New owner plans Rhode Island expansion for College H.U.N.K.S.

Rhode Island entrepreneur Chris Petras has taken over College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving’s territories in the state and plans to grow the brand statewide. The move is aimed at creating local jobs, supporting real estate-related services and building a business he can pass down to his family.

Why it matters: - The acquisition brings all of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving’s Rhode Island territories under one owner. - Chris Petras says the deal is designed to create more local jobs in a part of the economy where physical labor still matters. - The expansion ties a franchise business to Rhode Island real estate activity, especially moves, downsizing and cleanouts.

What happened: - Rhode Island entrepreneur Chris Petras became the new owner of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving in Rhode Island. - Petras plans to expand the business across the state. - The purchase covers all of the brand’s territories in Rhode Island. - The announcement was made in Providence, Rhode Island.

The details: - Petras said moving and junk removal are jobs that AI cannot do. - Petras said he wants to grow the business, create more jobs in Rhode Island and build something that helps the local economy for years. - Petras has more than a decade of experience in real estate. - His background includes work as an agent, ownership of a brokerage and leadership of a real estate investment company. - Petras also previously owned and operated several coffee and donut shops. - He chose College H.U.N.K.S. because the company’s services align with real estate transitions. - Petras has spent years helping seniors and their families navigate housing transitions. - Petras wants to make downsizing and moving less stressful for that group. - The company name H.U.N.K.S. stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable Service. - College H.U.N.K.S. was founded more than 20 years ago by two college friends with a borrowed van. - The brand has grown to nearly 200 franchise locations nationwide. - The company says it has donated more than 6 million meals through a partnership with U.S. Hunger, with two meals donated for every job completed. - College H.U.N.K.S. offers free moves for domestic violence survivors transitioning to safe housing. - The brand donates or recycles junk to keep it out of landfills and support charitable thrift stores and nonprofits. - Petras said he wants to build a legacy business that could eventually be passed down to his family.

Between the lines: - The deal reflects demand for service businesses that are less exposed to automation than office work. - Petras is positioning the franchise as both a growth play and a community-facing business. - The emphasis on seniors, family transitions and local hiring suggests a strategy built around trust and repeat community use rather than pure volume.

What's next: - Petras plans to continue expanding College H.U.N.K.S. across Rhode Island. - The company expects continued hiring as the local operation grows. - More information is available through the Providence location.