Meet Karen Keane and her partner, the owners of “JK’s Bulk Bag Hire” small business based in Thursday Island, QLD
Karen’s business, which focuses on garden cleaning and care services, has been operational for almost a year now. The business provides a convenient bulk bag hire service tailored for the management of green waste. Karen and her partner personally deliver a green waste bulk bag to customers’ doorsteps. Once the bag is filled with green waste and ready for disposal, they manage the waste disposal process by transporting it to the dump.
“Many Rivers has been instrumental in supporting my business journey. I availed small loan service, which provided the financial boost I needed. Additionally, I received valuable guidance from my dedicated business coach, Rita. Through regular phone calls, Rita has been pivotal in steering me towards effective business operation strategies.”
Read more about Karen’s business journey so far:
Karen’s Business
Our business, in operation for nearly a year, revolves around a convenient bulk bag hire service designed specifically for managing green waste. Here’s how it works: we deliver a sturdy bag right to your doorstep. You then fill it with your green waste, and when it’s ready, we handle the disposal process by transporting it to the dump. This hassle-free service comes at a modest monthly fee, ensuring you can effortlessly maintain your green spaces without the stress of waste disposal logistics.
Our service is subscription based so you sign up and every month you get an invoice for the bag turn arounds.
Working with Many Rivers
Rita Gutchen, a close friend of mine, referred me to Many Rivers. I’ve had this business idea for a while, and around mid-last year, I reached out to Rita for support in advancing it. The idea had been on my mind for some time, and I saw it as a business opportunity. I aimed to serve my community, particularly because many people on the island lack cars to transport items to the dump.
During the rainy season, there’s an increase in dengue fever, and we assist the elderly in cleaning their lawns. Mosquitoes become a problem, so we take care of the waste disposal about once a month.
Many Rivers has been instrumental in supporting my business journey. I availed small loan service, which provided the financial boost I needed. Additionally, I received valuable guidance from my dedicated business coach, Rita. Through regular phone calls, Rita has been pivotal in steering me towards effective business operation strategies.
To further enhance my capabilities, I participated in a small business workshop facilitated by Many Rivers. This workshop served as a valuable resource, not only bolstering my knowledge but also boosting my confidence and refining the essential skills required to successfully run a business.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
Yes, we got the small business loan from Many Rivers.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
The loan was very helpful as it allowed me to turn my business idea into a reality.
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?
No, it is just me and my partner running the business for now.
Biggest Challenge
Our most significant challenge to date has been navigating the initial stages of starting the business. It’s been a slow and demanding process, and right now, we’re focused on just staying afloat. Juggling the intricacies of getting everything up and running, coupled with the pressure of managing loan repayments, has proven to be a considerable hurdle. The journey of establishing the business and ensuring its stability has indeed been a testing yet crucial phase for us.
Biggest Success
The most significant success so far has been the joy on people’s faces and the positive impact on the community. It’s immensely satisfying to contribute something beneficial to others, witnessing smiles and knowing that what we provide is making a difference in the community. This sense of fulfillment and the ability to bring happiness to people’s lives is truly rewarding.
Biggest Change
The most noticeable change for us since starting the business has been the way the community perceives us. It is heart-warming to experience the positive recognition and to engage more with our fellow community members on the island. Beyond that, another delightful change has been incorporating a new tradition into our routine—we now treat ourselves to lunch on Saturdays. This simple celebration has become a way for us to mark and appreciate the growth and success of our business. The increased sense of connection with the community and the small joys we’ve added to our lives have been significant and rewarding shifts.
Future Goals
In the future, we wish to buy a trailer that can help us in taking all the waste to the dump. The trailer will allow us to grow our business in the region.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Karen and her small business, follow JK’s Bulk Bag Hire on social media:
Facebook: https://rb.gy/86o38c
Email: [email protected]
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