Pete talks with Damon Powell from FMC Advisors.

Damon specialises in helping sanitation company owners to sell their businesses. When he first appeared on Get Flushed in Episode 81 in June 202, Damon spoke about the process that sanitation business owners can expect to go through when they decide to sell their company.

In this episode, Damon and Pete discuss:

• the popularity of the sanitation industry in the United Sates over the past few years
• the type of buyers in the sanitation market and the financial structures seen in recent business sales
• the features of sanitation companies that achieve the best sales
• why some sanitation businesses don't sell

Learn more about Damon by visiting www.fmcadvisors.com

Listen to Damon's previous appearance on Get Flushed at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/fmcadvisors

The Exit Strategy Playbook by Adam Coffey

Takeaways:

• The sanitation industry has seen a surge in interest from investors, particularly post-COVID, highlighting the crucial role it plays in public health and safety.
• Damon emphasizes the importance of understanding buyer motivations and market trends to maximize the sale value of sanitation businesses.
• Building a strong management team and maintaining high-quality assets are critical factors that can significantly increase a sanitation company's market value during a sale.
• Business owners should prepare at least 12 months in advance for a sale, ensuring their financials are in order and their operations are streamlined for potential buyers.

Pete talks with Erin and Grant Stahla, owners of Stahla Services, a luxury restroom rental enterprise based in Omaha, Nebraska.

This conversation covers the growth of their business, which Grant launched by Grant 11 years ago, before exploring the contributions made by Erin since her full-time involvement. The couple describe their shared vision, the intertwining of their personal and professional lives, and the strategic direction they envision for the company's future.

They discuss their recent ventures, Stahla Leads and Stahla Logistics, which aim to enhance their operational capacity and foster collaboration within the sanitation industry.

The couple also discuss their aspirations and the approaches they are using to navigate the complexities of their business landscape.

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode provides insight into the evolution of Stahla Services, a sanitation business founded by Grant Stahla, highlighting its growth trajectory over eleven years.
• Erin and Grant Stahla discuss the importance of aligning personal values with business operations, emphasizing faith and marriage as core components of their enterprise.
• The couple illustrates the challenges and successes of managing a business together, particularly the necessity of clear communication and complementary skill sets.
• Listeners learn about the innovative approaches Stahla Services is taking, including the launch of Stahla Leads and Staler Logistics to enhance efficiency and collaboration within the sanitation industry.
• The conversation sheds light on the significance of hiring the right personnel and developing a robust team culture, crucial for sustaining long-term business success.
• Erin and Grant express their aspirations for the future, focusing on intentional planning and the importance of understanding their purpose as business owners.

Links referenced in this episode:

• stahla.com

Pete talks with Caleb Ingran, CEO of Iron-Vac, a leading manufacturer and supplier of vacuum tanks and trucks.

Enter the Iron-Vac truck giveaway at https://www.septictrucks.com/giveaway

Caleb reflects on the struggles he faced during his early days in the septic business, including the purchase of a truck that was wrecked before delivery. Rather than deterring him, this setback instilled a fierce resolve to succeed, leading to the establishment of a company that has grown significantly in just seven years. Caleb's narrative speaks to the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, illustrating how challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Caleb discusses the operational aspects of IronVac, emphasizing the hands-on nature of the business and the pride he takes in the quality of his products. He elaborates on the manufacturing process and explains how IronVac sources materials and builds trucks tailored to the specific needs of clients. This commitment to excellence is matched by his dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. Caleb's leadership style is characterized by mentorship and support, as he values the contributions of each team member and recognizes the collective effort required to achieve success.

A particularly noteworthy segment of the episode is Caleb's announcement of a vacuum truck giveaway aimed at helping those who are struggling in the sanitation industry. This initiative reflects his understanding of the challenges faced by operators and his desire to give back to the community.

The episode leaves listeners with a powerful message about the impact of hard work, the value of building strong relationships, and the significance of giving back to those in need, reinforcing the idea that success is not just about personal gain but also about uplifting others along the way.

