What is a Fire Dawg?
A Fire Dawg is a military firefighter. It is a term awarded to military firefighters and graduates from the Department of Defense Fire Academy. In the military, the firefighter motto is: Desire to Serve, Ability to Perform, Courage to Act. Bennett J. Grove II is our Owner and was a military firefighter in the Air Force for 6 years, both on active duty in the Air Force and in the Air National Guard. We proudly use the Fire Dawgs name as a symbol that our company has been built on the character, integrity and professionalism that comes with fire department roots.
With a foundation built on firefighting roots, we have been able to create a company culture and team full of Tough Dawgs that Get It Done! We are committed to providing a professional service with screened, uniformed removers and having a customer service team available to serve our clients. As a result, we have been able to earn a reputation as a company with character, integrity and grit. The guiding principle for all Fire Dawgs is to “Treat Every Customer the Way You Would Want Your Family to be Treated!”
About Our Junk Removal Services
What makes Fire Dawgs unique? We are a Certified Veteran Owned Small Business. We are a Firefighter Founded and Veteran Owned Business. We are local and NOT a Franchise. We are Family Owned by Bennett and Miranda Grove. We are an Award Winning Service provider, and BBB’s 2020 Business Of Integrity Award Recipient. The team at Fire Dawgs Junk Removal places an emphasis on the customer’s experience and eco-friendly junk removal practices. We specialize in a wide array of debris removal, cleanouts and other hauling services. Additionally, we recycle, donate, or reuse at least 60% of the items we remove for our customers. If we are able to donate items on your behalf, we will send you a tax-deductible receipt!
Give us a call at 1-800-211-DAWG or email us at [email protected] to schedule your free estimate.
Why Choose Fire Dawgs Junk Removal?
- We provide junk removal, demolition, and clean out services to both Commercial and Residential Properties
- We Treat You LikeFamily- Our team will go above and beyond to exceed your expectations.
- Local and Veteran Owned– We are Veteran and Firefighter Founded Company, and our values reflect that.
- We Provide Award-Winning Service- The Thousands of 5-Star Google reviews tell a story. Our loyal customers have put us on Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies in the Country. We are ranked #54 in the Midwest! We were also honored to be named #12 on IBJ’s Fast 25 list for 2023.
- Our Team of Tough Dawgs who Get IT Done- We have Professional, Trained, Insured and Certified Technicians. We focus on leadership, training, and hiring Military Veterans.
- We are Vetted by the Best- We are Accredited and A+ Rated by the BBB and were Awarded the 2020 Business of Integrity Award.
- We are Environmentally Conscious- We Donate, Reuse, or Recycle at least 60% of the items we haul away
We Treat Every Customer the Way We Would Want Our Family Treated
Our Team
Bennett J. Grove II
Owner, Chief Executive Officer
About the Dawg: Founder, Owner and CEO of Fire Dawgs, Inc., Bennett developed the concept of Fire Dawgs from his service in the military, having served the greatest country in the world for 6 years in the Air Force as a firefighter. After serving in the military, he transitioned his firefighting career to the civilian side working for the Department of Defense as a civilian firefighter. With help from his fellow firefighters, the business and concept was launched working off duty days from the firehouse with little cash and part time employees. Today, through ongoing re-investment into the business, Fire Dawgs has been able to create opportunities for a management team, lead technicians and a customer service team. We are proud to serve the entire state of Indiana, and we now have locations in Houston, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, KY. Bennett will tell you what he enjoys most about the business is building leaders. However, what he loves the most in life is being a husband to his wife and a father to his two little boys.
Miranda Grove
Owner, Chief Marketing Officer
About the Dawg: Happy Wife, Happy Life! Miranda isn’t the type to sit on the sidelines and root for the team, she likes to get involved. Bennett knew better than to get in the way once her mind was made up, so Miranda’s journey as the Chief Marketing Officer was born. With a Master’s degree in English, and after just having her first child, Miranda was wanting to leave her career as an English teacher but still wanting to remain active and engaged with her skill set. Marketing was a natural fit and Miranda never looked back. For the last 10 years, Miranda has been involved with all of our key marketing decisions for Fire Dawgs and will continue to be an asset to Fire Dawgs for the foreseeable future.
