St. Pete resident gives back through junk removal business

Omar Malic has been a St. Petersburg resident since 2014 and currently works full-time at a roofing company. He also decided to launch his own junk removal business, OVM Hauling Co., a few months ago. 

Malic announced Monday on social media that the organization will begin recycling and donating some objects collected during projects. For the entrepreneur, it’s a way to make a positive impact on the community. 

“From the beginning, I knew I wanted my business to be about more than simply hauling away unwanted items,” he explained. “After completing several jobs, I noticed how many perfectly usable items were ending up in the landfill.” 

“My goal is to partner with local churches, charities and community organizations to help find new homes for items such as furniture, household goods and appliances whenever possible,” Malic continued. 

Since launching the business, he has made some donations to the Salvation Army. The Monday social media post has led to conversations with potential partners as well. Malic emphasized that things “must be in decent to good condition.” Additionally, “some places won’t take items if they’re not able to reuse them.” 

Prior to entering the roofing and junk removal industries, Malic was a barber for about 20 years. He even took mission trips to Ecuador, where he had the opportunity to cut hair for people.

Once Malic moved to St. Petersburg, he connected with a local recovery center and volunteered with the organization, providing free haircuts to residents. This had a “huge impact” on Malic. More so, it reinforced the idea that “giving back to the community should be part of everything I do.” 

For Malic, there was no better time to introduce the donation concept. 

“There’s that need in the community,” he said. “I know right now there’s a lot going on with just the cost of everything. People can’t afford to just go out and buy new stuff.” 

The goal is to be a “middle man,” Malic added. This can make it easier for customers. Many individuals, if they are moving, do not have a chance to recycle former belongings. 

“Of course, it’s still a business, and there are real operating costs involved, including fuel, insurance, equipment maintenance, labor and disposal fees,” Malic said. “But instead of automatically throwing everything away, I try to give as many items as possible a second life while continuing to serve the community that has given so much to me.”

OVM Hauling Co. Facebook page