More Than Junk Removal: A Business Built on Helping People

Growing up in Effingham County, Tyjae Smart learned early that community matters. It’s something he saw in the teachers who encouraged students, the coaches who pushed kids to work harder, and the neighbors who always seemed willing to lend a hand. Today, those same values shape the way he runs Junk King - Savannah in Rincon, a business built not just around hauling away clutter, but around helping people during difficult transitions.

Some of Smart’s favorite memories growing up revolve around the simple moments that make small towns special. Friday night football games, local events, and everyday interactions helped shape the way he views leadership and business today. Those experiences taught him the value of showing up for people, treating others with respect, and building strong relationships — lessons that continue to guide his approach to business ownership.

For Smart, opening and growing a business in Rincon wasn’t simply a strategic decision. It was personal. As Effingham County continues to grow, he saw an opportunity to build a business that could serve both longtime residents and newcomers while still maintaining the personal touch that defines small-town life.

“My wife, Sirena, and I talked a lot about what kind of business we wanted to build,” he explained. “Junk King felt like the perfect fit because it gives us a chance to genuinely help people. Whether someone is cleaning out a home, dealing with a move, or just trying to get organized, we get to make their lives a little easier.”

That mindset influences the culture of the company and the way Smart trains his team. From the first phone call to the final cleanup, the goal is to make customers feel respected, informed, and cared for throughout the process.

“We really focus on treating people the right way,” Smart said. “Anyone can haul junk away, but we want customers to feel respected and taken care of from the first phone call to the final sweep-up.”

That includes showing up on time, communicating clearly, and treating each customer’s property with care and professionalism. Smart says many customers call during overwhelming projects like downsizing, moving, estate cleanouts, or renovations. Because of that, his team works hard to bring a calm, positive attitude to every job.

“A lot of people call us during challenging seasons of life, so we try to bring a positive attitude and make the process easy for them,” he said.

Growing up in Effingham also taught him the importance of reputation and word-of-mouth referrals. In a community where relationships matter, every interaction counts.

For homeowners considering a cleanup project, Smart encourages people not to wait until the situation feels overwhelming.

“A lot of people put projects off because they think it’s going to be too expensive or too stressful,” he said. “Usually once we come out and talk with them, they realize how simple the process can be.”

Whether it’s clearing out a garage, removing renovation debris, helping family members downsize, or preparing for a move, Smart says getting an estimate early can help reduce stress and make planning easier.

“Sometimes just taking that first step makes a huge difference,” he added.

Smart also sees growing demand from commercial clients throughout Effingham County and the greater Savannah area. As businesses expand and competition increases, maintaining clean, organized spaces has become more important than ever.

“For commercial clients, having a reliable cleanup partner can make a bigger difference than people realize,” he said. “Old equipment, excess inventory, construction debris, or cluttered spaces can affect productivity and even the way customers view a business.”

His team works with businesses to create flexible cleanup solutions that allow owners and staff to stay focused on daily operations while Junk King handles the heavy lifting.

For Smart, though, success still comes back to community. Serving the same area that helped shape him is something he doesn’t take for granted.

“Being able to do this in the same community that helped raise me means a lot,” he said.


Junk King - Savannah 
912-773-1290