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 pete@getflushed.online 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 pj@eco-fab.com 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 pete@getflushed.online 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.