Takeaways:

• Caleb Ingram transitioned from hospital management to septic pumping, finding fulfillment in a tough industry.
• IronVac's growth demonstrates the power of hard work and seizing market opportunities effectively.
• The company's commitment to employee growth reflects Caleb's values and leadership style in business.
• Caleb's journey illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.
• The vacuum truck giveaway initiative showcases IronVac's dedication to supporting the sanitation community.
• Social media has played a crucial role in IronVac's marketing strategy, attracting younger customers.

Hear Episode 81 with Damon Powell, FMC Advisors at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/fmcadvisors

If you would like to appear on Get Flushed, have a question or an idea for the show, please email [email protected] or visit https://getflushed.online/booking to book a meeting with Pete.

Pete is back with two requests for help.

The first is to register your vote for Get Flushed in the Listener's Choice category at the New Zealand Podcast Awards. Visit www.nzpodcastawards.com/nominate to vote today.

The second is to complete the 2024 Portable Sanitation Industry Benchmark Survey hosted by my friends at ServiceCore. This annual survey has become a regular fixture in the sanitation calendar and informs the annual Benchmark Report. That in turn helps operators to identify the challenges, trends and opportunities facing the industry in the year ahead.

Visit www.servicecore.com and open the pop up to complete the survey. Alternatively, click HERE

Pete talks with Max Coon, founder and CEO of Toico Industries about Sanitation Manager or SanMan, the new software solution for portable restroom operators.

Max takes listeners on a compelling journey through his 32 years in the portable sanitation industry. Reflecting on his beginnings working for his father-in-law's rental business, Max recounts the challenges he faced in sourcing products tailored to the sanitation sector. This struggle was the catalyst for Toico's creation in 1997, with a mission to offer specialized solutions for portable restroom operators. Through perseverance and an unwavering focus on customer needs, Toico has evolved into a leading provider in the industry with locations in both Utah and Georgia.

The episode explores the innovative aspects of Toico's operations, particularly the launch of SanMan, a comprehensive software solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of portable restroom management. Max discusses how SanMan was developed organically from real-world needs, emphasizing its practical design and user-friendly interface. Key features such as automated routing, real-time tracking, and integrated billing systems are highlighted as transformative tools for operators looking to streamline their workflows and improve service delivery. Max also addresses concerns about the software's adaptability, assuring potential users that SanMan is designed to accommodate existing operational practices without forcing significant changes.

In a discussion about the onboarding experience for new users, Max stresses the importance of personalized support to ensure a smooth transition. With no upfront installation fees and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Toico positions SanMan as an accessible solution for operators of all sizes.

The episode concludes with an exciting offer for listeners, reinforcing Toico's dedication to empowering sanitation professionals and enhancing industry standards through innovative solutions.

Takeaways:

• Max Coon's journey in the toy industry began in 1992, with significant operational experience.
• Toico Industries was established in 1997 to provide tailored solutions for the portable sanitation sector.
• SanMan software was developed organically to meet the specific needs of sanitation operators.
• SanMan allows operators to customize their processes without a complete overhaul of their operations.
• The onboarding process for SanMan is personalized, ensuring users are comfortable before full adoption.
• Toico offers a generous in-store credit for listeners who sign up for SanMan software and refer to the Get Flushed Podcast.

Visit www.toico.com/sanman to learn more about Sanitation manager

Visit www.toico.com to learn more about Toico

Visit https://www.getflushed.online/episode/software to hear Pete's first episode about software

In this week's episode, Pete talks about Artificial Intelligence with Vladislav Ostremski, head of Research and Development at Air-Vote.

Air-Vote's innovative solution allows restroom users to provide real-time feedback through a simple QR code system. This approach has fundamentally changed how feedback is collected, enabling operators to respond swiftly to issues and enhance the overall cleanliness and patron satisfaction in their facilities.

