Episode 6- Lillie Williams- J Dog Hauling & Rags to Riches

Cosmos & Commerce Podcast

Guest:

• Lillie Williams (J Dog Junk Removal & Hauling and Rags to Riches)

Introduction:

• Transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship.
• Experienced injury during deployment, leading to time at Walter Reed.

Inspiration for J Dog:

• Participated in Boots to Business, an organization aiding veterans' transition into business.
• Introduced to J Dog during a 12-week training, a veteran-established franchise.

Beginning of Rags to Riches:

• J Dog's operation led to the accumulation of items which spurred the idea for Rags to Riches.

Boots to Business Program:

• A 12-week program through Mississippi State University.
• Helps veterans formulate business plans and navigate the start-up process.

Background of J Dog Franchise:

• Founded by Jerry Flanagan and Tracy Flanagan.
• Originated from Jerry's struggles post-military and his initiative to haul furniture.

Lillie's Personal Background:

• First job at 18 was a secretary for the American Red Cross.
• Joined the military at 23 inspired by "Be All You Could Be" commercials.

Marketing Scam

• Paid $3,000 to a marketing company, thinking they were partnering with a local school

Proudest Accomplishment

• Establishing a store in Pickerington, a community that welcomed them warmly
• Recounts their journey of trying multiple places before settling in Pickerington

Fascinating Finds

• Found a wire recorder from the 1920s or 1930s
• Stumbled upon rare and valuable Beanie Babies

Resale Shop Origins

• Encountered hoarder houses, often filled with new items with tags

Pricing Strategy

• Pricing of items determined through eBay searches and Google Lens.

Brand Building and Market Competition

• Emphasis on fostering a community over competition.
• Handwritten letters to 5,000 community members introducing their business.

Unique Marketing Approaches

• Word of mouth as the primary marketing strategy.
• Emphasis on being veterans and community-oriented.

Operational Efficiency

• Regularly rotate items in the shop to keep displays fresh.
• Seeking customer feedback on desired items and fulfilling their requests.

Leveraging Networking:

• Lillie emphasized the importance of networking as the basis of their business endeavors.

Investing Time:

• The most significant investment for the Lillie has been donating their time to various causes and projects.

Quick Fire Round

• Advice on Starting a Business
• Handling Recommendations
• Future Vision
• Motivation
• Achieving Goals
• Books & Impact
• Definition of Success
• Recent Meaningful Purchase.
• Contact Details: Business: R2R Ohio; Location: 24 West Columbus Street, Pickerington; Website: r2rohio.com; J Dog website: jdog.com

Lillie Williams
J Dog Junk Removal
Rags 2 Riches
Becoming by Michelle Obama

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