OIF Veteran Forming Recycling Company

Hello Everyone!

I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom US Army Veteran and I am starting a hauling and recycling company. I have a strong passion for upcycling and recycling. Currently, I am in the process of writing my business plan, and I've already purchased a reliable truck for hauling. I will most likely have to begin hauling with my truck (it does have an 8ft bed though), unless I can attain Vocational Rehab grants from the Veteran's Administration. Does anyone have experience getting grants from the VA? I am rated 80% disabled so I should qualify. Finally, I am looking for a mentor to learn and grow from, tips/tricks, accounting practicals, etc.

Glad to be here!

Thanks,

Kenneth

Welcome from south of Chicago, and thank you for your service.

Welcome to the forum.

Let me start off by saying thank you for your service. My step son is an active duty combat medic. Luckily he hasn't had to see action yet.

There are many veterans that are very active on the forum and some of them are also buyers of various scrap. You should look into getting the veteran badge added to your profile. If there is anything that I can do to assist you or provide you with any guidance, just ask. If I don't know the answer, I may be able to point you to another member who does.

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Originally Posted by mthomasdev

Welcome to the forum.

Let me start off by saying thank you for your service. My step son is an active duty combat medic. Luckily he hasn't had to see action yet.

There are many veterans that are very active on the forum and some of them are also buyers of various scrap. You should look into getting the veteran badge added to your profile. If there is anything that I can do to assist you or provide you with any guidance, just ask. If I don't know the answer, I may be able to point you to another member who does.

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Originally Posted by greytruck

Welcome from south of Chicago, and thank you for your service.

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Thank you both for the warm welcome. I'm fleshing out my business plan more as we speak and finished the logo earlier today. I've had a few jobs (small) thus far but am looking to do some serious marketing in the next few days. I suppose getting some jobs under my belt wouldn't hurt while seeking funding. If anyone is looking for business plan writing software, I can strongly suggest Business Plan Pro, Google it.

Welcome to our "University of Scrapping". Just a couple of links you might enjoy,,, or not. lol

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/off-t...roll-call.html

You asked about some tips/tricks, this will get you started, just some random stuff.
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...t-so-good.html

As far as the VA you might want to talk to Hypoman as he has went thru some of the same stuff your trying to do. Setting up his business and all. He still comes around once in a while. You get a few more posts under your belt and the you can PM (private message ) him. He is a very nice person to deal with.
http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/intro...tml?highlight=

welcome from south Florida! I am in the hauling and recycling business as well. started out in an F150 and 14 foot trailer and have graduated up to 18 wheelers a have all the equipment in between. I haul anything from scrap metal to new metal, from animals to machines, from fertilizer to orange juice, and I move tons of different scrap material. I am glad to help out anywhere I can, all you have to do is ask. There are a ton of super nice, super knowledgeable people on here and I bet you could get any question you can think of answered

Wow! I am quite surprised how friendly everyone is here. Currently, I am starting out with a K3500 Chevy Dooley with an 8ft bed. Looking at Trailers but for now, I haven't found one I really like.

palelotus - From one veteran, to another veteran I also want to first say. I thank you for service to your country. Fortunately for me, I have no contact with the veterans department. So I can't help you in that area, only hope you can get a grant, as you earned it!

You made a good choice in joining SMF, as Mechanic called it right, our "University of Scrapping". SMF can teach you, help you and provide a valuable resource to allow you to advance your scrap opportunities. It all depends on you committing to taking the time to get familiar with the forum, reading a lot of the older post, keeping up with the new ones, learning about the members and their "willingness" to share their "hard earned lessons".

Again, Thank you for your service and welcome to SMF.

Thank you for your service.

I started out with a Dodge Dakota doing E-Waste. It had an 8' bed, though narrower than your truck. You would be amazed at what a good truck will haul:
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d3f1423.jpg

If you're able to work with them, I strongly recommend racks. They really extend the amount that your truck can haul. This is my old 87 Chevrolet half ton:
http://i1017.photobucket.com/albums/...ps09f99830.jpg


A tall rack really helps. We now have a Chevrolet 1 Ton (Single Rear Wheel). We can haul 2500 pounds in the bed. I think you will be around 3000-3500# weight capacity on your truck. Depending on what engine you have, those trucks can also pull a lot. In these times, it's crucial to make loads as large as you can. A good 7000# GVWR trailer should give you 5000# of capacity, plus the amount in the bed will give you more. You have the right tool for the job.

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My business advice is to look into E-Waste. It's small, dense, and depending on your area, may be an un-served niche. Plus, more than scrap value components can net you some pretty nice paydays....

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If you're able to work with them, I strongly recommend racks. They really extend the amount that your truck can haul.

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There's nothing like a really good rack,,,,o:)

welcome from Virginia and thank you for your service.

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

There's nothing like a really good rack,,,,o:)

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Great! Now, you're going to get Hobo Finds again....