From Corporate to Construction: Why I Traded My Desk Job for a Dump Truck

For over 25 years, I climbed the ladder of corporate leadership, armed with an MBA from Eastern University and a BS in Business Management from Central Penn College. I thrived in boardrooms, strategized with teams, and led with purpose. But in 2018, I traded my desk job for a "not so pretty" dump truck—and I’ve never looked back. Today, as the founder and CEO of She Does Hauling, a woman-owned business in Harrisburg, PA, I’m living proof that a career change can lead to unexpected passion and purpose. Here’s how it all began.

It started with a dream rooted in my thesis work: creating a Traditional Program for “At-Risk” Youth. To bring it to life, I purchased an investment property in Harrisburg, PA, to renovate into a group home. I envisioned a space where young people could find support and stability. But as the renovations kicked off, I hit a wall—not with the construction itself, but with the junk removal process.

I needed reliable hauling services to clear the construction debris piling up on the property. What I got instead was a string of disappointments: no returned calls, no-shows for scheduled appointments, and wildly unfair estimates. After weeks of frustration, I took matters into my own hands. I bought a beat-up old truck and started hauling the junk to the dump myself. It wasn’t glamorous, but it got the job done.

One morning, as I stared out my bathroom window at that weathered truck parked in my driveway, a thought hit me: “I bet there’s someone else like me who needs stuff hauled away and can’t find anyone reliable to do it.” That moment was the spark that ignited She Does Hauling. I decided to test the waters with a simple $5 ad on Craigslist—no company name, no logo, just a question: “Need help hauling? Tired of unreliable services?”

The response was immediate. My phone started ringing off the hook with people desperate for junk removal in Harrisburg, PA, and beyond. When my family asked what I’d call this fledgling venture, I ran my finger along the side of that trusty, if unattractive, truck and declared, “She Does Hauling.” I wrapped the truck with a logo and a name, and just like that, a business was born.

From Corporate to Construction: Finding My Passion

People often ask me, “What made you get into this type of work?” or remark, “It’s odd seeing a woman in this field.” I get it—going from corporate leadership to hauling junk isn’t a typical career pivot. But for me, it’s been a revelation. After decades in suits and skyscrapers, I’m having fun. There’s something deeply satisfying about rolling up my sleeves, solving real problems, and seeing the tangible results of my work—whether it’s a cleared-out basement or a demolished site ready for a fresh start.

Being a woman in this industry? That’s not a limitation—it’s a strength. My background in leadership and my entrepreneurial spirit, honed over 25 years in corporate America, give me a unique edge. I bring strategy, professionalism, and a customer-first mindset to an industry that sometimes lacks it. And when customers raise an eyebrow at seeing a woman behind the wheel of a hauling truck, I smile and let our 5-star reviews and growing network of 35 professional contractors speak for themselves.

Building a Woman-Owned Business with Purpose

Since that first Craigslist ad in 2018, She Does Hauling has grown into a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) specializing in junk removal, hauling, logistics, construction, and demolition services. We’ve expanded from serving Central Pennsylvania to covering the Northeastern Region with national capabilities. Along the way, we’ve earned accolades like the 2020 Comcast RISE Investment Fund - People of Color Award and built an organic following of over 25,000 across social media—all while maintaining our commitment to honest, ethical, and fair service.

What drives me now is the same passion that started it all: helping people. Whether it’s decluttering a home, clearing a construction site, or providing logistics support, we’re here to make life easier for our clients. Our mission hasn’t wavered since day one—open communication, reliable service, and a stress-free experience that leaves everyone recommending us to family and friends.

That “not so pretty” truck wasn’t just a solution to a renovation headache—it was the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey I never saw coming. What started as a personal frustration turned into a thriving woman-owned business that’s redefining junk removal in Harrisburg, PA, and beyond. I may have left the corporate world behind, but I brought its lessons with me: discipline, vision, and a relentless drive to deliver results.

So, the next time you’re drowning in clutter or debris and can’t find a hauling service you can trust, give us a call at 717-219-3584. I’ve been there, and I built this company to make sure you don’t have to go through what I did.