In the past year, we’ve posted hundreds of stories to PROmonthly.com. They include everything we know you love — company profiles, blogs, online exclusives and industry updates.
Here, we highlight the Top 10 most popular stories. If you missed any of these, now is your chance to catch up. And if you’ve already read them, well, just remember that many things are better the second time around. Enjoy this look back at 2013.
Coming in at No. 10 is this feature story on D. Lovenberg’s Portable Toilet Co. in Andover, N.J. The multigenerational business boasts 15 employees and 2,200 restrooms and serves 11 counties in central and northern New Jersey. From acquisitions to growing pains, see what lessons the Lovenberg team had to share.
What do country music and posh privies have in common? For Brandon McNeely, they were the inspiration for a new business venture in the portable restroom industry.
While working as the estate manager for country music star Ronnie Dunn, of Brooks & Dunn fame, McNeely stumbled on a need for upscale portable restrooms. And so began the story of PoshPrivy.
8. Bet and Win
In the No. 8 spot is the story of Arnold’s Environmental, a Saukville, Wis., portable restroom business. This husband/wife team made many changes to the business after purchase, including removing all “potty humor” from the company’s trucks. “The slogans are memorable, but it depends on what you want to be remembered for,” says owner Tammy Thompson-Oreskovic.
Next up, a lot of advice from a successful business in Knox, Pa. PRO readers appreciated this candid conversation with the owners of Bill’s Service, who can relate to challenges such as retaining workers, keeping customers happy, overcoming winter weather and more.
6. This Restroom is 41 Years Old and Going Strong
What’s the oldest portable restroom in your inventory? For Ohio PRO Brenny’s Sanitary, the answer is: “41 years and going strong.”
Editor Jim Kneiszel bumped into owner Bob Schenk at the 2013 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo and snapped a photo of the aging, but still quite functional, portable restroom.
5. Pricing Portable Restroom Service Jobs to Make Money
Coming in at No. 5, right in the middle of the list, is a feature on pricing structures. Pricing is always a popular topic with PROs. Charge too much, and you lose work. Too little, and you lose money. It’s a fine line that many of you are interested in reading more about. See what advice Bruce Francisco from Busy Bee Septic Systems Ltd. in Pikeville, Ky., had to offer.
4. Taking a Bow
The team at Buck’s Sanitary Service in Eugene, Ore., comes in at No. 4. This family-run business is exclusively portable restrooms and operates in the 100-mile-wide Willamette Valley. Their big event? The Oregon Jamboree, which boasted 40,000 visitors in 2012.
3. Former PSAI Executive Director, Assistant Face Multiple Felony Charges
In the No. 3 position is this news article about the former executive director of the Portable Sanitation Association International and an association assistant, who faced multiple felony charges of embezzlement in Hennepin County District Court in Minnesota.
2. Vacuum Truck Rollover Rescue Caught by Photographer
You never want to see a vacuum truck flipped over on its back, but that’s precisely what a photographer for The Taunton Daily Gazette discovered. In this blog post, which ranks No. 2 on our list, Editor Jim Kneiszel made a plea to stay safe on the road when carrying heavy liquid loads.
1. 4 Eye-Popping Portable Restrooms
And finally, in the No. 1 position for 2013 — our most popular article of the year — is this look at some portable restroom eye candy.
From cherry-red phone booth designs to camouflage stumps, this selection begs the question: Does appearance matter to your customers?
