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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
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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 manager
Visit www.toico.com to learn more about Toico
Visit https://www.getflushed.online/episode/software to hear Pete's first episode about software
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this week's episode, Pete talks about Artificial Intelligence with Vladislav Ostremski, head of Research and Development at Air-Vote.
Air-Vote's innovative solution allows restroom users to provide real-time feedback through a simple QR code system. This approach has fundamentally changed how feedback is collected, enabling operators to respond swiftly to issues and enhance the overall cleanliness and patron satisfaction in their facilities.
Vlad shares news of exciting developments at Air-Vote, AI Assist, which analyzes user comments and images submitted through the platform. By employing AI to filter out irrelevant feedback and focus on critical issues, Air-Vote is streamlining the communication process between restroom users and operators. The technology improves the quality of data collected and allows operators to prioritise their responses effectively. The conversation dives into the implications of such technology for the sanitation industry, illustrating how AI can lead to better operational efficiency and improved user experience.
Vlad shares his views on the potential future applications of AI in restroom management, hinting at a world where operators may utilise advanced analytics to optimise service schedules and routes. He envisions a scenario where AI could analyse data from restrooms to calculate usage and predict when a service is needed, rather than relying on fixed schedules. This proactive approach could revolutionize how restroom services are managed, providing a win-win situation for operators and users alike.
The episode concludes with an invitation for restroom operators to share their thoughts with Air-Vote, underscoring the importance of community feedback in driving innovation.
Takeaways:
Air-Vote has developed a system that utilizes QR codes for effortless user feedback without needing an app. AI is being used to analyze comments and images submitted by Air-Vote users to improve service efficiency. The future of restroom operations includes AI-driven insights for optimizing service schedules and routes. Portable restroom operators can benefit from AI by receiving critical alerts while filtering out unnecessary feedback. The development of a mobile application for Air-Vote aims to enhance service logging and operational efficiency.If you have a suggestion for AI powered reporting, please email Vlad at [email protected]
Find out more about Air-Vote at www.air-vote.com
Listen to Episode 35 with Angelique from Air-Vote at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/air-vote
Listen to Episode 62 with Roy Baring at Tex-San Site Services at https://www.getflushed.online/episode/texsan2
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Crafting a winning bid for a tender can be a daunting process, especially in the restroom service industry where competition is fierce.
In this episode, Pete shares valuable insights, explains key terminology and describes a typical tendering process. Pete highlights the importance of clear, concise communication and the necessity of proofreading submissions to ensure professionalism and accuracy.
Whether you're a seasoned operator or new to the field, this episode offers practical advice to enhance your bidding success. Pete describe the typical structure of a tender bid and the key information suppliers need to complete a tender bid.
Each section serves a distinct purpose, from showcasing a company’s qualifications to detailing the proposed methodologies for fulfilling contract requirements. Pete emphasizes the importance of tailoring each bid to the project while also leveraging past submissions for efficiency.
Takeaways:
Tender submissions require detailed and structured information, which can be reused from previous bids. The executive summary should be concise, highlighting why your company is the best fit. Understanding the scope of work is crucial; avoid simply copying tender specifications. Health and safety considerations must demonstrate your team's approach to risk management. Pricing should cover both direct and indirect costs to ensure sustainable profit margins. Sustainability is important and can include more than recycling or how to manage waste.If 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.
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.
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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 DellIf 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.
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.
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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 2024Episode 118 released 7 January 2024Episode 110 released 24 December 2023Episode 91 released 5 December 2023Episode 119 released 28 January 2024Four 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
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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 [email protected] to discuss how Eco-Fab could meet your needs.
Other companies mentioned in this episode:
Sanitrax Prestige Loos Ecofab Massport PSAI Virgin MobileIf 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.
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.
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Death Without debt is a new podcast from the Get Flushed studio.
In 2023, the average cost of a basic funeral or cremation in New Zealand was between $8,000 and $15,000. That same year, 64% of funerals and cremations in New Zealand were not pre-planned.
