Meet Noah Catapano | Owner / U Call-We Haul Junk Removal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Noah Catapano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noah, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite business quote is from renowned author Dale Carnegie, “You never achieve real success unless you like what you are doing”. The reason this quote sticks with me so much is the relevancy it has to myself and business. I have had countless sales jobs since high school, some worked better than others. One day I realized that the items I was personally most interested in, I sold the most of. This wasn’t something I was able to foster over time, but rather came from true internal fondness of an item or service. Once I found something that truly appealed to me, I was no longer selling an item or service, I was selling my own emotions and heart. That leads me to where I am today, loving every day I go to work. I never have a day where I dread performing junk removal services, in return that translates into excellent personalized service for our customers. When a business owner truly puts their heart and passion into their service and ability to help people, you can really see them shine. The little guy with a big heart makes a huge difference.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is in the junk removal industry. The idea all started when I worked for a company doing “valet trash”. Basically, we went to higher end apartment communities, and would remove their household trash bags directly from their front door, so they wouldn’t have to walk all the way to the dumpster for a single trash bag. Frequently, I would have residents ask us for help in removing bigger items like furniture, appliances, etc. Company policy said we could not, which really saddened me as I’d grown to truly care for some of the residents like family. One day I purchased a used pickup truck and began helping a couple people remove their larger unwanted items. From sheer word of mouth, my business spread very quick. I began working less and less at the valet trash company, and take on more and more work myself (now at neighborhoods and apartments in multiple zip codes). I decided to invest in making my business legitimate, formed an LLC, got insured, and designed some cheap business cards. Since then we’ve expanded into two trucks on the road, large trailers, and revamped professional presence online. It wasn’t easy leaving a guaranteed paycheck for an industry I knew little about (removing pianos and couches is a lot different than carrying a trash bag down a flight of stairs!). Some lessons I’ve learned are to always deliver on your promise, even if that means spending extra time or making less (or no) money – this will reward you back ten-fold in the long run. Another is that there is nothing wrong with being small, as a small team can make a big difference. If there was anything I would share with the world, it would be to take an opportunity when presented, you can always learn along the way, and to never say “no” to a challenge. Every “failure” and “mistake” I have had with this business, was ultimately a learning point to evolve into something bigger and better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The best time ever huh? That wouldn’t be very hard here in Colorado Springs, everything and everywhere is amazing! I would frequent Hold Fast Coffee every morning for a delicious cup of warm happiness. Everyday we would check out a new trail to hike, Ute valley, Blodgett Peak, Pancake Rocks to name a few. After an exhausting hike we would hit up my favorite ice cream spot, Josh & Johns off Centennial to cool off. A quick stroll through Manitou always is rewarding (I mean I could spend hours in their penny arcade), the history on the Spring water fountains would interest anyone and everyone. Dinner would definitely be spent at La Bella Vita for Italian, Sushi Ato for Japanese, or my personal favorite, MacKenzie’s Chop House for a delightful Ny Strip steak. It’s honestly so hard to say where I would take someone as there is so many amazing places! Loonees has hilarious comedy, Cosmos for breath-taking magic shows, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo features many rare and endangered animals to say hi too, including my favorite goat – Cojita!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout would be towards my mother, Rachel Catapano. Ever since I was a child she advocated for me to pursue my own path, no matter how unrealistic it may seem, and to always prioritize health and happiness over money. I’ve bounced between many industries and ideas and my mother was always on my side. When I asked her thoughts on starting a business instead of going back to school, she simply said “education will always come from experience”. Even though I was only 21, with little to no business education, my mother supported me in beginning this business. Now a few years later, I can say I’ve learned so many things along the way and only continue to learn everyday. I’m very thankful of my mother in not only her support, but for serving as inspiration to me. The odds were always against her when she was my age, but with hard work, persistence, and a smile, she over came those odds to become the role model I know and love today.

Website: www.ucallwehaulco.com

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Other: Email: Info@ucallwehaulco.com