Anna Czech

I attribute my success to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to people. Spending nearly 20 years in the corporate world taught me how organizations function but being let go from an HR leadership role for advocating for employees taught me who I truly am. That moment forced me to choose between staying silent or standing firm in my values, and I chose the latter.

I’ve learned that success isn’t about titles or approval, it’s about alignment. When I built Haul With Heart, I intentionally created a company rooted in empathy, accountability, and service. I listen deeply, lead with heart, and refuse to compromise my ethics for convenience or profit.

Most importantly, I attribute my success to the courage to start over, the willingness to trust my instincts, and the belief that compassion is not a weakness in business.. it’s a competitive advantage. I can't forget to also mention that I hugely attribute my success to the support of my Husband, my business Partner, my family and my friends.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to never abandon my values just to fit into a system that doesn’t deserve me. Titles can be taken away, but your integrity cannot.

That advice stayed with me throughout my time in the corporate world, especially when standing up for people came at a personal cost. It helped me realize that no role or paycheck is worth compromising who you are. Walking away from a path that no longer aligned with my values was scary, but it ultimately gave me the freedom to build something better.

It taught me that real success isn’t about how long you stay somewhere or how high you climb. It’s about staying true to yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. Every meaningful step in my career since then has come from honoring that truth and trusting that when you lead with integrity, the right opportunities will follow.

Don't be intimidated by the male-dominance of our industry. Don't be afraid to get dirty. And find your niche! Rise above the rest and find what makes you different.

One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is changing the way people think about junk removal. It’s often treated as a simple, transactional service, but for many of our clients it’s tied to major life transitions like loss, downsizing, or starting over. Those moments are emotional, and meeting people where they are requires patience, empathy, and care. That level of service takes intention, and not every company is willing to slow down enough to do it right.

Another challenge is balancing efficiency with responsibility. There has historically been a heavy reliance on landfills in this industry, and that no longer aligns with what clients or communities expect. People want to know that usable items are being donated and that waste is being handled responsibly. Doing that consistently takes effort, strong partnerships, and a commitment to doing what is right rather than what is easiest.'

At the same time, these challenges represent some of the biggest opportunities in our field. There is a growing demand for businesses that lead with values and treat people with dignity. Clients are looking for companies they can trust, especially during difficult moments, and that creates space for businesses like Haul With Heart to truly stand out.

There is also an opportunity to help elevate the industry as a whole. By showing that compassion, ethical practices, and sustainability are not only good for people but good for business, we can help change expectations and raise the standard of service.

Ultimately, the future of this field belongs to companies that understand this work is not just about removing items from a space. It’s about supporting people through change and doing it with integrity, care, and heart.

For me, the values that matter most in both my work and personal life are honesty, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference. Running Haul with Heart, I’ve learned that integrity is everything. Our clients and team need to know they can trust us to do the right thing, every single time. Compassion is equally important. We work with people during some of the most emotional moments of their lives, and approaching every situation with empathy and understanding makes all the difference.

I also value growth and resilience. Building a business comes with challenges, and staying open to learning, adapting, and pushing through setbacks has been key to our success. Finally, making an impact is at the heart of what we do. Helping families, giving back to the community, and supporting causes we care about keeps our work meaningful. These values aren’t just part of the job, they guide how I live my life every day.