Those high costs and lack of planning often leaves bereaved families with a huge bill that compounds the grief of those left behind.
Death Without Debt is a social movement dedicated to: exposing the reasons why funeral costs are so high; and changing the law to make funerals and cremations more affordable for all New Zealanders.
In this episode, host Pete is joined by Fergus Wheeler from the Death Without Debt campaign. Fergus describes the New Zealand funeral industry, shares how organising funerals for his parents led him to believe that something is seriously wrong with the funeral system in New Zealand and explains the issues that prevent families managing the funeral or cremation process themselves.
To learn more about the Death Without Debt campaign, please visit www.deathwithoutdebt.org.nz or look for Death Without Debt on FaceBook.
If you would like to appear on this podcast, please email [email protected]
Alternatively, email [email protected]
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Host Pete introduces Death Without Debt, a new podcast from the Get Flushed studio.
Death Without Debt is dedicated to making funerals and cremations more affordable for all New Zealanders.
To find out more about the Death Without Debt campaign, please visit http://www.deathwithoutdebt.org.nz
Episode 1 of Death Without Debt coming soon.
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Would you like to appear on Get Flushed?
In this short episode, Pete explains the recording process and tells us what Get Flushed could do for you and your business.
If you run or own a portable restroom operation, supply goods or services to the sanitation industry, organise events or work with (or for) an amazing sanitation provider, we'd love to feature you on the show. There's no charge for this, so it won't cost you anything except your time.
If 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.
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.
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Pete returns to address a pressing issue in the portable restroom industry: how to handle competition from operators offering restrooms at unsustainably low prices.
Prompted by a message from an industry veteran facing this challenge, Pete delves into the economic pressures pushing some operators to cut prices and the potential pitfalls of such strategies. He argues that slashing prices may attract customers in the short term but often leads to a decline in service quality, resulting in dissatisfied customers.
Pete emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and advises operators to focus on providing reliable service rather than engaging in a price war. By reinforcing the value of good sanitation and building strong relationships with clients, operators can ensure long-term business success even in challenging economic times.
Takeaways:
In challenging economic times, some restroom operators cut prices to attract more customers, but this can lead to compromised service quality. Operators should avoid engaging in price wars and instead focus on maintaining high service standards to retain customers. Lowball pricing strategies may attract customers initially, but often result in poor service and eventual loss of business. It's essential for restroom providers to accurately calculate their costs to ensure sustainable pricing models. Portable restroom operators provide essential services and should not undervalue their offerings to subsidize other industries. Maintaining good relationships with customers through personalized service can be more effective than lowering prices.If 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.
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.
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I’m very sorry to tell you all that my good friend, sanitation expert, podcast collaborator, bon viveur and fellow raconteur David Andres passed away suddenly from natural causes at his home in Houston on 7th January 2024. He was 57 years old.
This episode is an abridged version of Dave's account of the sanitation response at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre on 9-11. It was originally published in 2021 on the 20th anniversary of those attacks.
In the episode, Pete reflects on his friendship with Dave, recounting their first conversation and their subsequent collaboration. The episode revisits Dave's experience managing sanitation logistics at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. Dave's detailed account offers insight into the logistical challenges faced in disaster response and highlights the critical role of portable sanitation in supporting emergency workers. His narrative emphasizes the importance of preparedness, collaboration, and the human element in crisis management, showcasing the dedication and resilience of sanitation professionals.
I’d like to send my condolences and thoughts to Dave’s children, Jackson, Madison and Hayley, his wider family and his many many friends and colleagues around the world.
God Bless you Dave, I’ll miss you man.
