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The harsh aroma of a used port-a-potty is worse than unpleasant.
Jamie Conner is here to change that.
Conner, who previously worked for Tampa-based staffing and recruiting giant KForce, founded Waterloo Washrooms in June with one goal: to provide the Tampa area with the most luxurious mobile restrooms on the market.
The idea came to Conner at his brother's wedding in February. The reception featured luxury mobile restrooms, but they were rented from a business more than 100 miles away. “I did some digging and found that there were a number of companies around the state that service Tampa, but there weren't any out of Tampa,” Conner tells Coffee Talk.
Now being the only Tampa-based luxury restroom provider largely plays into Conner's vision for the company, which donates 10% of its revenues to local charities. Small parties and weddings will make up a key portion of Waterloo's business, he says, but the restrooms vary in size and are suitable for any outdoor event. Festivals with VIP areas are also viable options.
Of course, overcoming the stigma of your everyday port-a-john isn't such an easy task. Conner describes it as a tough industry to really “wow” people.
Features like air conditioning, wood floors and stainless steel sinks could be a good start. Costs to rent a Waterloo restroom vary, depending on the size and duration of the event. The range is from $750 to $3,000 for a weekend event, Conner says.
Conner also plans to go further than merely offer a high quality product. “Even though all I'm providing at the end of the day are restrooms, I think the 'wow' factor is that I'm spending the time to actually build relationships with every customer,” he says.
Waterloo currently has four mobile restroom trailers, which cost Conner $25,000 to $60,000 each. He plans to double his inventory in the spring, if demand is there. In the meantime, Conner focuses on marketing in and around Tampa, where is ultimate goal is simple: to “make a splash in this industry.”
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