Columbia Native Clark McCarthy Opens Market’s First VaVia Franchise

Columbia, get ready for an elevated, modern waste removal experience. VaVia (Italian for “it goes away”) has become the premier player in the growing waste-removal industry with its proprietary technology, streamlined operations and a leadership team backed by a combined 50-plus years of experience in the waste, franchising and technology development industries. And now, the brand is operating in Columbia.

The Columbia location opened this fall at 601 Taylor Street and offers the brand’s reliable services and proprietary technology that allows customers to order and schedule deliveries or pick ups of dumpsters online.

The new location is owned and operated by Columbia-based franchise partner Clark McCarthy, who is excited to introduce VaVia’s uniquely tech-forward waste removal services to contractors, construction companies, renovators, remodelers and more across Columbia.

Born and raised in the market, McCarthy has always had a passion for serving others. A former teacher and coach, McCarthy coached the Gamecocks Women’s soccer team for several years before briefly going into the commercial real estate business. He and his wife Christina were looking into possible business ventures, and started exploring franchise opportunities — and that’s when they discovered VaVia, a dumpster rental franchise.

After meeting the franchisors in Nashville, they knew they had found the perfect match in the unlikely field of waste management. Now, McCarthy is ready to serve his hometown with a white-glove and professional experience.

“Really, I’m most excited to just be serving others — VaVia is a unique platform that allows me to meet people on a daily basis,” said McCarthy. “Plus, VaVia provides me the opportunity to serve my hometown. I was born and raised in Columbia, and I’m excited to provide my neighbors and community the highest quality service.”

The new Columbia location is part of VaVia’s plan to sign 100 franchises by 2026. By the end of 2021, VaVia hopes to have 14 units signed, and according to co-founder, COO and president Phillip Nappi, South Carolina is particularly ripe for expansion.

“We're thrilled to bring the VaVia brand to the community of Columbia alongside McCarthy, Bunch and Bowers,” said Nappi. "With over a billion dollars in development coming to the Columbia area, demand for our waste removal services is at an all-time high.”

As the franchise embarks on its ambitious expansion efforts, CEO Tim Wells says he is confident that franchisees like McCarthy will grow with the brand.

“Through our tech-forward approach and commitment to providing our customers with top tier service, we're confident that our new franchise partners will continue to grow in the market as VaVia continues to expand through its franchise ownership opportunity across the country,” Wells said. “Our business is bringing a white glove service approach to the waste industry, particularly in the construction services segment. That level of commitment to customer service can’t be found anywhere else.

Our model is also customer facing and designed to provide an ease of doing business that’s otherwise lacking in the industry. We’re looking forward to entering Columbia, introducing them to the VaVia brand and growing relationships within the community.”