Welcome to Spotlight on Women-Owned Portable Sanitation Businesses, a new series celebrating the women transforming an essential, yet often overlooked, industry. These trailblazing entrepreneurs are redefining what portable sanitation means—introducing sustainable practices, elevating service standards, and bringing a fresh, community-focused perspective to the field.

What to Expect in This Series

In each installment, we’ll share the real stories behind these businesses: how they began, the challenges they’ve faced, and the impact they’re making. These women are not only improving hygiene and convenience—they’re breaking down barriers and reimagining the future of sanitation services.

Origins and Motivations

Behind every successful portable sanitation company lies a story of grit, innovation, and a deep understanding of community needs. In this first installment, we dive into the origins and motivations that inspired women to launch their own ventures in this male-dominated industry.

From Personal Experience to Opportunity

For many women entrepreneurs, the decision to enter the portable sanitation field stemmed from firsthand experience—whether in construction, event planning, logistics, or simply from encountering poor sanitation conditions themselves. Some saw a clear market gap; others were driven by a desire to raise the bar for cleanliness, safety, and dignity.

Take Kerri Scott, founder of Trucker Jons in Ohio, whose journey began on the road:

“As a professional truck driver, I made a delivery at a construction site and urgently needed a restroom. The only option was a filthy portable toilet—so bad that I nearly had an accident. I held my breath, went in, and thought, ‘Why is this acceptable? Who’s responsible for this?’
I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I started researching and writing at every stop. By the time I got home from my shift, I had outlined my business plan. I knew I could do better—and I was determined to make it happen.”

Overcoming Barriers

While passion was the spark, the path forward was far from easy. Many women faced gender bias and skepticism in a field historically dominated by men. Some suppliers, contractors, or clients were slow to take them seriously, and others questioned their ability to handle the physical and logistical demands of the job.

Here is what Darla, owner of Princess Portables in Florida, had to say on the matter:

Shaping the Industry

There were also practical hurdles: securing equipment, finding industry mentors, and balancing demanding work hours with family responsibilities. For those launching with limited resources, every contract felt like a hard-earned victory—each challenge became an opportunity to grow, adapt, and lead with intention.

Over time, these early struggles became strengths. Women introduced new approaches to cleanliness, aesthetics, and customer care. Their presence not only challenged industry norms but also reshaped its public image—from rough and impersonal to professional, inclusive, and service-driven.

What’s Next

In the next installment of our series, we’ll explore how these women run their day-to-day operations, the certifications and resources that have supported their success, and how they continue to differentiate their services in a competitive and evolving market.