Get Flushed

To close out this year, I’m going to release a series of short soundbite episodes where I tackle one particular issue or question.  Hopefully, there’ll be a new episode every day for the month of December.  These episodes will be short - no more than four or five minutes.  There won’t be any adverts, there won’t be any guests and I’ve even shortened the theme tune to keep everything on point.

Continuing the mini-series on Driving Safely, Pete talks through his daily vehicle check and discusses how and why restroom operators should have a clear and thorough process for inspecting vehicles and collating inspection records.

Please visit https://www.getflushed.online/support to support the show. Everyone who contributes $25 or more will receive a bespoke Get Flushed neck tube.

Pete discusses how business owners and managers can make sure their staff drive safely when behind the wheel of company vehicles.

In the first part of a special series about vehicle safety, Pete looks at the factors that Restroom Providers should consider when choosing a truck or trailer for their restroom operation.

Pete takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of sanitation, addressing an unusual yet critical question posed by a listener regarding the procedures to follow after a spillage of septic waste. The episode is structured around an entertaining yet cautionary tale of a disaster that unfolded when a driver mistakenly released a significant amount of waste in a yard, resulting in a mess that covered not only the driver but also a nearby colleague. This incident serves as a launchpad for a broader discussion on the importance of safety protocols, training, and the right equipment in the sanitation industry.

Throughout the episode, Pete emphasizes the necessity of preventive measures, such as ensuring that all staff are adequately trained, equipped with spill kits, and have received necessary vaccinations against common pathogens found in waste materials. He elaborates on the contents of an effective spill kit, explaining how to use standard household materials to create an efficient cleanup strategy. The narrative is interspersed with practical advice on personal protective equipment (PPE), highlighting the need for gloves, boots, and safety glasses to protect workers from potential exposure to harmful substances.

Listeners are encouraged to consider the implications of mishaps in sanitation work, not just from a health perspective but also regarding workplace morale and operational efficiency. Pete concludes with a light-hearted yet earnest reminder of the importance of communication and preparedness in preventing such incidents, ensuring that even in the face of potential disaster, workers can maintain a level of professionalism and safety.

Although this episode is based on a real life incident, no pumpers were harmed in the telling of this story.

Takeaways:

• Accidents can happen in sanitation work, so having a detailed spill response plan is crucial.
• Personal protective equipment, like gloves and safety glasses, is essential to workplace safety.
• Proper training and vaccinations for employees can help minimize health risks from exposure.
• Having shower facilities and laundry services greatly improves staff comfort and retention rates.
• Using simple household materials can create an effective spill kit for septic waste management.
• Always communicate with affected parties if a spill impacts their property or belongings.

Links referenced in this episode:

• servicecore.com

Pete responds to listeners questions about New Zealand's Three Water Reforms, uric scale and how to manage foul odours in portable toilets during hot weather.

Read the Department of Internal Affairs report on Three Waters at https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Three-waters-reform-programme-2022/$file/Three-waters-reform-case-for-change-and-summary-of-proposals-15-June-2022.pdf

Listen to the previous episode of Get Flushed about uric scale at https://getflushed.online/episode/taking-the-p

Listen to the previous episodes about Portaclear at

https://www.getflushed.online/episode/Portaclear and

https://getflushed.online/episode/portaclear-gamechanger

Pete talks with Damon Powell from FMC Advisors about the steps that owners could and should take when they decide to sell their portable restroom business.

Damon Powell and Ed Medic at FMC Advisors have over 55 years combined experience in the solid waste and portable sanitation industries. Together, they have completed 131 acquisitions with a combined transaction value of $600 million. Their approach allows them to work directly with business owners to create exit strategies designed to realise the most value for each business.

The episode provides a comprehensive guide for sanitation business owners considering selling their operations. Host Pete and guest Damon Powell, from FMC Advisors, explore the critical steps involved in preparing a business for sale, including developing a robust financial profile and ensuring operational efficiency. They discuss the importance of understanding market trends and buyer expectations, particularly in light of increased demand for sanitation services post-pandemic. Damon offers practical advice on how to enhance business value, such as updating fleets and utilizing software for better management. The conversation also highlights the importance of evaluating potential buyers, considering their motivations and financial capacity. By addressing both the technical and emotional aspects of selling a business, the episode equips owners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and achieve successful outcomes.

Takeaways:

• Selling a business requires expert knowledge and skill to maximize the value of the sale.
• It is crucial to have clean and well-organized financial records when preparing to sell.
• The condition and management of the fleet are significant factors in the valuation process.
• Consulting with professionals can help navigate the sale process, ensuring better outcomes.
• Understanding the potential buyer's perspective is essential in setting realistic expectations.
• The right buyer can increase the company's value by up to 50%, highlighting the importance of finding a good match.
• Goodwill is still a factor in business valuation, alongside assets and earnings.

Visit www.fmcadvisors.com to learn more about their approach or email Damon at [email protected]

Companies mentioned in this episode include:

• Get Flushed
• FMC Advisors
• United Site Services
• Infinity Consulting and Advisory Group
• Waste Management

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.

Pete discusses the finance options available to restroom operators with Justen Lee from Alliance Funding Group.

This episode is sponsored by ServiceCore.

Visit https://afg.com to learn more about AFG

Email Justen at [email protected]

Visit https://servicecore.com to learn more about ServiceCore

Pete discusses digital marketing with Joe Zeman from Valor Marketing and learns how to grow the online profile of your business

Visit https://valormarketingllc.com to learn more about Valor Marketing

Visit https://air-vote.com to learn more about this week's sponsor, Air-Vote

Contact Pete at [email protected]

Book a no-obligation chat with Pete at getflushed.online/booking

Growing a sanitation business requires more than just taking on additional work; it demands strategic planning and efficient resource management to maximize profit margins.

Host Pete shares insights on how restroom operators can successfully scale their operations. He discusses two primary strategies for growth: increasing volume by expanding service areas and adding new services or products. Pete emphasizes the importance of aligning company values with strategic goals and maintaining operational efficiency through optimized routing and effective team management. Additionally, he highlights the significance of investing in software solutions, like Service Core, to standardize processes and improve overall business performance.

Pete shares his thoughts about how restroom operators can prepare for growth and sustain performance as their businesses grow.

Pete dives into the intricacies of scaling a sanitation business, particularly focusing on portable restroom operations. Leveraging his own experiences and insights from the industry, Pete emphasizes the importance of smart growth strategies beyond just expanding fleets and taking on more jobs. He highlights the necessity of efficient operations, such as optimizing routes to reduce costs, and stresses the value of aligning business values with strategic goals to ensure cohesive team performance. The episode underscores that successful growth in the sanitation sector requires a balance of increasing service capacity and maintaining quality, as well as the strategic addition of staff and resources at the right time. Additionally, Pete discusses the potential role of technology and consultants in streamlining operations and supporting sustainable growth, concluding with a reflection on the importance of quality over price in customer relationships.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Service Core
• Acadian Sanitation
• JBar

Visit www.servicecore.com to learn more abut this week's sponsor

Visit www.getflushed.online/episode/kpis to hear more about KPIs

Visit www.getflushed.online/episode/j-bar to hear more about J-BAR

Field of Dreams © 1989 Universal Pictures

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.