A new reality show coming to Discovery Channel in October features a veteran-owned business on a quest to turn unwanted items into treasure.
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling co-founder and CEO Jerry Flanagan said the as yet unnamed show is a combination of Storage Wars and American Pickers.
“This is such a different space for me. I have no idea what’s going to happen,” Flanagan, an Army veteran, said. “We’re starting to film in two weeks.”
Beginning as a two-person junk removal operation in a Home Depot parking lot in Berwyn, Pennsylvania 10 years ago, JDog Brands has expanded into a multi-service franchise organization synonymous with veteran hiring and employment with 240 locations around the country.
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“JDog’s mission is to create business opportunities, business ownerships, employment for veterans and veterans families nationwide,” explained Flanagan. “Our goal here is to take a veteran or military family member and put them into a small business and teach them how to run the business.”
The company focuses on junk removal, carpet cleaning and floor care.
“We are taking some real sensible businesses that are recession-proof and now pandemic- resistant, because we have been able to work and continue to grow during the pandemic,” continued Flanagan.
About three years ago, Rescue 911 creator Tim Minear approached Flanagan saying that America would fall in love with watching JDog employees find hidden treasures inside clients' homes.
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“He’s going to create stories about real-life events that happen when we travel to these peoples homes,” Flanagan explained.
The repurposed items will be auctioned online and on television.
“We will find a new purpose for the old jukebox or tractor or trampoline,” he said. “Anything people are getting rid of, we want to find a new home for. Even a car.”
Auction proceeds will go to the non-profit JDog Foundation, which works to bridge the gap between veterans and the organizations dedicated to helping them live fulfilled lives after leaving the military. The foundation is centered on raising awareness and funds around Veteran and military suicide prevention as well as higher education programs for veterans.
Flanagan added that veterans are hard workers who have been put into stressful situations due to their military service.
“When you apply that to the civilian world, that becomes an advantage,” he said.
To be considered for an appearance on the reality show, email an interesting story to TV@JDog.com.
“We want people to watch,” Flanagan said. “We want to get as many people around the country and around the world to watch the show and support veterans.”
The show is expected to air on Discovery Channel on Sunday mornings and American Heritage Channel on Saturday.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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