Indianapolis, IN
Alex Seitz
Chief Operating Officer
Brief Bio: Overseeing all day-to-day operations, Alex Seitz sets the company standard of “excellence in all we do”! After being one of the original FDJR team members, Alex stepped away to sharpen his skills and grow his career before returning to us in 2021 as the missing piece of the puzzle. Alex is a master of all trades and does everything from taking apart your biggest sheds, to estimates, and supporting our team in the office. Some of Alex’s favorite hobbies include working on his farm and spending quality time with family! Fun fact — Alex has a degree in musical education with a specialization in tuba!
Peyton Kimes
Regional Manager
Brycen Spangler
Regional Manager
Collin Elliot
Operations Manager
Brief Bio: Known around the company as the “Michael Jordan of Junk Removal”, Colin Elliot knows a thing or two about getting “IT” done for our customers! Colin joined our team part-time in 2017, but joined our team full-time in 2022 after 12 years in the fire service. Colin’s favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is being able to help someone come in from day one and grow within the company as they get through the training program. While in the field, he enjoys helping people clear out whatever their space is and enjoys seeing the happiness of customers when jobs big or small are completed. Outside of work he loves spending time with his wife and kids!
Kyle Miller
Assistant Manager
Brief Bio: Helping run our Indianapolis location, Kyle Miller is key asset in our day-to-day operations. Joining the team in 2022, Kyle assists our leadership team and supports team members out in the field. Prior to joining Fire Dawgs, Kyle served over four years at the Marion Fire Department and continues to serve in the Marine Corps reserves with 12+ years of service. Kyle’s favorite part about Fire Dawgs is the great leadership and the room to grow within the company. For Kyle, the best part about his position is helping customers accomplish tasks that they couldn’t do themselves. In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. His hobbies include physical fitness and fishing.
Hank Daniel
Regional Training Manager
Brief Bio: Guiding our new team members through our training program, Henry “Hank” Daniel helps mentor the next generation of Fire Dawgs! Joining the team in 2022, Hank exemplifies our mission statement by building leaders and continuously striving for individual growth. Hank’s favorite part of his position is leading and growing a new generation of young people and seeing their progress from day one until they become a certified crew chief. Hank also has an affinity towards personal fitness with a degree in exercise science and a minor in biology and psychology.
Noah Melvin
Customer Service Manager
Nick Smith
Admin Specialist
Brief Bio: With over 15 years of experience in customer service, Nick Smith knows how to keep his clients and customers happy. Joining us in 2016 and being the longest running employee next to our CEO and CMO, Nick understands our guiding princple of “Treat every customer the way you would want your family to be treated.” With an amazing track record of customer satisfaction, Nick leads our team in customer engagement — while also helping manage our internal employee affairs. Nick’s favorite part about servicing our customers is helping relieve them of their junk and creating a change in their life.
Matthew Olson
IT / Customer Service Representative
Brief Bio: From serving our customers to being a tech wizard extraordinaire, Matthew Olson is the dependable rock that is always able to come up with a solution. Between creating a unique customer experience, solving IT problems, and helping to run the Firepenuers podcast — Matthew does it all! Outside of work, Matthew is an aspiring aviator and played multiple sports at the collegiate level.
Muncie, IN
Cameron Brown
Operations Manager
Bio: Leading the charge as the Operations Manager at our Muncie location, Cameron Brown takes pride in helping his team members and community! Joining Fire Dawgs in 2022 after 4 years of serving in the Marine Corps infantry, Cameron has a knack for serving others. Cam’s favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is meeting new people and hearing their stories! He enjoys helping others — whether it be his customers or mentess. In his free time, Cameron enjoys working out and firearms.
