Transitioning from a corporate role to owning a franchise can be a life-changing journey. It offers independence, flexibility, and a chance to truly invest in one’s community. For Chandi McMillan, moving to a new town revealed a gap in the local market and sparked her vision to bring Bin There Dump That’s unique, customer-friendly dumpster rental services to her new neighbours.
Here’s how Chandi took the leap, met the challenges of a new industry, and found empowerment and work-life balance through franchise ownership.
When Chandi first moved to her new community, she quickly saw that something essential was missing—a dumpster service that could meet the everyday needs of local families and businesses without the complexities and high costs associated with large-scale construction dumpsters.
As a single mother with a background in leadership, Chandi understood the importance of time and convenience for busy households and small businesses alike. For her, offering a dumpster service wasn’t just about disposal; it was about creating a customer experience centered on simplicity and care.
Reflecting on her past experiences with a Bin There Dump That franchise in Indiana, Chandi recognized that this unique approach to dumpster rental—one that was both approachable and efficient—would resonate with her new community. “I felt that there needed to be a simple and friendly dumpster solution for people in this community,” she recalls.
Her vision was clear: provide a service that felt accessible, reliable, and tailored for everyday disposal needs rather than just industrial projects.
This insight motivated her to launch her own Bin There Dump That franchise, despite having no previous experience in the waste management industry. Chandi’s decision was driven by a commitment to filling a gap in the market and creating a service that would make life a little easier for the families, homeowners, and small businesses around her.
Starting this new chapter took courage, but it also showed her dedication to solving a real problem in a way that aligned with her values of community and customer care.
Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry presented unique challenges for Chandi. Transitioning from her role as a corporate CFO, where she primarily handled finances and strategy, to being hands-on in a service-based business required her to step out of her comfort zone and learn from the ground up.
In the early days of her franchise, Chandi took on nearly every role herself, managing deliveries, pickups, and even navigating the logistics of landfill trips. “For the first couple of months, I drove the truck by myself. I made every delivery and every trip to the landfill,” she explains.
This experience, though physically demanding, allowed her to understand the operational side of the business firsthand. It gave her a unique perspective on what her future employees and customers would experience and instilled a deep confidence in the quality and reliability of her service.
This foundation became a powerful asset, equipping her with both the knowledge and the credibility needed to market her business effectively within her community.
One of the most appealing aspects of franchise ownership is the freedom it provides, particularly for individuals looking to balance work and family life. For Chandi, becoming her own boss meant that she never had to choose between her career and being there for her kids.
“This is the first time I've done anything in my career that has never made me feel like I couldn't be there for my kids when they needed me,” Chandi shares.
As a franchise owner, she could prioritize family moments—attending school events, being there for soccer practice, and simply being present when her children needed her most.
The flexibility franchise ownership offered allowed her to structure her day around both her business and her family, making it possible to pursue her career ambitions without sacrificing her role as a mother.
Owning a Bin There Dump That franchise has empowered Chandi to control her career path and build a legacy for her family. “I’m in charge of my future. What happens to my business is decided by me,” she says proudly. Whether she chooses to pass down the franchise to her children or use it as a stepping stone toward retirement, Chandi enjoys the freedom to shape her own destiny.
For those considering franchise ownership, Chandi’s story serves as an inspiring example of how identifying a need, committing to the vision, and building meaningful relationships can lead to success. Owning a Bin There Dump That franchise isn’t just about running a business—it’s about creating a fulfilling career and a balanced life, where family and professional growth go hand in hand. Chandi’s journey shows that with determination and dedication, franchise ownership can offer the best of both worlds.