Takeaways:
The unexpected passing of Dave Andres highlights the impact one individual can have on both personal and professional communities. Dave Andres' energetic and generous spirit made him a unique and beloved figure in the sanitation industry. The story of the sanitation response to 9/11 revealed the critical role played by portable restroom operators in disaster management. Dave Andres was instrumental in deploying 750 portable toilets at Ground Zero, ensuring sanitation needs were met during the recovery efforts. The collaboration between competing sanitation companies during 9/11 demonstrated the importance of unity in times of crisis. Dave's legacy includes lessons on preparation, community support, and the importance of having a deep operational bench. Portable sanitation professionals are often unsung heroes, providing essential services that restore dignity and privacy during disasters.Companies mentioned in this episode:
Mister John Johnny on the Spot Tully Construction United Site Services Service Sanitation C&L Sanitation AAA Arnold Honey Bucket Texas Outhouse Andy Gump SatelliteIf 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.
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.
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Pete continues his series about road safety by looking at the steps that drivers, owners and managers should and could take if a company vehicle is involved in a road accident while at work.
The latest installment of Get Flush delves into the critical topic of workplace vehicle accidents, emphasizing the importance of immediate response and safety procedures. Host Pete outlines the alarming statistics surrounding motor vehicle-related fatalities at work, drawing attention to the necessity for companies to have clear protocols in place. With motor vehicle crashes being a leading cause of work-related deaths in the U.S. and significant incidents reported in the UK and New Zealand, it becomes evident that road safety is a paramount concern for employers and employees alike. Pete stresses the need for a culture of transparency and openness among staff when it comes to minor incidents, encouraging drivers to report minor collisions without fear of reprimand. This approach fosters an environment where accountability is embraced, which is essential for effective risk management in the workplace.
The episode also addresses the immediate steps to take following a vehicle incident, including ensuring personal safety, checking for injuries, and contacting emergency services. Pete provides a thorough breakdown of actions that should be followed depending on the severity of the accident, emphasizing the importance of documenting the scene, exchanging information, and being mindful of legal obligations. Listeners are guided on how to handle interactions with law enforcement and insurance companies, highlighting the sensitivity required in these situations. The narrative urges managers and company owners to develop clear communication strategies for their teams, reinforcing that proper training and preparedness can significantly mitigate the aftermath of a vehicle-related incident. Overall, Pete’s insights serve as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with vehicle use in a professional setting, advocating for proactive measures to ensure safety and compliance.
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In the last Get Flushed Short for the year, Pete discusses the future of Get Flushed in 2024.
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Today's question was posed by listener Steff, who asked "Hey Pete, how often should my company hold 'Toolbox' Health & Safety Meetings?"
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Should Restroom Operators join an Industry Association?
Host Pete weighs the pros and cons of this decision, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific benefits that such associations can offer.
He notes that while many organizations, such as the Portable Sanitation Association International and its European counterparts, aim to elevate industry standards and provide valuable resources, the decision to join should be carefully weighed against the costs involved and the relevance of the offered services to one's specific operational context.
Pete articulates a clear preference for innovation-driven environments rather than those strictly governed by regulations, suggesting that engaging with industry peers can foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages growth and improvement. Furthermore, he highlights the communal aspect of these associations, where members often share insights and advice, reinforcing the idea that networking can be as valuable as the formal resources provided.
Ultimately, restroom operators must assess their own needs and the potential of these associations to enhance their business practices before making a commitment.
Takeaways:
Joining an industry association can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities for restroom operators. While industry associations are beneficial, the choice to join should consider costs and relevance to your area. Operators should be wary of low-quality competitors who may undercut standards and regulations. It's important for restroom operators to engage with passionate peers who share their industry insights. Innovative environments are preferable to strictly regulated ones, as they foster better practices. Ultimately, connecting with others in the industry can lead to shared knowledge and support.
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In today's short, Pete asks "Does your portable restroom business need a presence on social media?"
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In today's short, Pete asks whether Portable Restroom Operators are allowed to test their employees for drink or drugs at work
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In today's short, Pete asks "What tools should restroom operators carry on their sanitation trucks?"
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Pete looks at the different formations that restroom operators can use to arrange restrooms at large scale events
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