Leaving Corporate Life for Portable Potties: A Scented Adventure in Entrepreneurship

In the portable sanitation industry, dealing with literal waste is inevitable.

Occasionally, things don't go as planned, and the truck hose that's meant to siphon waste becomes detached, a mishap less elegantly dubbed 'getting baptized.'

Every morning, I'm welcomed by the pungent aroma from our massive 20,000-gallon waste reservoir before it's transferred to a treatment facility.

At such times, I ponder why I left a stable corporate role for this. Yet, a breath of fresh air and the feel of sunshine make me realize the switch has brought me genuine joy.

Tracing the Journey to Toilets on Wheels

Having thrived in a marketing career at Procter & Gamble, my entrepreneurial tendencies were always lurking. College days saw me venturing into T-shirt printing.

My now-business partner, Austin Helms, who had a similar trajectory and had ditched the corporate world to operate a service company, encouraged me to follow a similar path.

When I was nudged toward yet another relocation by Procter & Gamble, marking the ninth in a decade, I heeded Austin's suggestion.

After thorough research lasting half a year and raising funds totaling one million dollars, primarily from acquaintances and an investment firm, I established Halftime Rentals in Charlotte, North Carolina. Within a brief eight months, the company had already attracted acquisition proposals while generating over $1.2 million in sales.

Leveraging Marketing as a Game-Changer

The pivotal moment came when observing multiple portable sanitation businesses with Austin that had flourished absent a dedicated sales or marketing strategy.

We realized our potential to outshine by simply embracing a strong marketing ethos.

We have since employed a sales professional full-time and successfully wooed the Charlotte marathon with an offer, pointing out how none of our rivals had approached them.

Utilizing tools like ChatGPT, I compile lists of key outdoor events and initiate contact. Our participation in local conventions with eye-catching shirts has set us apart—this stems from lessons learned at Procter & Gamble about creating unforgettable sales pitches.

No Escape from Responsibilities

Weekends are no sanctuary as calls seeking our services directly ping my cellphone.

Recently, an hour's drive was required when a provider failed to show, forcing me to deliver facilities personally.

Many Saturdays remain unplanned until the afternoon due to a high chance of emergency services being required.

Freedom of Being Your Own Boss

The ultimate pursuit was to find pleasure in my daily routine, distinctly different from selling detergent.

Operating in the portable toilet sector means creating something tangible, with the autonomy to shape how things are done.

I also pride myself on making genuine impacts; giving employees, like a driver with a past DWI, a renewed opportunity.

Unlike my former job, where endless meetings stole time, I now focus on meaningful work and enhance what I believe in.

Normalcy Redefined

Work consumes the majority of my attention, leaving little room for leisure activities or even regular meals.

The initial months saw me gain weight due to neglecting dietary choices, often depending on whatever food was readily available.

These days, I'm more conscious of nutrition, planning meals, and squeezing in workout sessions whenever possible.

Effort Equals Outcome

The company's achievements directly mirror my exertion. In this business, effort tangibly translates into results.

This clarity stands in contrast to corporate life, where promotions often hinged on factors beyond one’s control.

The Asheville hurricane incident exemplified the stakes—we expanded our service offering in response to unexpected demand, turning a crisis into an opportunity.

Contemplating Future Moves

Multiple acquisition offers are on the table, sparking an internal debate about the company’s future.

While some investors propose strategies that would disrupt my team, the essence of why I started the business might be compromised.

At its heart, the venture was about living for the moment, building something substantial, and making impactful decisions.