In a challenging business environment for portable restroom operators, every dollar coming in and going out is of critical importance. With that in mind, the Portable Sanitation Association International will present a panel discussion, “Understanding Your True Cost Analysis to Ensure Profitability,’’ at the 2009 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Louisville, Ky.
The PSAI program is part of Education Day on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Education Day includes 46 seminars presented by industry experts across the full range of environmental service industries. Seminars are also offered on Thursday and Friday mornings. For a complete seminar schedule, see the Expo pages in this issue of PRO.
The PSAI panel will feature four speakers with vast experience managing portable sanitation companies, and will be moderated by Millicent Carroll, PSAI director industry/regulatory standards and marketing. Carroll says any PRO looking for ways to develop more accurate bids for jobs will benefit from the discussion.
“Through vast experience and knowledge, the panel will outline the ingredients necessary for other operators to understand the true breakdown costs associated with their business.’’ Carroll says. “The goal is to give the portable sanitation operator easy-to-follow, step-by-step procedures and the ‘reason’ behind each procedure that constitute why most operations under-evaluate the true cost until it is too late and the bid has been submitted.’’
On the panel will be:
Lee Sola, co-owner of S & B Porta-Bowl Restrooms Inc. in Colorado
Sola has been in the portable sanitation industry since 1972, served as president of the PSAI in 1986, and is currently chairman of the PSAI Industry Standards/Legislative & Marketing Committee.
Mike Holm, director, government and emergency services for United Site Services Inc.
Holm has been involved in the portable sanitation industry since 1979, managing the family portable sanitation business in Minneapolis. He has served as a design engineer for a portable restroom manufacturer and managing director of the U.S. division of an international portable sanitation service company.
Michael McCarthy, president of Mr. John of Pittsburgh
He started in the industry as a carpenter’s helper in 1972, and bought the Pittsburgh branch of New Jersey-based Mr. John in 1985. He served two terms as president of the PSAI, 1990-92.
Mike Pauling, CEO of Biffs Inc., Shakopee, Minn.
He has been involved in the industry since 1974, eventually serving as vice president of sales and marketing for Satellite Industries. In 1986, he purchased a portable restroom company with 200 units and four trucks, growing the business and adding a roll-off container division. He served two terms as president of the PSAI, 1992-94, and is currently a representative on the Industry Standards/Legislative & Marketing Committee.
Portable Sanitation providers will find these additional sessions valuable:
Wednesday, Feb. 25 (Education Day)
What Are My Disposal Resources and How Do They Fit?
Tom Frank, general manager for Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning Co., Huntsburg, Ohio.
Treatment Processes: What is Out There?
Therese Wheaton, owner of Crystal Environmental, Springboro, Pa.
Developing a Business Plan
Ron Mueller, business planning consultant for the Small Business Development Center of St. Charles, Mo.
The Art of Personal Sales
Scott Hunter, business consultant.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Portable Toilet Track, industry manufacturers will present three seminars on portable sanitation business topics.
Friday, Feb. 27
Keys to Proper Power Take-Off Selection
David Douglass, director of training for Muncie Power Products Inc.
How to Choose Vacuum Tank, Chassis and Pump Configurations
Brian Amthor, marketing and personnel director for Amthor International.
First Rate Customer Service Wins Customers For Life
Donald MacDonald, franchise operations expert and business coach.
Insurance and Risk Management
Mark Herring, Heffernan Insurance Brokers.
To find out more about the education program or any other Expo offering, visit www.pumpershow.com. Register online or by calling 800/257-7222.