Fort Wayne, IN
Donovan McLeister
Operations Manager
Bio: Taking the lead as our Operations Manager up in Fort Wayne, Donovan McLeister aims to make his team members the best versions of themselves that they can be! Joining the Fire Dawgs team in 2021, Donovan demonstrates an exceptional level of professionalism and leadership that reflects our core values. Donovan’s favorite aspect of Fire Dawgs is the company culture of being the Tough Dawgs that get “IT” done! His favorite job while out in the field are cleanouts because he loves to see the transformation that takes place for our customers! In his spare time, he serves in the Air National Guard Fire Department and works part-time for the Angola Fire Department. Outside of Fire Dawgs, Donovan likes to workout and help others with their self improvement!
Bloomington, IN
JOrdan McIntosh
Operations Manager
Bio: In charge of our operation in B-Town, Jordan McIntosh knows what it takes to be a leader for his team and his community. Prior to joining Fire Dawgs in 2022, Jordan served 8 years in the United States Army as an Allied Trades Specialist. Jordan’s favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is being able to assist customers in getting rid of unwanted items and creating a clutter-free space. His favorite kind of jobs are any kind of demo jobs because he likes to see the transformation and also going beast mode tearing stuff apart! Fun fact: Jordan can’t wait for October to January every year for deer season to come around.
Lafayette, IN
JT ROSA
Operations Manager
Bio: Leading the charge in boilermaker country, JT Rosa holds down the mid stretch of I-65 in Lafayette. Joining up in 2022, JT has quickly climbed the ranks and become a leader at Fire Dawgs. Prior to his time with Fire Dawgs, JT served in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman for 5 years. JT’s favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is that everyday presents a new challenge to overcome. He especially enjoys demolition jobs because they’re always unique and provide an opportunity to demonstrate his mastery in efficiently completing them. In his free time, JT enjoys working on his smoker and making my own sauces and seasonings. He also loves spending time with his wife, two daughters, son and dog!
Valparasio, IN
John Byers
Operations Manager
Bio: As a long time team member for Fire Dawgs Junk Removal, John “Big John” Byers has helped our company live up to our core values by demonstrating excellence in all he does! With more than 10 years of experience since joining Fire Dawgs in 2012, Big John continues to help his team members grow and treat our customers like family. Big John serves as our Operations Manager at our Valparaiso location, with past experience leading operations just down I-65 in Lafayette. His favorite part about Fire Dawgs is the challenge of helping customers get clutter-free and the pursuit of growth our leadership strives for! His favorite jobs are hoarder cleanouts and demolitions because he enjoys seeing the transformation from start to finish! In addition to his service in junk removal, Big John also served as a member of the Army National Guard earlier in his Fire Dawgs career. Outside of the office, Big John loves to camp, hike trails, and ride motorcycles!
Evansville, IN
Robby Olen
Operations Manager
Bio: Helping alleviate the Crescent City of its junk, Robby Olen is the rock at our Evansville operation. Joining the team in 2021, Robby is a dedicated leader and relentlessly committed to giving our customers the best service possible. His favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is helping build future leaders in our community! Robby loves demolition jobs because he enjoys the elaborate approaches to deconstructions. Prior to working at Fire Dawgs, Robby dedicated 13 years in the Army — serving one tour in Q-west, Iraq and as a drill sergeant. Outside of junk removal duties, Robby is a family man who enjoys spending time with his kids. Additionally, he enjoys working out to grow both physically and mentally!
Louisville, KY
Anthony Godshalk
Operations Manager In Training
Bio: Paving the way for Fire Dawgs in Kentucky, Anthony Godshalk is at the helm for our Louisville operation. Becoming a part of the team in 2021, Anthony was a core part of our Indianapolis team before heading south to expand Fire Dawgs’ reach into Kentucky. Anthony’s favorite part of the job is taking on new challenges. His favorite part about his position is being one of the first ones to go into a fresh market and carve the path for future leaders. He enjoys the task of training a great team and building up a great customer base in a new area. In his free time, the one thing you should know about Anthony is that when it comes to outdoor activities — he’ll be there!
