Pride Housing Solutions: Creating Opportunities Through Sustainable Practices
Pride Housing Solutions is transforming how Michiana approaches
junk removal. Founded by Ron Lard and Abbigail Wilson in 2021, the company combines practical services with a commitment to sustainability. By integrating recycling into their operations and supporting local charities, they’ve created a business that creates positive change.
Ron’s inspiration for Pride Housing Solutions came from his background in property management and his desire to turn a side hustle into a meaningful venture. Alongside Abbigail, he’s working to make a difference, one project at a time. I had the opportunity to speak with Ron about how the focus on recycling, community impact, and perseverance is shaping their business and their future.
Q: What inspired you to start Pride Housing Solutions?
Ron: It started with my background in property management. I enjoyed helping tenants and keeping properties in good shape, but I wanted more control over my work and income. When I began doing trash removal on the side, I realized how much I loved the hands-on nature of the job. My fiancée, Abbigail, and I saw an opportunity to turn this into something meaningful, so we went all-in. We’re a team of individuals trying to help people one piece of trash at a time.
Q: What sets Pride Housing Solutions apart from other junk removal companies?
Ron: Recycling is a huge part of what we do. Not all companies take the time to sort through what they collect, but we’ve made it a priority. We’ve partnered with Alternate Source Recycling to separate and repurpose materials such as cardboard, plastic, and even bottle caps. It’s important to us to reduce landfill waste and find value in what others might throw out.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
Ron: Every day is different, and that’s part of what I enjoy about this work. One day, we might be cleaning out a rental property, and the next, we’re helping a homeowner clear out years’ worth of belongings. I try to approach each job with a mindset of problem-solving. A big part of the day involves sorting items to see what can be recycled, donated, or repurposed. Finding solutions that benefit our clients and the community is especially important.
Q: Can you share a success story that stands out?
Ron: One job that meant a lot to us involved helping a family clear out a loved one’s home after their passing. It was a tough situation, but we were able to clean up the house and yard, making it ready for sale. The family was extremely grateful. Knowing we could ease their burden during a challenging time was incredibly rewarding.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a small business owner, and how have you overcome them?
Ron: The biggest challenges have been finding consistent work and having enough resources. At first, it was difficult to get our name out there and build trust. Networking has been key. We’ve joined networking groups and participated in community events to make connections. We’ve also focused on giving back, like donating items we recover to local charities. We want to show people that we’re here to help.
Q: What does the future hold for Pride Housing Solutions?
Ron: Our dream is to expand our recycling efforts and establish a full-scale recycling facility. We aim to be a leader in sustainable junk removal, creating jobs, and reducing waste in the State of Indiana, and eventually nationwide. We’ve also added a second trailer that enables us to manage the extra work that recycling entails. On a personal level, I’d love to help people who are struggling with addiction or homelessness get into homes by connecting them with properties we’ve cleaned out. I want to make a positive impact, one step at a time.
Q: Do you have any advice for others looking to start their own business?
Ron: It’s important to have a solid plan from the beginning. Set your business up properly, get your accounting in order, and figure out the back end of your business early on. Having systems in place from the start can save you headaches in the future.
Looking Ahead
Pride Housing Solutions is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable community while offering a helping hand to those in need. By prioritizing recycling and finding creative ways to repurpose items, Ron and Abbigail are making a tangible impact on the environment and their clients’ lives. Their vision of establishing
a recycling facility and creating more housing opportunities reflects their dedication to growth and innovation.
To learn more about their services, visit pridehousingsolutions.com or follow them on Facebook at @PrideHousingSolutionsLLC. Ron and Abbigail prove that with determination and heart, even the smallest actions can lead to meaningful change.
Read the article about Joe Lightner here in Small Business Showcase Digital Magazine!