Breaking Barriers in Portable Sanitation
In this installment of our Spotlight on Women-Owned Portable Sanitation Businesses series, we explore the operational backbone of these trailblazing women. While portable sanitation may not always make headlines, the daily logistics, decisions, and innovations behind the scenes are nothing short of impressive—especially when led by women breaking ground in a male-dominated industry.
Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Portable Sanitation Operations
Women entrepreneurs in this field are not only meeting the basic expectations of the job—they’re redefining how sanitation businesses can operate with precision, care, and impact. These business owners wear multiple hats each day. They’re simultaneously dispatch coordinators, compliance officers, client relationship managers, and fleet supervisors. Their ability to juggle these responsibilities while maintaining high service standards speaks to their adaptability and business acumen.
Standing Out in Competitive Sanitation Markets
Bidding can be challenging at times, and being a women can add more to that challenge. Differentiating yourself and your business from your competitors, can be just the boost you need.
Kerri Scott with Truck Jons writes: “ I approach my bidding processing by first outlining my value FIRST! I outline my scope of work, and I SPELL OUT the value one will receive when renting a Portable Washroom from me. I differentiate myself by providing Excellence in Service! That means, being extremely communicative to my customers. That is answering the phone, providing the quotes to you in an email. We do not just “Price” on the phone. If you want just a price, call JIM BOB down the road. I ask for their email, and I forward you a proper proposal and spell out the value you will receive when renting one of our Deluxe Portable Restrooms. Customers have told me they went with me because I answered the phone! They love my professionalism on how I approach their phone call, their proposal and How I make it such a seamless process!”
Behind the Scenes: Running a Sanitation Business
Running a portable sanitation company involves a web of interconnected tasks: selecting the right mix of portable toilets, restroom trailers, and handwashing units; maintaining a well-serviced fleet; coordinating service routes; managing emergency calls; ensuring environmental compliance; and keeping up with state and federal regulations. Women in this space are excelling by turning these operational demands into opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
Kayce Peters of Buenos Baños Portables
Through dedication to quality service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, these women are pushing the boundaries of what portable sanitation businesses can achieve. They’re not simply participating in the industry—they’re setting new benchmarks for reliability, sustainability, and professionalism.
Why Certifications Like WBE & MBE Matter
Some helpful tools to obtain in this industry are certifications. Kerri Scott is working on her WBE (Woman Owned Business Enterprise) AND MBE (Minority Business Enterprises). For example, A WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) certificate signifies that a business is majority-owned and controlled by one or more women. This certification, often granted by organizations like WBENC or NWBOC, is a valuable asset for businesses seeking to participate in supplier diversity programs with corporations and government agencies.
Industry Events That Drive Success
Other tools and resources may be a local convention, Kerri writes:
“Definitely go to the Conventions, like this one! Go to PSAI….Go to WWET Show in February! I have gone to all three and I have to say, I have gained so much knowledge and built so many relationships that I will continually benefit for many years to come! It is also helpful to find a great mentor who is willing to assist you in your area!”
Peaches Searles, American Rooter & Septic Tank
https://psai.org/psai-annual-convention-and-trade-show/
https://www.wwettshow.com/en/about-us/show-info.html
Looking Ahead: Marketing & Brand Building for Women-Owned Sanitation Companies
In our next feature, we’ll highlight how these women market their services, build strong brand identities, and earn customer trust in a highly competitive landscape. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the women leading change in portable sanitation.