I’m the franchise partner for Dane, Jefferson, and Walworth counties and have owned the business for seven years. I’m responsible for all of the company operations in the Madison area.

Who would you say has influenced your career the most, and in what way?
The founder and CEO of our company, Brian Scudamore, has influenced every aspect of my franchise, from the look of our trucks to the types of marketing we do. Almost every major decision we make is in some way influenced by Brian.

Who would you most like to be a mentor to, or have the most influence on?
I would like to be a mentor to our employees by setting an example of how we should treat our internal and external customers. We operate our business by following the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” I hope that my employees see my influence on them in a positive way.

What was a personal high point in your career?
2011 was one long high point. Several milestones were hit this past year: We set a record for revenue by 22%, we upgraded our operation to a physical office/warehouse, and we now have a significant landfill diversion program. All of these milestones were met, despite our most important vertical of residential real estate experiencing a slow recovery. Another high point for me has been consistently donating items to Habitat for Humanity and Door Creek Church – the community involvement has been very rewarding.

Do you have any long-range goals that you’d like to achieve before leaving your company?
We are targeting revenue of $300,000 in 2012, but my three-year goal is $500,000 in 2015.

What do you read to help keep you current in your field? What trade associations or training do you belong to that you feel are a good referral?
I’ve found that Waste Age Magazine provides pertinent information related to market trends, landfill diversion, and fleet service. I’ve also found that ATS Specialized in Sun Prairie provides very good safe driver training. We try to send our guys there once a year to refresh their safe driving skills.

What were your career aspirations when you were in high school? Did you meet any of those? If they changed, why?
In high school, my main focus was getting into a good university. I really didn’t start to have career aspirations until college.

What did you do with your first paycheck? Where was it from, and what was the job? How much was it?
My first job was selling sodas at Virginia Tech football games. My friend and I showed up to the stadium hours before the game started, each of us hoping to be chosen to be one of the kids hired to sell Pepsi for that game. We had to carry around trays of twenty 20-ounce cups. I noticed people started buying sodas from me just because they felt sorry for this tiny 12-year-old kid carrying around a 25-pound tray of sodas. I was kind of surprised that people felt sorry for me. I didn’t mind the work, and I probably only made $30 each game, but for me that was tons of money! They allowed me to sell sodas for that season, but the next year they told me I was too young. Going forward, they required that kids be 15 or older. That was probably my first experience where I could see the evidence of my direct hard work paying off.

Did you have any entrepreneurial interests at a young age? If so, what?
During my junior and senior years in college I owned the Madison College Pro Painter’s franchise. We painted 40 houses my first summer. That experience led me to start saving money so that soon I could buy another franchise, because I was much more skilled as a business owner than an engineering student.

What brought you to Madison?
I grew up in Blacksburg, Va., home to Virginia Tech University. I wanted to study engineering, but I didn’t want to go to our big hometown engineering school; instead, I wanted to experience a new place. My dad went to UW-Madison and his connection to Madison definitely helped put UW at the top of my list of schools.

What do you do outside of the office to relax?
I enjoy spending time on my pontoon boat, relaxing on Lake Mendota. I also love golf, although I could use a few more lessons.

What’s your favorite place to travel to, and why?
I really enjoy visiting Vancouver, Canada. Our company is headquartered there, and I’ve been there several times for our annual conference. The beauty of Vancouver, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the rugged mountains, is breathtaking.

What kinds of books do you read for pleasure? What’s a recent title that might give us the flavor of what you like to read?
I enjoy reading business books by Jim Collins. Good to Great provided me with some valuable insight concerning the culture I wanted to create within my company.

What character in any sport, book, movie, or play would you most like to be identified with, and why?
I think Russell Wilson – our starting quarterback at UW – is someone I draw inspiration from. He’s a quiet leader who provides leadership from his actions, not bravado.  

Finally, list three words you think best describe you:
Honest, loyal, direct.