From Junk Truck to Treasure Trove: M&M Resources of Dundas
Malcolm and Maria Watt of Dundas, Minnesota, have built a thriving business model combining junk removal with a unique thrift store. Their venture, M&M Resources, offers a space where treasures recovered from their junk removal service, Junk Truck MN, find new life, creating a sustainable and community-focused business.
Malcolm and Maria Watt inside the thrift-shop side of their business, M&M Resources.
The transition into this business model began with a simple request. After being laid off from work and tired of lending his truck, Maria Watt suggested to Malcolm that he start charging for junk removal services to friends and relatives. From that idea, Junk Truck MN was born.
Their work isn’t limited to just appliances or old furniture. The couple often finds many interesting and useful items in their junk removal calls, which they then sell at their thrift shop.
Malcolm Watt explained how the items are recovered, “We’re going to try and find something or we’ll have to figure out an item and, you know, if there’s a lot of stuff, we’ll take the rest of the junk, the trash, what they need to get rid of. Then we’ll give them what they know needs to go.”
Having a thrift shop allows them to recycle and reduce waste. Items are repurposed, keeping usable items out of landfills.
One man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure, as movies are available for just a dollar each at M&M Resources.
Junk Truck MN, which began with one truck, now has a multi-vehicle fleet.
Maria Watt explained that the couple’s success boils down to providing good service and offering affordable items. She stated, “It’s just the combination of a good deal with a good experience, that people want to keep, and keep coming back.”
The business offers a full range of treasures from furniture to clothing and even some sports and outdoor gear.
For Maria Watt, a key element of their junk removal business is the goal of restoring used goods and making them useful once again.
Maria Watt also spoke about her preference for finding new homes for various items. She is satisfied when the items do not go to waste and are brought back to be of use to someone.
“I’m really happy to donate the items,” she said. “I really like to get rid of the stuff in a way that I won’t see it, but we can find it out there for whoever needs it.”
Sports and outdoor gear can be found in the front of M&M Resources.
In the end, their business model is a testament to the value of recycling, repurposing, and community.
