But Mark Colquhoun, owner of Sarnia Sanitation, says he's happy to hear the jokes and expects to have the last laugh.
After 30 years in the automotive field, Colquhoun, 53, started seriously looking for a new challenge last year.
"I wanted something simpler, something where I wasn't always
having to diagnose the problem and listen to all the bad news when
people brought in their vehicles to be fixed. I needed a change," he
said.
"Besides, I like the idea of "You dump, we pump," Colquhoun laughed.
He surveyed the local market and realized only one company was in the port-a-john business already.
"I didn't see a lot of competition and decided to get into it, starting small."
Last spring, he purchased five port-a-johns and almost immediately rented them out. Now he has 24.
Soon after, he invested in a large washroom trailer that
accommodates both men and women and is appealing for outdoor weddings
and special events.
"It's a high-end facility with hot and cold running water and
flushing toilets. I bought it because I wanted to offer more services.
It's been a big hit."
The first year has gone better than expected, Colquhoun said.
"I have some local construction companies and special events like Art
Walk to thank for that."
Recently,
he purchased a 3,000 gallon pumper truck that empties septic tanks and
sewage holding tanks. Marinas, homes on septic systems and trailer park
dumping stations require that kind of pumping capacity and Sarnia
Sanitation now offers it.
"It's a good addition to the business," Colquhoun said. "I
intend to slowly keep expanding. The first year has involved
substantial investment but I'm getting payback on it already."
Apart from the growing number of services offered by Sarnia
Sanitation, he lists customer service and an eye to cleanliness and
detail as his biggest assets.
"Keeping the customer happy is a priority for me and my
employees," Colquhoun said. "If my customers are happy, then I'm happy.
"And that's what it's all about."
To contact Sarnia Sanitation, call 519-344-7714.