There are two distinct types of contractors in the field service world of today. There are the client focused contractors, who align closely with what a clients vision is, prioritize his requests and specifications, no matter how trendy or predictable they may be. And they are very, very compliant. And then, there is Simon Beames, of the BRITISH REMODELER and GLASS ACT MOSAICS in Colorado Springs, CO, who doesn’t do trendy AT ALL. Or predictable. What he does instead is prioritize that which is different, exciting, and above all else, unique. In this episode of SWIVL SESSIONS, Simon explains why he refuses to chase “Instagram moments,” instead focusing on creating work that is elegant, durable, and deeply personal for each client. From the fulfillment of doing things his way, to hearing about his latest venture, Glass Act Mosaics, where he’s reviving ancient artistry with a modern twist, his advice to future entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to make the jump.
Why he Ditched His 6-Figure Travel Job to Monetise Junk Removal?
Braxton Jett , owner of Cleared Out, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama talks about how he started making money from Junk Removal ! His advice to those looking to start their own business? 'The worst you can do it fail!'

About the Guest
Braxton Jett
Owner of Cleared Out, LLC
Braxton Jett is the founder and owner of Cleared Out LLC, a Birmingham, Alabama-based junk removal company built on integrity, community service, and family values. After spending 17 years in healthcare-including roles in post-acute care development and healthcare technology-and surviving a benign brain tumor diagnosis in 2015, Braxton transitioned from a high-flying corporate travel career to entrepreneurship. What started as a favor for a realtor friend evolved into a thriving business that generated over $325,000 in revenue during its first full year of operation. Braxton's approach combines exceptional customer service, environmental responsibility, and a commitment to maintaining work-life balance while serving the Central Alabama community.
Connect
Company: Cleared Out LLC
Location: Birmingham, Alabama (50-mile service radius)
Services: Junk removal, estate cleanouts, demolition, recycling, resale
Company Overview
Cleared Out LLC specializes in professional, honest, and eco-friendly junk removal services throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area and surrounding Central Alabama communities. Services include:
Services
- Residential and commercial junk removal
- Estate cleanout and preparation for estate sales
- Hoarding situation remediation
- Property management cleanouts (including 500+ unit apartment complexes)
- Demolition services (sheds, barns, trailer homes, structures)
- Recycling and proper hazardous materials disposal
- Resale of quality items through marketplace channels
Core Mission
Delivering reliable, transparent service with a personal touch while maintaining environmental responsibility and serving the local community with integrity.
Business Model
Operates as an intentionally small, owner-operated business focused on quality over quantity, with a strong emphasis on honest pricing, punctuality, and building long-term relationships within a 50-mile service radius.
Episode Summary
Braxton Jett , owner of Cleared Out, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama talks about how he started making money from Junk Removal ! His advice to those looking to start their own business? 'The worst you can do it fail!'
On How the Business Started
"I saw this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. I mean, I've got the equipment, it'll take me an hour of my time. I'll come out and I'll demo it for you."
On Business Philosophy
"I wouldn't let anybody that works for me-if you're not welcome in my house, you're not welcome in somebody else's house. And that is a hard, hard stop for me."
On Pricing Transparency
"I don't do estimates, I do quotes. So people when they decide to deal with us, they know exactly what they're going to spend."
On Environmental Responsibility
"I'm not a greeny, I am not really that person. However, I would consider myself a conservationist... It's not hard to do the right thing."
On Competitive Advantage
"Just showing up on time, booking a job and showing up for the quote on time, and showing up and doing the job exactly the way you said you're going to do it-that will put you leaps and bounds ahead."
On Success Factors
"If you can have that happy middle of hey, I can show up on time and I can do exactly what I say I'm going to do, and by the way I'm licensed and insured but I have a reasonable rate and price, then you set yourself apart."
On Family Priorities
"I want to do something where I can be present and I can take care of myself and take care of my family... I don't have any aspirations of being like a national franchise."
On Business Variety
"Every day is different and that's the way that I'm geared. I would die of a slow, painful death if I had to sit behind a desk every day."