Vlad shares news of exciting developments at Air-Vote, AI Assist, which analyzes user comments and images submitted through the platform. By employing AI to filter out irrelevant feedback and focus on critical issues, Air-Vote is streamlining the communication process between restroom users and operators. The technology improves the quality of data collected and allows operators to prioritise their responses effectively. The conversation dives into the implications of such technology for the sanitation industry, illustrating how AI can lead to better operational efficiency and improved user experience.

Vlad shares his views on the potential future applications of AI in restroom management, hinting at a world where operators may utilise advanced analytics to optimise service schedules and routes. He envisions a scenario where AI could analyse data from restrooms to calculate usage and predict when a service is needed, rather than relying on fixed schedules. This proactive approach could revolutionize how restroom services are managed, providing a win-win situation for operators and users alike.

The episode concludes with an invitation for restroom operators to share their thoughts with Air-Vote, underscoring the importance of community feedback in driving innovation.

Takeaways:

• Air-Vote has developed a system that utilizes QR codes for effortless user feedback without needing an app.
• AI is being used to analyze comments and images submitted by Air-Vote users to improve service efficiency.
• The future of restroom operations includes AI-driven insights for optimizing service schedules and routes.
• Portable restroom operators can benefit from AI by receiving critical alerts while filtering out unnecessary feedback.
• The development of a mobile application for Air-Vote aims to enhance service logging and operational efficiency.

If you have a suggestion for AI powered reporting, please email Vlad at [email protected]

Find out more about Air-Vote at www.air-vote.com

Listen to Episode 35 with Angelique from Air-Vote at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/air-vote

Listen to Episode 62 with Roy Baring at Tex-San Site Services at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/texsan2

Crafting a winning bid for a tender can be a daunting process, especially in the restroom service industry where competition is fierce.

In this episode, Pete shares valuable insights, explains key terminology and describes a typical tendering process. Pete highlights the importance of clear, concise communication and the necessity of proofreading submissions to ensure professionalism and accuracy.

Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the field, this episode offers practical advice to enhance your bidding success. Pete describe the typical structure of a tender bid and the key information suppliers need to complete a tender bid.

Each section serves a distinct purpose, from showcasing a company’s qualifications to detailing the proposed methodologies for fulfilling contract requirements. Pete emphasizes the importance of tailoring each bid to the project while also leveraging past submissions for efficiency.

Takeaways:

• Tender submissions require detailed and structured information, which can be reused from previous bids.
• The executive summary should be concise, highlighting why your company is the best fit.
• Understanding the scope of work is crucial; avoid simply copying tender specifications.
• Health and safety considerations must demonstrate your team's approach to risk management.
• Pricing should cover both direct and indirect costs to ensure sustainable profit margins.
• Sustainability is important and can include more than recycling or how to manage waste.

If you would like to appear on Get Flushed, have a question or an idea for the show, please email [email protected] or visit https://getflushed.online/booking to book a meeting with Pete.

If you enjoy Get Flushed and would like to support the show, please visit https://www.getflushed.online/support to send a tip to help cover our costs.

This episode features a detailed discussion with Joe Shelton, an expert in portable sanitation with decades of experience. Joe recounts his early start in the industry, working for his family's business, and how that foundation led him to launch his own company and later a successful brokerage.

The episode focuses on the role of brokers in the restroom industry, dispelling myths and highlighting their potential to enhance business operations. Joe addresses common concerns about brokers, such as reliability and payment issues, and offers practical advice on how to leverage a broker's services to expand reach and improve efficiency. He stresses the importance of fair pricing and quality service, noting that while some operators may view brokers skeptically, they can be instrumental in reducing the burden of sales and marketing, especially for smaller businesses. Joe's candid discussion provides a comprehensive look at how brokers can be allies in the competitive sanitation market.

Takeaways:

• Joe Shelton shares his extensive experience in the portable sanitation industry, highlighting his journey from working in his family's business to starting his own.
• The podcast explores the role of brokers in the portable restroom industry, acting as intermediaries between customers and operators.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with brokers to gain more business and leverage their sales capabilities.
• The episode discusses the challenges of pricing in the sanitation industry and the dangers of undercutting prices, stressing the need for sustainable pricing models.
• Joe advises restroom operators to collaborate with brokers and even competitors to optimize operations and grow their businesses.
• Communication and trust between brokers and operators are highlighted as crucial for successful partnerships and customer satisfaction.

