Get Flushed

Pete talks with Damon Powell from FMC Advisors.Damon specialises in helping sanitation company owners to sell their businesses. When he first appeared on Get Flushed in Episode 81 in June 202, Damon spoke about the process that sanitation business owners can expect to go through when they decide to sell their company. In this episode, Damon and Pete discuss:the popularity of the sanitation industry in the United Sates over the past few yearsthe type of buyers in the sanitation market and the financial structures seen in recent business salesthe features of sanitation companies that achieve the best saleswhy some sanitation businesses don't sellLearn more about Damon by visiting www.fmcadvisors.comListen to Damon's previous appearance on Get Flushed at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/fmcadvisorsThe Exit Strategy Playbook by Adam Coffey Takeaways:The sanitation industry has seen a surge in interest from investors, particularly post-COVID, highlighting the crucial role it plays in public health and safety. Damon emphasizes the importance of understanding buyer motivations and market trends to maximize the sale value of sanitation businesses. Building a strong management team and maintaining high-quality assets are critical factors that can significantly increase a sanitation company's market value during a sale. Business owners should prepare at least 12 months in advance for a sale, ensuring their financials are in order and their operations are streamlined for potential buyers.

Pete talks with Erin and Grant Stahla, owners of Stahla Services, a luxury restroom rental enterprise based in Omaha, Nebraska. This conversation covers the growth of their business, which Grant launched by Grant 11 years ago, before exploring the contributions made by Erin since her full-time involvement. The couple describe their shared vision, the intertwining of their personal and professional lives, and the strategic direction they envision for the company's future. They discuss their recent ventures, Stahla Leads and Stahla Logistics, which aim to enhance their operational capacity and foster collaboration within the sanitation industry.The couple also discuss their aspirations and the approaches they are using to navigate the complexities of their business landscape.Takeaways: This podcast episode provides insight into the evolution of Stahla Services, a sanitation business founded by Grant Stahla, highlighting its growth trajectory over eleven years. Erin and Grant Stahla discuss the importance of aligning personal values with business operations, emphasizing faith and marriage as core components of their enterprise. The couple illustrates the challenges and successes of managing a business together, particularly the necessity of clear communication and complementary skill sets. Listeners learn about the innovative approaches Stahla Services is taking, including the launch of Stahla Leads and Staler Logistics to enhance efficiency and collaboration within the sanitation industry. The conversation sheds light on the significance of hiring the right personnel and developing a robust team culture, crucial for sustaining long-term business success. Erin and Grant express their aspirations for the future, focusing on intentional planning and the importance of understanding their purpose as business owners. Links referenced in this episode:stahla.com

Pete talks with Caleb Ingran, CEO of Iron-Vac, a leading manufacturer and supplier of vacuum tanks and trucks.Enter the Iron-Vac truck giveaway at https://www.septictrucks.com/giveawayCaleb reflects on the struggles he faced during his early days in the septic business, including the purchase of a truck that was wrecked before delivery. Rather than deterring him, this setback instilled a fierce resolve to succeed, leading to the establishment of a company that has grown significantly in just seven years. Caleb's narrative speaks to the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, illustrating how challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.Throughout the episode, Caleb discusses the operational aspects of IronVac, emphasizing the hands-on nature of the business and the pride he takes in the quality of his products. He elaborates on the manufacturing process and explains how IronVac sources materials and builds trucks tailored to the specific needs of clients. This commitment to excellence is matched by his dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. Caleb's leadership style is characterized by mentorship and support, as he values the contributions of each team member and recognizes the collective effort required to achieve success.A particularly noteworthy segment of the episode is Caleb's announcement of a vacuum truck giveaway aimed at helping those who are struggling in the sanitation industry. This initiative reflects his understanding of the challenges faced by operators and his desire to give back to the community. The episode leaves listeners with a powerful message about the impact of hard work, the value of building strong relationships, and the significance of giving back to those in need, reinforcing the idea that success is not just about personal gain but also about uplifting others along the way.Takeaways: Caleb Ingram transitioned from hospital management to septic pumping, finding fulfillment in a tough industry. IronVac's growth demonstrates the power of hard work and seizing market opportunities effectively. The company's commitment to employee growth reflects Caleb's values and leadership style in business. Caleb's journey illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship. The vacuum truck giveaway initiative showcases IronVac's dedication to supporting the sanitation community. Social media has played a crucial role in IronVac's marketing strategy, attracting younger customers. Hear Episode 81 with Damon Powell, FMC Advisors at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/fmcadvisorsIf 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.

Pete is back with two requests for help.The first is to register your vote for Get Flushed in the Listener's Choice category at the New Zealand Podcast Awards. Visit www.nzpodcastawards.com/nominate to vote today.The second is to complete the 2024 Portable Sanitation Industry Benchmark Survey hosted by my friends at ServiceCore. This annual survey has become a regular fixture in the sanitation calendar and informs the annual Benchmark Report. That in turn helps operators to identify the challenges, trends and opportunities facing the industry in the year ahead. Visit www.servicecore.com and open the pop up to complete the survey. Alternatively, click HERE

Pete talks with Max Coon, founder and CEO of Toico Industries about Sanitation Manager or SanMan, the new software solution for portable restroom operators.Max takes listeners on a compelling journey through his 32 years in the portable sanitation industry. Reflecting on his beginnings working for his father-in-law's rental business, Max recounts the challenges he faced in sourcing products tailored to the sanitation sector. This struggle was the catalyst for Toico's creation in 1997, with a mission to offer specialized solutions for portable restroom operators. Through perseverance and an unwavering focus on customer needs, Toico has evolved into a leading provider in the industry with locations in both Utah and Georgia.The episode explores the innovative aspects of Toico's operations, particularly the launch of SanMan, a comprehensive software solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of portable restroom management. Max discusses how SanMan was developed organically from real-world needs, emphasizing its practical design and user-friendly interface. Key features such as automated routing, real-time tracking, and integrated billing systems are highlighted as transformative tools for operators looking to streamline their workflows and improve service delivery. Max also addresses concerns about the software's adaptability, assuring potential users that SanMan is designed to accommodate existing operational practices without forcing significant changes.In a discussion about the onboarding experience for new users, Max stresses the importance of personalized support to ensure a smooth transition. With no upfront installation fees and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Toico positions SanMan as an accessible solution for operators of all sizes. The episode concludes with an exciting offer for listeners, reinforcing Toico's dedication to empowering sanitation professionals and enhancing industry standards through innovative solutions.Takeaways: Max Coon's journey in the toy industry began in 1992, with significant operational experience. Toico Industries was established in 1997 to provide tailored solutions for the portable sanitation sector. SanMan software was developed organically to meet the specific needs of sanitation operators. SanMan allows operators to customize their processes without a complete overhaul of their operations. The onboarding process for SanMan is personalized, ensuring users are comfortable before full adoption. Toico offers a generous in-store credit for listeners who sign up for SanMan software and refer to the Get Flushed Podcast. Visit www.toico.com/sanman to learn more about Sanitation managerVisit www.toico.com to learn more about ToicoVisit https://www.getflushed.online/episode/software to hear Pete's first episode about software