From Side Hustle to Social Impact

How Chris Blumfeldt Transformed Ohio Junk Force into a Mission-Driven Business

Chris Blumfeldt started his business, Ohio Junk Force, as a side hustle while maintaining a corporate job. Over the next 13 years, he transitioned from a corporate employee to a full-time entrepreneur. However, his experience in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) accelerated his vision beyond junk removal to social impact. 

"The program challenged me to think bigger," Blumfeldt says. "I left the program with an aggressive growth strategy and many connections to help me succeed." 

Ohio Junk Force aims to provide its customers with stress-free junk removal and is driven by sustainability. It services the Northeast Ohio region. 

After graduating from the 10KSB program in August 2024, Blumfeldt has implemented changes that have transformed his business operations, including three new hires: a digital marketing specialist, a customer care specialist and a fractional chief marketing officer, whose role was expanded into a full marketing agency partnership. 

The growth strategy is ambitious but achievable.  

"Our growth plan has us growing three times our current revenue in the next three years," Blumfeldt says.  

This expansion includes opening a North Olmsted location in 2025, housing eight trucks, offices, storage space and a retail area for reclaimed items. 

Beyond business growth, Blumfeldt has aligned Ohio Junk Force with a deeper mission. In the fall of 2024, he partnered with the Cleveland Furniture Bank, which provides furniture to people transitioning from homelessness. For every referral, he donates $10 to purchase beds for children in need. 

"This fits with our mission to do good for the sake of doing good," Blumfeldt says. "It's good for us, for the Cleveland Furniture Bank and for the people who get a new home. It's a win for everyone." 

Learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses on its website. 

October 15, 2025

By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu