College HUNKS expands in Chicagoland despite fuel cost pressures

By AI, Created 3:02 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving is adding seven Chicagoland communities as higher gas prices and inflation continue to squeeze transportation-dependent businesses. The expansion signals steady demand for moving and junk removal across the region and is expected to add jobs quickly.

Why it matters: - College HUNKS is expanding in a cost-sensitive industry where fuel prices can hit margins fast. - The new coverage adds service in Berwyn, Brookfield, Garfield Ridge, Midway, LaGrange, Cicero, and Western Springs. - The growth reflects continued demand for moving and junk removal in a dense, fast-growing metro area. - The expansion is expected to create five jobs immediately and as many as 25 within the next year.

What happened: - College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving expanded across Chicagoland on June 8, 2026. - Erica Fine’s business now spans eight territories serving an estimated 3 million residents across the region. - Fine joined the College HUNKS system in 2022 after a career in corporate finance. - Fine said demand remains strong despite inflation and fuel volatility. - Fine said, “People are still moving, still downsizing, still upgrading homes. That demand doesn’t stop, it just requires us to be smarter about how we operate.” - More information is available in the company’s Chicago announcement.

The details: - Fine’s team has posted consistent year-over-year growth alongside expanded operations. - The operation has maintained a 4.9-star Google rating across more than 1,500 customer reviews. - College HUNKS says the performance reflects a focus on customer service and operational consistency. - College HUNKS now has nearly 200 locally owned franchises nationwide. - The brand provides full-service tech-enabled residential and commercial moving, junk removal, donation pickups and labor services in the U.S. and Canada. - The company name shortens Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service. - College HUNKS donates two meals to U.S. Hunger for every job completed, totaling more than five million meals to date. - Items collected during jobs are recycled or donated whenever possible to reduce landfill waste and support local nonprofits and community organizations. - The company and U.S. Hunger have a national partnership focused on ending childhood hunger. - College HUNKS won the Community Hero award from U.S. Hunger in 2022.

Between the lines: - The expansion suggests the franchise model is still working even as fuel and inflation add operating pressure. - Dense suburban markets like Chicagoland can support route efficiency and steady repeat demand, which helps offset higher transportation costs. - The social-impact pitch remains part of the brand’s identity and may help differentiate the business in a crowded service category.

What’s next: - Fine’s business plans to continue scaling after adding the new Chicagoland territories. - The workforce could grow from five immediate hires to as many as 25 employees over the next year. - College HUNKS is likely to keep leaning on operational efficiency, workforce development and community-based service as it expands nationwide.

The bottom line: - College HUNKS is betting that steady residential demand and franchise efficiency can outrun higher fuel costs in one of its key markets.