Going Green, Staying Clean
Besides supplementing Moon Companies’ broad service line, the portable restroom service strives to capitalize on opportunities within its niche. For instance, Davis aggressively pushes the company’s environmentally friendly capabilities.
Many large corporations, hospitals and chain retailers require construction companies to follow “green” practices while building their facilities, Davis explains. That means not only using environmentally friendly chemicals inside portable restroom holding tanks, but also using green products for cleaning them. And even though Kentucky doesn’t require it, Moon workers place containment trays under each restroom at green sites to ensure spills and wash-down water and detergents don’t reach the ground or storm-runoff systems.
The company uses Earth Friendly Chemicals for deodorizers. “I make sure contractors know they need to use us if they want to comply with green requirements,” Davis says. “I’ve gotten several deals from big corporations because we’re out in front with our green services. Eventually, everything is going to be built green, and we wanted to promote and provide that kind of service.”
Besides, going green meshes with Moon Portable Restrooms’ promise of clean restrooms, clean trucks and clean-cut workers. When Moon’s drivers return to the yard each evening, their day isn’t over until their truck is cleaned inside and out.
“They dump and refill their tanks, and then wash their truck every single day,” Davis says. “Our whole image is ‘clean.’ ”
The VIP Treatment
One reason for maintaining a spotless reputation is Moon’s emphasis on servicing special events, including weddings, concerts, VIP cocktail parties, football games, Kentucky Derby socials and private-school fundraisers.
“I’m competitive about getting that business. I make those sales calls constantly, promoting us and making sure we can handle anything and everything they need.” Davis says.
For events requiring formal attire, Moon can deliver up to three VIP restroom trailers like the Wells Cargo Comfort Elite IIIs. The company also has a Wells Cargo Comfort Elite Platinum Edition trailer, which features marble countertops and a flat-screen TV. Moon never sends out the Platinum unit without an attendant.
“We build the attendant’s service into the cost,” Davis says. “His presence isn’t negotiable. He’s always nearby to make sure nothing goes wrong. If a fuse blows, a light bulb goes out, the toilet backs up, or it just needs a quick cleanup, he handles it. You don’t want that customer waiting 45 minutes for someone to arrive on a Saturday night.”
Davis contends none of the top service initiatives would be possible without good employees who believe in the company’s mission.
“We all depend on each other,” he says. “They know our motto, and everyone is committed to it. We don’t employ slackers, and we do our best to take care of them.”
Davis said Moon starts each employee at “a higher-than-average rate for what they do.” The company also provides health insurance, a dollar-an-hour raise after a 60-day probation period, and a second raise a year later. At that time, employees also receive a week’s vacation, five days of sick leave, and a retirement plan in which the company contributes dollar-for-dollar matches up to 6 percent of their wages.
