JAWS: Turning Waste into Purpose, One Junk Removal at a Time
This November, the Chamber is thrilled to honor National Veterans and Military Families Month by spotlighting veteran-owned businesses in our community. This blog series is aimed at honoring these resilient entrepreneurs who bring dedication and leadership to the business world, as we express our gratitude for their service to our country.
In the heart of Arlington, JAWS, short for Junk and Waste Solutions and owned by Bryant “Griff” Griffith, is making waves by not only excelling in waste removal but also by significantly impacting the lives of veterans and the community at large. Established on Veterans Day three years ago, this enterprise emerged as the brainchild of Griff, a military veteran on a quest for a greater post-service purpose.
JAWS is not your typical junk removal company. Inspired by his father’s resourcefulness and realizing the need to repurpose materials while confronting the issue of accumulating waste, Griff is committed to ethical and sustainable waste management practices through their DR2 method – prioritizing donation, recycling, and repurposing over sending items to the landfill. They offer a range of services, including junk removal, dumpster rental, and demolition services for both commercial and residential clients.
With a commitment to servant leadership in the waste management industry, the JAWS team celebrates their mission to be environmentally friendly and actively tracks the amount donated, recycled, and given back to the community. They transform every job into an opportunity for fulfillment—whether it involves supporting local nonprofits or collaborating with commercial clients to recycle used equipment.
Since becoming a member of the Chamber, JAWS has experienced growth that goes beyond conventional business connections, seamlessly integrating the company into our “Can-Do” community. Griff now serves as the Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Veterans Business Council in addition to actively supports local nonprofits like “Metals for Marines” and “Military Mattresses.” Griff also partners with Talus Pay ensures a portion of every card transaction aids America’s Homeless Veterans, contributing significantly to “Swiping Away Homelessness”.
The recognition doesn’t stop there; JAWS recently won the pitch competition at the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference and is being featured on Montel Williams Military Makeover television show. They’re also set to receive the Arlington Holders of Hope Award on December 7.
In Griff’s own words, “JAWS is not just a junk removal company. It’s a story of veterans finding purpose, of a community coming together, and of a business making a positive impact on the environment.” As they celebrate three years of service, JAWS stands as a testament to the idea that businesses can be successful not only in financial terms but also in the positive change they bring to the lives of those they touch.
Griff served for 10 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, where he did two tours overseas to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a Staff Sergeant and Force Deployment / Plans Chief. With Griff’s story in mind, make sure to support our local veteran-owned businesses. They served our country; let’s celebrate their courage and contribute to their success within our community.