Cincinnati, OH
Josh Partin
Operations Manager
Bio: Being our lead man in the Queen City of the West, Josh Partin knows what it takes to provide award-winning service for each and every customer! Joining the Dawg Tough crew in 2022, Josh has quickly established himself as a leader in our company and the communities he serves. Prior to joining Fire Dawgs, Josh served over a year as a volunteer firefighter at Northern Monroe Fire Territory in Bloomington, IN. Josh’s favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is getting to work with an awesome group of people who share the same work ethic and sense of humor. His favorite kind of jobs are BIG junk removal jobs because they require multiple crews and when the Dawg Pack comes together — we have a lot of fun! In his spare time, Josh plays the drums and has been an amateur radio host and even a more amateur stand up comedian. Fun fact: Josh got to play the drums in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Columbus, OH
Austin Lambert
Operations Manager
Bio: Being the head honcho at our CBUS location, Austin Lambert leads his team of Tough Dawgs in helping others get clutter-free! Joining Fire Dawgs in 2022, Austin splits his time between junk removal and serving in the United States Army — going on 6+ years strong! Austin’s favorite part of working at Fire Dawgs is that he loves helping people all over the community with our wide range of services. His favorite kind of jobs are demolition projects because it brings out his inner child — cutting and smashing structures apart brings him satisfaction! In his free time, Austin loves the art of comedy and indulges by going to stand up shows and creating his own content.
Shawn Antill
Director of Business Development
Bio: Joining the Fire Dawgs family after running the former Junk N More for years, Shawn Antill is the bridge that connects Fire Dawgs with our residential and commercial clients in Ohio and throughout the Midwest! Joining Fire Dawgs in 2023, Shawn has helped paved our footprint in Columbus and Cincinnati by generating connections with our customers in these communities. Shawn’s favorite part of the job is building connections by being a solution to an ongoing problem for our customers and taking stressful items off of their plate. In his free time, Shawn is an avid golfer and hiker.
Mia Smallwood
Customer Service Representative
Bio: Helping serve customers by providing award-winning service, Mia Smallwood is the first point of contact for helping clients get clutter-free in Ohio! Joining Fire Dawgs in 2023, Mia brings customer service experience from since acquired Columbus based Junk N More. Her favorite part about working at Fire Dawgs is the gratitude that customers have when we come out to help them with their projects! She enjoys her position because it makes her the first friendly face somebody talks to when interacting with Fire Dawgs. Mia knows the importance of making the right impression on a customer so when our crews come out, they can follow through with great customer service to seal the deal! In her free time, Mia runs an at home bakery and is an avid Ohio State fan (go Buckeyes!).
Houston, TX
Chris Chisholm
Divisional President
Bio: Merging his former operation of 4 Alarm Junk Removal with Fire Dawgs Junk Removal, Chris Chisolm helped our company make headway in Texas as the President of our Houston location! Chris brings a lifetime of experience to our company after formerly serving in the United States Air Force for 4 years before a 10 year stint as a firefighter. His favorite part of his job is managing team members and leading them by example, because he wants to demonstrate through hard work and dedication anything is possible. Chris is a husband and father of five children that enjoys spending time with his kids. Outside of his parental duties, Chris enjoys hunting, real estate and some good food!
Remediation And Restoration
Jericole Flory
General Manager
Bio: Paving the way for our Restoration division, Cole Flory enjoys leading our team in getting the tough jobs done for our customers! Joining the team in 2021, Cole has served as a versatile asset in many different roles in our company. Cole’s favorite thing about Fire Dawgs is the company culture and the drive to get “IT” done! His favorite job is doing selective demolition — removing items in a clean and professional manner. He enjoys seeing a space opening up and the customer’s reaction to the fruits of his labor! In his spare time, Cole enjoys woodworking and building new items for his home.
David Allender
Operations Manager
Bio: Being the first team member at Fire Dawgs to transition into our Restoration division, David Allender helps restore customers homes and properties. David is a certified IICRC technician that knows how to properly handle your home or property. No matter how big or small your project is, David has the Tough Dawg mentality to get “IT” done!
Career Opportunities
Looking to start a new career at a growing and award-winning company? Then, you’ve come to the right place. If you are a highly motivated, and let’s face it, a fun person to be around doesn’t hurt, then we want to hear from you. When you become a part of the Fire Dawgs team, you align yourself with a company that has values, great work ethics, and a work environment that allows you to grow and succeed.
