Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Gray.
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to take things apart and figure out how they work. Some of my earliest memories are of working alongside my papaw—he was always tinkering with something, whether it was woodworking, small engine repair, or sharpening tools. That hands-on curiosity stayed with me, and over the years I became a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, always eager to learn by doing.
Professionally, I spent over two decades as a technology product manager, building and leading consumer products. But when I was laid off after ten years at my previous company, it gave me the opportunity to pause and think about what I wanted to build next. I knew I still wanted to use my business skills, but I also wanted something more tangible—something that would let me roll up my sleeves, connect with my community, and create value that couldn’t be outsourced.
I explored a few different ideas, but I kept coming back to local services—specifically hauling and dumpsters. It checked all the boxes: it’s a business that’s always in demand, it allows me to combine my problem-solving and business background with hands-on work, and it gives me the chance to serve my neighbors directly. That’s how Neighborly Hauling was born.
Starting it was definitely a risk, and I knew I might need to balance it with other work as I built it up, but it felt like the right time to try. Today, I’m not just running a hauling business—I’m building something that reflects both where I came from and what I value: hard work, community, and the willingness to learn and grow along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of the early struggles were around just learning how everything works—permits, paperwork, figuring out how competitors operate, and dealing with delays that were out of my control.
The biggest challenge, though, was equipment. I didn’t get the right setup the first time around, and I tried to scale too quickly. That was an expensive lesson, but it taught me to slow down, focus on doing things the right way, and build a stronger foundation for the business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Neighborly Hauling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Neighborly Hauling is designed with homeowners in mind. My goal is to provide a dumpster and hauling service that’s professional, reliable, and actually works well in residential settings where space and presentation matter.
I’ve invested heavily in equipment because that’s what makes the difference. Our bins are square, which means customers get the maximum usable space without wasted corners. They’re also built to handle serious weight—up to 14,000 pounds—so whether it’s a roofing job, a basement cleanout, or a remodel, our equipment can handle it. On the truck side, I run a CDL-class vehicle with a hooklift system, outfitted with cameras and mirrors to safely navigate even tight residential streets. The truck length is optimized for neighborhoods, so I can service everything from downtown alleys to wide suburban boulevards in Ada.
Another thing I take pride in is keeping my bins and trucks clean. Dumpsters aren’t usually thought of as attractive, but I believe that equipment in front of someone’s home should be professional and presentable. It shows respect for the neighborhood.
On top of that, our pricing is built to be fair. Instead of paying a flat fee for a bin you may not fill, we use a pay-for-what-you-use model. Customers are charged by weight, with a set delivery and haul-away price no matter the bin size. That way, homeowners aren’t stuck overpaying for space they didn’t need—they only pay for what they actually use.
What sets Neighborly Hauling apart is that combination: strong, homeowner-friendly equipment designed for local use, paired with transparent, fair pricing. It’s a brand built on being professional, approachable, and, most importantly, neighborly.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I spend a lot of time on the road and around job sites, so audiobooks have become my go-to. I mainly listen to litrpg and progression fantasy books—they’re fun, but they also give me a mental break while I’m working on the business.
I also get a lot out of YouTube. There’s a huge community of people in the hauling and construction space sharing their experiences, tips, and even mistakes. I’ve learned a lot from watching others in the industry and it’s helped me avoid some pitfalls myself. Between the storytelling of audiobooks and the practical knowledge from YouTube, I’ve got a nice balance of entertainment and education that keeps me motivated and growing.
Pricing:
- All bins start @$259 for 1 day and 1 ton
- Extra Days are $15/day
- Extra weight is $0.035 / lbs rounded to the nearest pound
- We don’t upcharge for any special handled item like mattresses, tvs, tires.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neighborlyhauling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborlyhauling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborlyhauling/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neighborlyhauling
