In both marriage and business, being on the same page as your partner is paramount. Chicago-based couple Aloyosius and Kenyetta Howard found themselves with a shared vision to impact their community in a positive way and offer a unique service that is essential to all yet overlooked when most people go into business for themselves.
Owned and operated by the husband and wife duo, Junk Shot of South Chicago specializes in junk removal and recycling. Instead of discarding items in the alley and in the garage, the company offers an innovative way through its app to responsibly recycle items from homes and businesses while supporting local nonprofits. In addition to its environmental goals of helping reduce landfill waste, the company aims to also create jobs for the community and continue being a shining example of ingenuity.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the Howards to learn about their backgrounds, the path that led them to Junk Shot, and some of the biggest business lessons learned thus far.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Aloyosius Howard?
I am a husband, father, and entrepreneur who believes in building opportunity through service and hard work. At my core, I’m someone who values family, community, and growth. I see business ownership not only as a way to provide for my family but also as a platform to create jobs, impact neighborhoods, and inspire others who want to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
Who is Kenyetta Puckett?
I am a woman of faith, a wife, proud mommy, and business leader who has always been passionate about building community and creating opportunities for others. Professionally, I’ve spent years leading teams and shaping talent strategies, but entrepreneurship has allowed me to channel that same drive into something deeply personal. I’m proud to be a Black woman business owner, building a legacy alongside my husband while helping to make our community
cleaner, safer, and stronger.
What are three words you’d use to describe your spouse?
Aloyosius on Kenyetta: Compassionate. Determined. Resourceful.
Kenyetta on Aloyosius: Dependable. Protector. Resilient.
How did your paths lead the two of you to go into the junk removal business together?
Our paths led us here through shared vision and faith. We wanted to start something that combined practicality with opportunity. Junk removal may not sound glamorous at first, but we saw it as a stable, necessary service with real potential for growth in our community. Together, we decided to take that leap, invest in a franchise model, and make it our own.
Please tell us about your company, Junk Shot of South Chicago, and a bit about what it does.
Junk Shot of South Chicago is a full-service junk removal company that helps residents and businesses safely and responsibly remove unwanted items, from old furniture and appliances to construction debris. We provide a service that’s not just about hauling junk, but about creating clean spaces sustainably. Items are either donated to local organizations or responsibly discarded.
What makes us stand out is that we are locally owned, family-operated, and focused on professionalism, technology, and community service. In fact, we are the only waste removal business in the U.S. with a patented smartphone app that allows customers to simply “snap a pic” of their junk and receive a fast, transparent quote, making the process more convenient and efficient.
Please tell us about your recent “Box it Up Chicago” event at the famed Little Black Pearl.
Our “Box it Up Chicago” event was a special milestone because it was tied directly to our official business launch. The purpose was to introduce both residents and business owners to who we are and what we do, while showing them the real value of working with us. We also wanted to encourage local business owners to take an active role in recycling their cardboard and disposing of waste responsibly. As a result of the event, we secured a junk removal job with Little Black Pearl and were able to give our guests a first-hand look at our team and services in action.
Are there unique challenges you have faced as a Black business in the junk removal business?
Yes, absolutely. One of our biggest challenges has been separating ourselves from other junk removal companies in a market that can often feel oversaturated with different waste removal options. We want to position Junk Shot of South Chicago as the first company residents and businesses think of when they need service, not just another option, but the trusted choice. These challenges fuel our determination to stand out through professionalism, innovation, and consistency.
Your biggest lesson learned about the business thus far?
One of the greatest lessons we’ve taken from this journey is understanding the importance of flexibility. It’s valuable to have a playbook, but when a strategy isn’t producing results, you have to recognize the moment to shift gears and approach things differently. We’ve also learned that clear communication and exceptional customer service create lasting impressions — often turning a single job into ongoing relationships and future opportunities.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Aloyosius: In my free time, you can often find me in my garden, tending to my plants. Spending time there allows me to step away from the demands of the business, slow down, and clear my head. It’s a space where I can recharge and return to work with a fresh perspective.
Kenyetta: I come from a very large family; my grandparents had 13 children, so I grew up with more than 80 first cousins and family gatherings that were always huge. My grandparents were born in the 1920s and 1930s, during a time that was especially difficult for Black families. My grandfather, a Navy veteran with only an elementary school education, worked tirelessly to create the kind of life for his family that many Black families of that era weren’t able to have. My equally remarkable grandmother was dedicated and proud of her work, while also being a phenomenal homemaker who held the family down. Together, they sacrificed and pushed forward to ensure their children and grandchildren had opportunities they weren’t afforded. That legacy of faith, resilience, and determination shaped me, and it’s the foundation of how I approach both life and business today.
Best advice to those looking to get a business started in a unique field?
One of the greatest lessons we’ve taken from this journey is understanding the importance of flexibility. It’s valuable to have a playbook, but when a strategy isn’t producing results, you have to recognize the moment to shift gears and approach things differently. We’ve also learned that clear communication and exceptional customer service create lasting impressions, often turning a single job into ongoing relationships and future opportunities.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
Aloyosius: One that has stayed with me since childhood is something my mother often told me: “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
Kenyetta: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” –Dalai Lama.
What’s next for The Howards and Junk Shot of South Chicago?
We are focused on growth. Expanding our reach across Chicagoland and creating strong community partnerships. We want to continue to serve more residents and businesses, build a team that reflects our values, and position Junk Shot of South Chicago as both a household name and a community partner. Long-term, we envision owning more businesses and building a legacy that our children, ancestors, community, and future generations can be proud of.
For more information on Junk Shot of South Chicago, please connect with them via their Facebook page: Junk Shot of South Chicago.
