For many, the mention of a porta potty conjures up images of cramped spaces and unpleasant odors. However, for Daniel Tom, a 31-year-old entrepreneur based in the Bay Area, California, the portable toilet business is anything but a source of disgust. Instead, it represents a thriving enterprise, providing a much-needed service while generating significant revenue. In fact, Tom’s porta potty company is projected to make over $4 million in 2025. As he proudly states, “More poop, more money.”
Tom’s story reflects a unique intersection of grit, innovation, and an appreciation for what many consider a menial task. Most people’s curiosity piques when they hear about his business until they learn about its lucrative potential. Known for its proximity to major tech companies such as Google, Apple, and Nvidia, Tom’s business thrives in a fiercely competitive environment that weaves together the demands of construction and event management.
Tom emphasizes the unexpectedly vibrant market for portable toilets, particularly in construction sites where the bulk of his revenue is generated. Many are quick to associate porta potties with large public events or festivals, yet Tom asserts that his business deeply intertwines with construction contracts. For every construction project, the need for basic sanitation facilities is a fundamental requirement, a fact that Tom has exploited to expand his operations significantly over the last three years.
Starting with just one truck and 100 toilets, Tom has scaled to an impressive fleet of 12 pump trucks and nearly 2,000 portable toilets, each generating consistent weekly income. “On a job site like this, we typically have about eight toilets, each cleaned twice a week, bringing in about $60 per week. Over two and a half years, one toilet can net about $7,800,” he explains. This model of steady, rental income illustrates the scalability potential of the porta potty business, a concept often overlooked by outsiders.
One of the most critical components of Tom’s business is the logistics involved. Managing a fleet of vehicles, ensuring timely maintenance, and navigating waste disposal are just some of the daily hurdles. The pumping process, for instance, requires not only technical expertise but also an iron stomach. “Cleaning porta potties is not for the faint of heart,” Tom admits, sharing an amusing yet cautionary tale about a rookie mistake that left him in quite an unpleasant situation. “The biggest mistake you can make is not checking whether your truck is set to vacuum or blow; I’ve learned that the hard way.”
This hands-on approach to problem-solving is indicative of Tom’s commitment to running a successful enterprise. At present, his primary operational cost is labor, accounting for around 30% of his gross income, a necessary investment given the labor-intensive nature of the work. With 19 employees, including drivers and yard staff, he has created jobs that provide stability for those willing to roll up their sleeves. Though he draws a modest salary of roughly $120,000 annually, Tom’s focus remains on reinvesting profits back into the business, acquiring new trucks, and expanding the number of portable toilets available for rental.
“My vision is to grow to 5,000 portable toilets on rent, aiming for $10 million in revenue,” he proudly proclaims. Given the abundance of construction projects in the Bay Area, along with various events requiring sanitation facilities, this ambitious goal appears well within reach. The frantic pace of growth reflects the increasing awareness of essential hygiene services, particularly in areas lacking necessary plumbing infrastructures, which opens up further opportunities. Tom recalls a particular instance where he placed a porta potty at a business operating out of a yard with no running water, highlighting its critical role in various operational setups.
As he gears up for another day, Tom’s morning routine involves a trip to the wastewater treatment plant to dump the waste collected from the previous day. “For a truck this size, it takes about 10 minutes to empty completely. It’s a very hands-on business; every day poses new challenges,” he reflects. Transferring waste, which can be a distasteful task for many, has become second nature for Tom. Despite the potential for discomfort, Tom often emphasizes the service aspect of his operation. “We provide a service that everybody needs. I take pride in what I do.”
Interestingly, Tom’s journey to becoming a porta potty mogul was not a predetermined career path. Initially pursuing a degree to become a physical education teacher, he diverted midway through his college journey after accepting a part-time customer service position at another portable toilet company. What began as a temporary job has turned into a decade-long commitment, culminating in his ownership of a successful enterprise.
Plans for future growth include acquiring a new property designed to accommodate increased operational capabilities—complete with warehouse and yard space for expansion. “We just signed a lease on a brand-new property with enough room for almost twice as many trucks as we have now,” he details confidently, reflecting his belief in his business’s future. The allure of scalable opportunities is palpable, and Tom’s proactive approach to growth and customer service suggests that his ambitions will become reality.
In a world often quick to overlook the essential nature of sanitation, Daniel Tom’s portable toilet company serves as a reminder that every aspect of business—no matter how seemingly menial—has the potential to thrive with the right approach. His story challenges preconceived notions about entrepreneurship, all while delivering a much-needed public service, truly embodying the adage that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