Visit viprestrooms.com to learn more and contact Joe

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Patriot Portable Restrooms
• VIP Restrooms
• United Site Services
• Oakley
• PSAI
• Andy Gump
• Amazon
• Dell

If you would like to appear on Get Flushed, have a question or an idea for the show, please email [email protected] or visit https://getflushed.online/booking to book a meeting with Pete.

If you enjoy Get Flushed and would like to support the show, please visit https://www.getflushed.online/support to send a tip to help cover our costs.

Submissions are now open for the New Zealand Podcast Awards 2024. Get Flushed has been entered in the Best Business Podcast and Best Independent Podcast categories. Long term listeners may remember that the show won a Bronze Medal at the inaugural awards in November 2021.

This episode is our showreel submission for the 2024 Awards. It contains clips from five episodes released between 1 August 2023 and 31 August 2024.:

• Episode 120 released 9 January 2024
• Episode 118 released 7 January 2024
• Episode 110 released 24 December 2023
• Episode 91 released 5 December 2023
• Episode 119 released 28 January 2024

Four of the clips were chosen because they capture the essence of the show. Pete uses his research as well as his own industry-based knowledge, skills and experience to answer questions from listeners, unravel business issues and address operational and strategic challenges specific to the portable restroom industry. Some of these questions were posed by listeners who said they were too embarrassed by their own lack of knowledge to ask these questions publicly elsewhere.

The fifth reel comes from a tribute episode released following the untimely death of David Andres in January 2024. Dave was a regular guest, contributor and sponsor of the show. This clip refers to an episode originally published in September 2021 in which Dave recounted his experience as the first portable restroom operator to arrive at Ground Zero following the attacks on the World Trade Centre. That episode remains the shows most popular episode.

If you enjoy Get Flushed and would like to support the show, please follow this link to nominate it for the Listeners Choice Award

https://www.nzpodcastawards.com/nominate

Pete talks with PJ Blignault, founder and owner of Eco-Fab about his company's new range of vacuum flushing restrooms.

EcoFab's entry into the U.S. market marks a significant shift in the availability of advanced sanitation solutions for events and construction sites.

PJ discusses the company's philosophy of providing high-quality vacuum flushing systems at a price point accessible to smaller operators, challenging the dominance of more expensive vacuum systems.

The episode explores EcoFab's strategic partnerships and innovations, such as their collaboration with Finnish engineers to design a reliable vacuum pump system tailored for event use. PJ recounts EcoFab's successful deployment of these systems at the Dubai Rugby Sevens, underscoring the robustness and user satisfaction of their technology. The episode further highlights the logistical advantages of EcoFab's systems, such as reduced water usage and flexible installation options, making them an attractive choice for cost-conscious event organizers and construction managers.

Takeaways:

• Eco-Fab, founded by PJ Blignault, specializes in vacuum flushing restrooms based in Dubai.
• The company developed a non-macerating vacuum system that minimizes blockages common in traditional systems.
• Eco-Fab offers cost-effective and reliable vacuum solutions for large events and construction projects.
• Their vacuum restrooms use only 1.2 liters of water per flush, conserving resources.
• Eco-Fab is expanding to North America, with demonstration units available for trial later this year.
• Interested restroom operators in the US can contact PJ for potential collaboration and trials.

Visit eco-fab.com to find out more or contact [email protected] to discuss how Eco-Fab could meet your needs.

Other companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sanitrax
• Prestige Loos
• Ecofab
• Massport
• PSAI
• Virgin Mobile

If you would like to appear on Get Flushed, have a question or an idea for the show, please email [email protected] or visit https://getflushed.online/booking to book a meeting with Pete.

If you enjoy Get Flushed and would like to support the show, please visit https://www.getflushed.online/support to send a tip to help cover our costs.