A HORSE-DRAWN BUSINESS

(Page 2 of 2)

September/October 1981
 
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Mike began providing garbage pickup service for 600 customers on September 10, 1979. As he had hoped, Mandy and Dolly trotted through traffic unperturbed. On the 26th of the month—in order to evaluate his service—Johnson mailed out a questionnaire to 271 of his customers ...and their enthusiasm overwhelmed him. "How I wish my folks could have seen these magnificent, well-behaved animals," wrote one. "My children love it ...I'm glad they're having a chance to discover what kind of work a horse can do," declared another. And an organic gardener settled the problem of droppings: "Leave them in front of my place!"

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Johnson is pleased with the economics of his operation, too. "I saved. 256 gallons of gasoline in the first ten days," he says. "Moreover, my daily overhead now comes to $172, compared to my formerconventional trucking-expenses that totaled $214."

Mike started full-time service on May 1, 1980 ... after drawing upon his experiences during the trial run to improve the wagon. He rebuilt the front axle, incorporating a pivoting fifth wheel that enables him to make shorter and easier turns, and revamped the rear dump door. Then he added a cab, like those that used to be seen on horse-drawn milk wagons, to protect the driver from wind and rain. Mike also began to train an alternate for Dolly so she could take "maternity leave" (her offspring, a colt named Si, is now traveling with his mother, learning the ropes of the business).

Recently, the trash collector found himself at City Hall, defending his franchise rights ...because a would—be competitor wanted in. However, Mike's fans packed the chamber, and the City Council voted unanimously in favor of Siuslaw Sanitary Service. After the decision, Johnson stood as if stunned while members of the community congratulated him. "I never dreamed I'd get that much support," he said.

It just goes to show that individualism and ingenuity live on!

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