BUTLER, Wis. — A Wisconsin company strives to put veterans who need jobs to work.  

Camo Crew Junk Removal is based out of Butler, Wisconsin. The company sends workers to collect and remove unwanted items from people’s homes and businesses. Then they take those items to their warehouse and determine which ones can be donated and which should be recycled.

What You Need To Know

  • Andy Weins is the owner of Camo Crew Junk Removal
  • In 2009, he began picking up scraps and selling items and soon realized he could turn his side-hustle into a profitable business

  • Weins served in the U.S. Army for nearly 20 years. He is still in the Army Reserve and serves as an Army career counselor

  • His goal is to make an impact on the environment, veterans and the community around him

Andy Weins is the owner of Camo Crew Junk Removal. In 2009, he began picking up scraps and selling items. He soon realized he could turn his side-hustle into a profitable business. 

“Since 2016, I’ve been doing this full time, going to people’s homes and businesses, and removing unwanted items, then finding ways to keep about 80% of the material out of the landfill,” said Weins.

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

Weins served in the U.S. Army for nearly 20 years. He is still in the Army Reserve and serves as an Army career counselor.

He said he hires veterans because he knows their strong work ethic, and he understands how challenging the transition out of military service can be.

“We never want to leave a veteran behind, and because of what we do here at Camo Crew, I’m able to, day in and day out, use my experience and pass it on to those younger returning veterans,” he said.

Alex Ludin is the fleet manager for Camo Crew.

(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)

“I just got back to Milwaukee from serving in the army in October of 2023, and I started working for Camo Crew in November,” said Ludin. “It’s been really busy, but it’s been a good way to transition back into the civilian world.”

Weins recently won awards for his work at Camo Crew Junk Removal. For the second year in a row, he’s won the MARKETPLACE Governor’s Award. It honors Wisconsin businesses owned by minorities, women, service-disabled veterans and their advocates. 

He also recently was named as a 2024 Titan 100 in Wisconsin, an honor that recognizes executives for their leadership, vision and passion.

“Everything we do is what’s best for our community, what’s best for our planet, and the people that are involved.” Weins said.

His goal is to make an impact on the environment, veterans and the surrounding community.

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