Pulse of the PROs: How Did You Decide to Get in the Business?

When did you say, “Hey, I want to get into the business of someone else’s business?” Why did you decide to become a portable restroom operator? We want to hear your origin stories. Drop us a line at info@johntalk.com or contact JohnTalk on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn.

Why Did You Choose the Portable Restroom Industry?

One of the most common questions people in the industry hear from friends and family is, “Why porta-potties?” And often, the response is, “Why not?” It’s profitable and rewarding. Aside from providing an essential service, PROs can expand operations to include rentals, snow removal, and more to ensure year-round sales.

Business owners have a diverse list of reasons for choosing the portable restroom industry. Maybe you knew of an acquaintance or family member selling a toilet rental business. Or your area desperately needed a high-quality portable rental service, and you were ready to take on the role. Message us and explain what got you interested in the industry.

How Did You Start Your Business?

Starting a portable restroom business is different for every PRO. Some plan and save for months while working full-time for an employer. Others take over an existing company. Another subset of owners add portable toilet rentals to their current operations. Which route did you take? And if you could estimate, tell us the amount of time it took from having the idea to start a portable restroom business to opening your doors.

What Type of Support Did You Have During the Startup Stages?

As a seasoned PRO, you know networking with the right people is invaluable to your business. However, many startups lack those professional relationships. Moreover, you may face pushback from friends and family who don’t understand why you’re entering the portable sanitation industry or pursuing self-employment.

Who was by your side throughout the process? Did you work with business professionals to establish financial, tax, or legal matters? Did product vendors and manufacturers offer support or advice?

How Did You Define Success as a Startup?

When you began your company, what did success look like to you? Did you set expectations for when your business would become profitable? Or breathe a sigh of relief when you didn’t have to punch a time clock for an employer every day? Perhaps success was when you hired your first employee?

Is There Anything You’d Do Differently as a New PRO?

The old cliche holds for almost anything: “hindsight is 20/20.” The startup phase is hectic. Both exciting and stressful. You run on adrenaline most days. When looking back, would you do anything differently?

Tell Us How You Got Started in Portable Sanitation

Some PROs grow up in the industry, with a parent or family member running the business. Even in these cases, you consciously work hard and maintain excellent standards. Outsiders call it a “dirty” business. But PROs know that portable restroom rental is an essential service and a profitable one at that. Tell us how you got into the business by messaging us at info@johntalk.com or contact JohnTalk on Facebook, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn.

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.”