A Perfect Job for Veterans of the Armed Forces

Are you a vet who’s thinking of starting their own portable sanitation business? Whether you’re going it alone or with a small team, we think the PRO industry is perfectly geared to veterans of the armed forces. Here’s why:

Veterans’ Skillsets

You might have some experience from your military days of cleaning or repairing portable restroom units, you might not. Either way, you likely have the qualities to make you a great PRO candidate:

• Mission-focused: Each new job as a PRO is like a mission. You have a place to travel to, units to install, and specific client wishes that need to be fulfilled.
• Leadership: If you’re running a hands-on business such as a portable restroom business, leadership qualities are crucial when dealing with your staff and customers, and will put you a step above the competition.
• Self-motivated: Lots of time will be spent working alone as a PRO, driving to deliver or collect units. You need to be well-equipped in motivating yourself to get the job done.
• Teamwork: While you’ll be able to work alone, you also understand the importance of working closely with your team, which is often a tight-knit crew, and alongside the client to deliver the best job.
• Act on your feet: You’re used to reacting quickly to emergency situations. Whether it’s preventing an accident or calling for a backup unit, you’re able to make split-second decisions.
• High standards: In this industry, standards are crucial. High hygiene standards must be met, while licenses, permits, and regulations must be adhered to. You’ll have no problem executing your job to the highest standards.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in taking the first steps, look to government agencies like the Office of Veterans Business Development and the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization, which has a Veteran Entrepreneur Portal. They can help you find resources dealing with securing funding, accessing training, and gaining government contracts.

There’s great support for veterans who want to open businesses:

• Funding: The Small Business Administration (SBA), which runs the Office of Veterans Business Development, helps veterans to find lenders for a startup business through their Lender Match scheme. The SBA is a fantastic go-to with a wealth of materials and guidance. For example, they offer Express Loans for veterans with upfront guaranty fees waived.
• Training: Check out the SBA’s Boots to Business program geared at transitioning members of the armed forces, and even their spouses, over to running a small business.
• Discounts from suppliers: Many manufacturers and suppliers support veteran-owned companies, offering deals and discounts for former service members. Be proud of having served, put your veteran status front-and-center in your business model, and customers also might be more willing to choose you.

The portable restroom industry is perfect for veterans of the armed forces and there’s lots of support to help veterans set up. If you’d like to know more about why you should consider starting a PRO business, check out this article.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”