My guess is that your portable sanitation business is on stronger financial footing than it was last year at this time. And that 2013 was better than 2012. I’ve seen more portable restroom operators investing in trucks, restroom trailers, construction units and marketing plans in the past few years, and I know they’ve, by and large, been landing more work.
A number of factors contribute to the improving fortunes of the industry. A recovering economy is clearly the biggest reason why PROs are getting busy. Construction starts are up, both residential and commercial, after a long slumber that began in the late 2000s. And while it seems less obvious, hopefully special events are seeing greater numbers of participants, requiring more and more comprehensive sanitation service.
And you can’t discount a greater awareness of the critical need for portable sanitation as a business driver. More restrooms are going out in more situations, both based on stronger sanitation regulations across the country and the world, and the public’s growing demand for basic restroom and hand-wash facilities at work sites and events. I know I see more restrooms dotting city parks in the summer, and it’s rare to pass a homebuilding site – at any stage in the construction process – that doesn’t have a restroom placed at the end of the driveway.
Workin' It
Restroom contractors have their boots on the ground in hometowns across the country, promoting the benefits of portable sanitation for parties and public locations where they add a new measure of convenience for users. You’re showing your wares at wedding shows, business expos and anywhere you can reach an expanded market for your units. At the same time, the Portable Sanitation Association International trade group campaigns to raise awareness of cleanliness issues and environmental protection addressed by its members.
Bottom line: There are a lot of good things happening in the portable sanitation industry. And our job is to bring those good-news stories to light in the pages of PRO. But we count on you to help spread the word about the professionalism of this industry and the small-business owners who are making a difference for their communities and the environment. How can you help?
Call me or drop me an email to share your success stories. I’m always on the lookout for topnotch PROs who we can feature in the magazine. Our readers are leading the industry with innovative business-building and sanitation service ideas that can benefit contractors everywhere. You are marketing for new business in creative ways. You are putting new service trucks with stunning good looks on the road. You’re landing profitable and high-profile special-event contracts, then providing service anyone would be proud of.
We Need You
We need your examples to keep this industry raising the bar when it comes to professionalism and growing the expectations of users of your products. The tips you can share with the PRO community on a wide range of issues – from spec’ing that latest truck to tweaking service protocols – can help the entire industry move forward.
It really doesn’t take a lot of time to get involved with one of our editorial features, and your contributions can make a big difference to others. Here are just a few of the features where we can highlight your successes:
PROfiles
Every issue of PRO includes an in-depth story about a successful contractor. Many of these featured operators land on the front page and are proud to show off their crew and equipment with a national audience. Think about the insights your story can share with fellow PROs. This feature is not just a way to show your customers that you’re an industry leader or mark a 10th, 20th or 50th year in business. It’s a way to give back to an industry that’s given so much to you. You can impart the wisdom you’ve learned on the job to contractors across North America. I’m sure you’ve learned many things from the contractors we’ve featured in the past. Now it’s your turn.
On Location
Do you have a great, longstanding business relationship with a high-profile special event in your community? Or maybe you just landed the biggest outdoor concert event in your county for the first time. Either way, it’s time to celebrate an accomplishment in special-event service. Bring readers along as you service a notable event. Let us showcase your hardworking crew that gives up so many summer weekends to bring great sanitation service to the masses. Bring added publicity for your event customer by telling them that a national industry trade magazine wants to feature their festival in a several-page spread with professional photography.
PRO Rides
Have you recently made an upgrade in your service vehicles? You’re excited about the good looks and functionality of that vacuum rig and want to show it to the PRO community? We’re ready with that opportunity. We want to talk to you about the features you chose for the new vehicle, what went into selection of the paint scheme and graphics, how the truck was built out for more efficient service routes. Share your tips and tricks with others in the industry and give props to your truckbuilder for a job well done at the same time.
Let's Get Started
When I talk to PROs about participating in an editorial feature, they sometimes ask if it will cost them anything. The answer is no. We pride ourselves on providing quality editorial content in every issue of the magazine, and there’s never a cost to the companies we feature. We hire professional business writers and photographers, and do our best to highlight the best the industry has to offer.
After an issue publishes, it’s common for a featured contractor to call me up and let me know they appreciated the way we handled their story. I’m proud of that.
So what are you waiting for? Let me know what you’re up to and we can tell your story.
