Meet the two local dads behind Toadal Junk Removal and Demolition; Tom Stone and Owen Nelson! Toadal Junk Removal and Demolition — your local, family-owned and operated junk removal company. They launched their business in 2023 as a way to give back to their community while creating more time to spend with their families. They’re committed to providing a professional, efficient, and friendly service. Whether it’s residential or commercial, junk removal or demolition, Toadal Junk and Demo is here to make the process simple, stress-free, and even a little fun. Learn more about the idea behind their business, their “landfill diversion” program to recycle as much as possible, and their favorite spots to spend time with their families in the Lowcountry.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Charleston, SC?
(Tom): Originally from Louisville, KY. Living here in Charleston going on 11 years
(Owen): I’m first generation US Citizen from Irish Parents. I’ve in any a places from the U.S. and Asia. Moved to Charleston in 2022 from Arizona. I like to say “Moved from the dryer to the dishwasher”
Tell us about your family
(T): I have a smart and beautiful wife, Toni, two wild and amazing children, Isabel (5) and Maverick (2), and two mutts that we love dearly, Rambo an Monkey.
(O): We are an amazing little unit of Myself, my beautiful partner Kelly, and curly headed son John Aka “Duder” (6). We have a one-eyed shih tzu named Baxter.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
(T): I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue.
(O): I have a degree in marketing and international business from an Australian University
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charleston?
(T): I love that they get to live in a place that has 300+ days of sunshine a year. For me, that equates to a lot more outdoor time and the access to the beach is great.
(O): The weather and the water
Tell us about your business, Toadal Junk Removal & Demolition, and when & why you decided to start this business!
(T): I was looking to get away from my corporate sales management job and be able to spend more time at home. Owen and I decided we wanted to start a local business that we felt had the potential to put our families in a great position but also to help the community.
(O): The idea came from noticing how many people struggled to find trustworthy help for junk hauling and light demolition work. We saw an opportunity to fill that gap by offering dependable service with a personal touch. What started as a small side hustle quickly turned into a full-time business, thanks to word-of-mouth and our commitment to doing the job right the first time.
What is your favorite part about your business?
(T): Honestly, the genuine relief our customers express when we have completed their jobs. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that you don’t know where to start. That’s where a service like ours shines.
(O): The relief our services provide. Our passion lies in helping people clean up, clear out, and start fresh
Tell us about the different junk removal services you offer.
(T): We offer single item pickups like a couch or dresser all the way up to a full hoarder house cleanout. We also do small demolition like bathrooms or kitchens to entire building teardowns.
(O): There isn’t much we can’t do. Single item pick-ups, whole house and office clear outs, to small and large demolition projects. If we can get it figured out, consider it done. Our only restrictions are old tires.
How does your business try and keep the removal eco-friendly?
(T): We have a program that we refer to as “Landfill Diversion”. This basically captures the philosophy that we want to keep whatever we can out of the landfill. This includes recycling things like metal, cardboard or even concrete. We also try to donate as much as we can. The ultimate goal is to put less into the landfill.
(O): We recycle everything we can. We also have Multiple locations that we utilize for dropping off donations. we divert as much from the landfill as we possibly can
What locations do you serve throughout Charleston? How can a new client book with you?
(T): We serve the tri-county area but have on occasion extended out further for cases when people have no other option and are in genuine need of our services.
(O): We focus on the tri-county area, but can make will go further if it makes sense for the client and us. Best way to book is call or visit the website for the submission form
Tell us more about your work/life balance within fatherhood.
(T): Since I left my corporate sales job, I have not had the weeklong business trips. I get to be home every night. While I may work long hours and miss getting my daughter on the bus or bedtime with my son, I have so many more opportunities to be present for my children. It also allows me to take some of the load off of my wife so she can focus on what she needs to to develop our business.
(O): Building a growing business it feels like a lot more work than life right now. But, my boy is a big fan of the business and enjoys riding in the truck with me when he can
Who has most influenced you to be the dad that you are today?
(T): My older brother played a significant role in raising me. I’m not discounting what my mom or dad did, but I idolized my brother and he set a great example for me to become the best man I could.
(O): There are several people I have learned from throughout my life. I’m just trying to be a little bit of their best
What advice would you share with a new dad or other dads?
(T): Nobody knows what they’re doing. Just approach it with a positive outlook and willingness to be humiliated – you will be. Happens to the best of us!
(O): Raise good people
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Charleston to…
Have Dinner with Family: (T): Family dinner is currently at Bohemian Bull. Great food, good bourbon selection and a large outdoor area where out kids can run around without disturbing the other customers. (O): Coastal Crust
Grab a Drink with Friends: (T): My father’s moustache. (O): My father’s moustache, James Island
Have a Date Night: (T): We like to get Taco Boy on Folly to go, then take it to the beach (O): Charleston Music Hall
Spend time together as a Family: (T): We frequent a lot of local parks. There are some smaller ones near our neighborhood and then some pretty awesome ones in the James Island county part and Park Circle (O): Dinner at Catch 23 on Folly and then play games at Coconut Joe’s
Outside Activities: (T): Outside activities is essentially the same as family time. We love opportunities for our kids to be outside and active. It’s just a bonus if we can all be there together. (O): Golf, fishing, the beach
Grab coffee: (T): I don’t drink coffee, so I’m not too well versed in the local spots. (O): Bigby’s
