Southwind Management

We’re honored to share that Southwind has been selected as a Kansas City Business Journal 2026 Champions of Business honoree — and even more proud that this is our first time receiving this recognition.

This award reflects the incredible work of our team, the trust of our partners, and the momentum we’re building together. We’re grateful to be part of such a dynamic business community in Kansas City and excited for what’s ahead.

Thank you to the Kansas City Business Journal for this recognition — and congratulations to all of this year’s honorees.

Our final award to spotlight is Southwind’s highest honor—the Can You Imagine? Award—and in 2025, it went to Thomas Haslam. This award celebrates vision, belief, and the ability to see what’s possible before it becomes reality.

Thomas made an immediate impact at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? through his integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. With his next chapter leading one of the largest franchises in Boston in 2026, this is just the beginning.

Huge congrats to Thomas and to every finalist and award winner across Southwind. Let’s run it back in 2026! ⚡️🏆

The Southwinder of the Year is someone whose impact is felt everywhere—and in 2025, that honor belongs to Lindsey Brunson. From supporting teams across Southwind to holding the bar high on what “great” looks like, Lindsey is truly the backbone of so much of our success. Add in her continued leadership at DreamLawn, and it’s clear—she’s the ultimate team player. Huge congrats to Lindsey, our 2025 Southwinder of the Year!

Southwind was built by entrepreneurs, which makes this award especially meaningful. Huge congrats to Kyle Chastain, our 2025 Southwind Entrepreneur of the Year!

From leading some of our top-performing franchises to empowering others to step into ownership, Kyle sets the standard for what great leadership and entrepreneurship look like. Thank you for constantly pushing the bar higher—well deserved, Kyle!

Every location had wins in 2025, but one team put it all together—congrats to 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Phoenix, our 2025 Southwind Business of the Year! Big results, strong leadership, and excellence every day. Well deserved! 🏆

Next up in our 2025 Award Winner Spotlights—huge congrats to 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Charleston for being named Best New Business in Southwind! Big results, strong leadership, and values lived daily. Well done, Ethan, Jaden, and the entire Charleston team! 🏆

Nothing happens without our incredible brands and people. Huge congrats to our 2025 per-brand award winners: Teylyr Wheeles, Jack Cott, Alethia Bloss, Ethan Gaddy, and Rene Oyoal. Amazing results, even better leaders. Well deserved—congrats on an incredible year!

Next up in our 2025 Award Winner Spotlight—huge congrats to Michael “Sauce” Saenz (Top Operator) and Sterling Johnson (first-ever Director of People Development of the Year award winner). Two leaders who keep things running strong while their putting people first. Well deserved—congrats on an amazing year, Sauce & Sterling! 🏆

Kicking off our 2025 Award Winner spotlights with our sales team! Huge congrats to Eli Hannink (You Move Me Relocation Advisor of the Year) and Jamie Bourne (1-800-GOT-JUNK? CSA of the Year). Both live out the Southwind Way and put customers first every day. Well deserved—congrats on an amazing year, Eli & Jamie!

Nothing beats reconnecting with teammates from across the map. Every person on this stage played a role in our success this year, and we’re so grateful for the impact they make every day. Just getting started—and 2026 is calling. ⚡️

Every Summit, a hand-picked group of leaders steps into the spotlight with one goal: share their story.

From Michael Saenz opening up about his journey to 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, to Madeline Enriquez growing up alongside the company, to Derek Ryan reflecting on building You Move Me from day one — these voices set the bar high.

We left inspired, grateful, and reminded why these stories matter.