Davidson Networking Spotlight: Mike Getka with JDog Junk Removal & Hauling

Next time you need some stuff hauled away—and you want to feel good about supporting a Veteran owned and operated business—just call JDog! Not only that, the company donates or recycles up to 80% of what they haul, so you know your items are being handled responsibly and can help someone in need.

This month’s spotlight is on Mike Getka with the Florida East Division of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling. The operation spans from the Florida/Georgia border all the way down to Melbourne. We caught up with Mike to learn more about him and the JDog business.

What do you do for JDog Junk Removal & Hauling?

As the Director of Business Development, I engage in the promotion of JDog’s Junk Removal & Hauling services and the community support that we provide for our Veterans in need.  

What made you want to pursue a career with JDog?

It was an opportunity to work with and hire Veterans and their family members.  In addition, it was an opportunity to give back to our Veterans and others in need by donating furniture for their homes from the residential clean-outs we are hired to do.

What sets JDog apart from other junk removal companies?

We are Veteran owned and operated and provide a 10% discount for Veterans. We also provide light demolition and deconstruction services, and a 12-yard roll-off dumpster service. I like to say, “We are a Junk Removal company on steroids.”

In addition to our services, we are very involved with helping Veterans and supporting the community.  We have furnished numerous homes for our Veterans in need with household items from the residential cleanouts we do.  We support the Five Star Veteran Center, Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Wreaths Across America, Boots on the Ground, ReThreaded, and POW/MIA Cecil Field Memorial.

Learn more about this effort at powmiamemorial.org/thank-you-to-jdog-junk-removal-hauling/.

Tell us a little about your experience.

 I am a 21-year Veteran of the Navy. I proudly served our country as a Seabee and Navy SEAL. Life after the Navy has introduced me to a variety of jobs such as the first ever Aquatics Director for the Barco-Newton YMCA in Fleming Island; Warrior Challenge Program Mentor for the Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville; and U.S. Events and Operations Real Estate Manager for Spartan Race Inc. For Spartan Race, I managed over 25 race venues, corporate contracts, negotiations and relationships with MLB and NFL stadiums across the continental U.S.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my family as well as golfing, hiking, basketball, fishing, boating and building stuff.

What business advice would you give your younger self just starting out?

I would tell my younger self to listen more and talk less. “We were born with two ears and one mouth…listen twice as much as you speak.”

What’s the craziest thing someone has asked JDog to haul away?

A woman jokingly asked us if we could haul her husband away!

JDog can be found online at jdogjunkremoval.comand facebook.com/JDogJacksonville/. Get a free estimate by calling 904-342-9883!

Come meet Mike at the next Davidson Networking Event in Jacksonville Beach! Davidson hosts two local monthly networking events:

• Jax Beach Networking Event– 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 p.m. at Southern Swells Brewing Co. (1312 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville Beach). Learn more here!
• World Golf Village Networking Event– 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Resort in The World Golf Village (500 S Legacy Trail in St. Augustine). Learn more here!