After 12 years of owning and operating K & K Waste Disposal with services primarily in Chattanooga, Ringgold native Kristie Jenkins Clark is coming home. For the last year and a half, her waste pickup business has gradually increased its service to Ringgold.
K & K Waste Disposal LLC office manager Pat Weaver, office assistant Sara Beasley and owner Kristie Clark, from left, along with Cocker Spaniel Daisy, welcome new customers. The business is branching out more in the Ringgold area."I wanted to expand to Ringgold years ago, but we had so much going on in Chattanooga that it was hard to branch off," said Clark. "We've had a good increase of people signing up in Ringgold."
She said K & K expanded to Cherokee Valley recently, so the company is now going out all over Catoosa County.
"We hope to really become a presence in Ringgold and stay there," said Clark. "Right now we are focusing on growth in Ringgold. We want to establish relationships with the people of Ringgold. Right now our days for pickup in Ringgold are Tuesday and Wednesday, but we are looking to expand that and add a day on."
Coming up, she said K & K Waste Disposal will be rolling out all-new roll-off containers for construction and remodeling sites or for homeowners wishing to clean out their attic. She said customers can choose from 20-, 30- and 40-cubic-yard containers.
"We tell customers that can to have their trash down to the road by 6 a.m.," Clark said, adding that the company provides 95-gallon carts for its normal once-a-week pickup services. "Sometimes clients call us to say they accidentally forgot to take their trash down to the road, so we make a note and grab it for them."
Like most small-town operations, her company strives to go the extra mile to help its clients, she said. For example, if a client has trouble taking their can down to the road due to surgery or a broken leg, the client can call in to request help and "the slinger" will hop off the truck and go into their yard to pick up the trash can.
"We are a local small company," said Clark, who owns the business along with her husband. K & K stands for Kristie and Kelvin Clark. "We give that personable service. Once you sign up with us, you will get to know us."
Kelvin and Kristie Clark combined have 35 years of experience in the refuse business. Their daughter Sara works in the front office manning calls, while Kristie Clark's father, William Jenkins, delivers cans.
"In today's time more people are using small businesses," said Clark. "You get better service and you get to know people and they get to know you. Up until a few weeks ago my husband Kelvin ran the Ringgold routes personally. We are family-owned and operated and plan on keeping it that way."
She said K & K tries to keep customers well informed and does not have hidden fees.
"We try to keep our rates as low as possible," said Clark. "It's a hard time in America no matter who you are."