Getting Started
- Start with what you have-Braxton launched with just $3,000 from his personal account
- Look for organic opportunities in your existing network before investing in paid marketing
- Don't be afraid to start something "by accident"-opportunities often arise from helping others
- Consider how personal challenges and life changes can redirect you toward better paths
- Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses from the beginning
Pricing and Customer Service
- Give quotes, not estimates-customers deserve to know exactly what they'll spend
- Build a rapport with customers and explain what goes into your pricing
- Factor in all costs including equipment maintenance, travel time, and job complexity
- Be transparent about additional charges (stairs, distance, special circumstances)
- Honor your quotes even when unexpected challenges arise
- Show up on time for quotes AND jobs-this alone sets you apart from competitors
Operations and Equipment
- Expect high equipment maintenance costs-budget $3,000+ monthly for items like tires
- Consider cost-per-use when deciding whether to rent, lease, or buy equipment
- A 6-ton mini excavator with hydraulic thumb is a game-changing investment
- Separate recyclable materials on-site to streamline disposal and reduce landfill costs
- Store hazardous materials until you have enough volume to justify special facility trips
Business Development
- Build relationships with complementary industries (real estate agents, property managers)
- Tap into existing networks and associations where your target customers gather
- Word of mouth and Google are more sustainable than paid lead generation platforms
- Experiment with platforms like Angie's List/Home Advisor, but be ready to pivot away
- One-third of revenue can come from unexpected sources (like resale operations)
Technology and Systems
- Start simple with calendar and Excel, but plan to graduate to proper software
- Invest in field service software (like Jobber) to consolidate communication and operations
- Look for solutions that handle client management, invoicing, job assignment, and tracking
- Accept that no software is perfect-choose what works best for most of your needs
- Use app-based solutions so you can manage the business from anywhere
Differentiation Strategies
- Be radically honest and transparent in all customer interactions
- Maintain proper licensing and insurance-it's non-negotiable
- Position yourself between expensive national franchises and unlicensed competitors
- Find your "happy middle" on pricing: reasonable but not cheapest
- Build a reputation for doing exactly what you say you'll do
Work-Life Balance
- Stay "intentionally small" if that serves your life goals better than aggressive growth
- Define your service radius and stick to it for profitability and sustainability
- Remember why you started-don't lose sight of family and health priorities
- Accept that you can be successful without becoming a national franchise
- Every day being different can be the reward itself for the right personality
Environmental Responsibility
- Separate recyclables even if it requires minimal extra effort-it's "not hard to do the right thing"
- Partner with recycling yards that are convenient to your regular routes
- Build relationships for proper disposal of hazardous materials
- Consider environmental practices as part of your brand differentiation
- Connect sustainability to personal values (conservation, outdoor recreation)
Mindset and Philosophy
- Understand that "nobody really wants to pay to get rid of things"-price accordingly
- Learn when a job "just isn't meant to be" rather than taking unprofitable work
- Maintain the same standards you'd want in your own home
- Stay present and engaged rather than treating it like just another job
- Health challenges can provide valuable perspective on what truly matters
From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Freedom
The episode powerfully illustrates how traditional markers of success (high-level healthcare/tech positions, extensive travel, corporate prestige) don't always align with personal fulfillment. Braxton's journey shows that entrepreneurship can be a path to reclaiming time, health, and family priorities rather than just pursuing maximum revenue growth.
Accidental Entrepreneurship and Organic Growth
Sometimes the best businesses aren't meticulously planned but emerge from solving immediate problems for people in your network. Braxton's story demonstrates how helping a friend, combined with observational skills and willingness to act, can reveal genuine market opportunities others might miss.
Integrity as Competitive Advantage
In an industry where showing up on time and doing what you promise can put you "leaps and bounds ahead," the episode highlights how fundamental business ethics-honesty, transparency, reliability-create sustainable competitive advantages that marketing dollars can't buy.
Health Challenges as Catalysts
Braxton's 2015 brain tumor diagnosis and recovery fundamentally shifted his perspective on work, success, and time allocation. The episode explores how confronting mortality and experiencing vulnerability can clarify priorities and lead to better life and business decisions.
Intentional Smallness
Counter to typical entrepreneurial narratives of aggressive scaling and expansion, Braxton champions the concept of staying deliberately small to maintain quality, personal connection, and work-life balance. This challenges the assumption that all successful businesses must pursue maximum growth.
Environmental Responsibility Without Ideology
The conversation demonstrates how environmental practices can be integrated into business operations through pragmatism and conservation values rather than political positions, making sustainability accessible to broader audiences.
Technology as Business Enabler
From Google Maps for pre-quote research to Jobber for operations management, the episode shows how even small, owner-operated businesses can leverage technology to compete with larger companies and deliver professional customer experiences.
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