Waste Removal is Big Business, and VaVia’s Franchisees Are Poised to Dominate the Segment

VaVia , the small-haul waste disposal franchise, was created with one goal in mind: to change the way customers see the waste business by bringing much-needed, tech-forward convenience and professionalism to the segment. This approach has helped VaVia (Italian for “it goes away”) become a major player in the waste-removal industry, which has been steadily growing rapidly for years and shows no signs of slowing down. Today, the VaVia brand is gearing up for major franchise growth as it aims to bring this in-demand service to more markets across the country.

“In the waste removal space, our competition is primarily made up of franchise people who got into the waste business — we're the opposite,” said Phillip Nappi , co-founder and president of VaVia. “We're waste removal people who got into the franchising business. That's a huge advantage as we look for qualified partners eager to enter the booming $60 billion waste management industry .”

When Nappi first founded the VaVia brand in 2018, he first recognized the need for smaller trucks and containers in the segment. “General contractors needed more trucks that could navigate tight spaces and smaller containers,” said Nappi. “They also desired a higher level of service, and we saw the opportunity to use technology for a smart, easy and polished disposal solution for contractors and residential customers. Through professional dumpster rental and pick-up, we could help our clients finish their projects on-time and on-budget, without all of the headaches.”

Unique business model

The VaVia team set out to create a better solution, especially for a new generation of contractors, homeowners and small businesses. VaVia has kept that mission alive today, where the company stands out in the waste removal segment with several unique differentiators.

For one, Nappi says, the brand’s proprietary technology is unmatched — customers can order and schedule deliveries or picks up of dumpsters online with the click of a button. Additionally, the VaVia business model is focused on bringing in a high-repeat customer base through accountability, customer service and reliable services. Unlike independent operators, customers can be confident VaVia will be there on time, fully equipped, every time.

“There is a huge lack of professionalism and sophistication in the waste management space,” Nappi said. “So many contractors have been burned by dumpster companies, so our tech-forward approach really resonates with contractors, because they’ve dealt with companies that weren’t customer-centric like us. Additionally, we go after construction companies with multiple projects instead of only one-and-done customers. Not a lot of franchise concepts have that built-in, repeat customer base.”

Prospective franchisees also have the opportunity to leverage the brand’s unique aesthetic, with attractive branding and unobtrusive trucks and dumpsters that appeal to homeowners. These dumpsters are also smaller, which means they can better be utilized for a wide range of contractor and homeowner projects.

Franchisee support

With demand growing everyday in the waste management segment, VaVia franchisees can feel confident they have the backing of an expert team behind them who are dedicated to providing owners with the infrastructure they need to offer professional and reliable waste removal services to their communities.

“We bring unmatched leadership with 50-plus years of experience in the waste, franchising and technology development industries,” Nappi said. “Most notably, we can leverage our waste industry relationships and buying power to provide a network of colleagues to secure preferred pricing, which is a franchisee’s main expense.”

VaVia’s CEO Tim Wells , for example, is a waste industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Before becoming CEO of VaVia, Wells served as Area Vice President of Fortune 15 company Waste Management, managing $600 million in revenue with over 1400 employees and 400 trucks that reported to him.

“As someone with in-depth experience in the waste management industry, it was clear VaVia stood out as a company well-positioned for the future,” said Wells. “Now, we are continuing to build out our infrastructure, putting together an exciting leadership team full of industry experts who are all eager to help our franchisees succeed and grow the brand across the country.”

VaVia franchisees also have access to in-depth marketing support. “We have a dedicated marketing partner in Google Ads and listings,” said Overton Thompson , director of franchising for VaVia. “Through that partnership, we bring a tech-savviness that is rare in the industry, which allows franchisees to capture those top search spots digitally and build up a solid presence in their individual market.”

In addition to this support, VaVia offers prospective franchisees low operating costs, proprietary technology and a simplified business model, giving them the opportunity to combine beautiful branding, processes, technology and professionalism in an easy-to-learn industry.

Future growth plans

Looking ahead, the construction industry shows no signs of slowing down, and Nappi says the time has never been better to join VaVia. “Construction is growing all over the country, and our services are more in demand than ever,” he said. “We offer an exciting opportunity to fill that demand with a non-brick-and-mortar business and wide-open territory availability.”

The VaVia team has a goal of signing 100 franchises by 2026. To help achieve that goal and encourage growth, the brand recently brought on franchising veteran Robert Maynard as a partner. By the end of 2021, Nappi says VaVia hopes to have 14 units signed.

But Nappi says the VaVia team isn’t looking for just anybody to join their franchise system — ideal prospects need to be 100% committed to providing the best customer experience possible.

“Dumpsters are easy to sell, so if you provide great customer service and have a good attitude, you can be successful in selling,” Nappi said. “Also, your customers are contractors and homeowners, so franchisees should be hands-on and eager to get out and connect with the community, trade organizations and nonprofits. Best of all, with our proven business model and support infrastructure in place, owners don’t need experience in the industry — our franchisee in Houston came from an oil company, a franchisee in San Antonio was a teacher and our Birmingham owner was in finance.”

The VaVia team is currently looking to add even more markets to the growing list of communities it calls home. The brand is currently looking for franchise partners across Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.