When was the last time you attended a festival, a wedding, or a sporting event and thought about the restroom experience? For most of us, portable restrooms are an unpleasant necessity—a part of the event we endure rather than enjoy. But for David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms, that experience represented an opportunity to innovate.
In a recent episode of the Health & Wealth Power Hour podcast, hosted by Harlon Pickett, Sauers shared his entrepreneurial journey, filled with innovation, challenges, and lessons on building a thriving business from the ground up. His story is one of turning everyday problems into remarkable solutions, creating not just products but experiences.
Transforming the Portable Restroom Experience
The idea for Royal Restrooms was born out of frustration. Sauers recalled a personal experience of taking his young daughter to a standard portable toilet during potty training. The discomfort and inconvenience of that moment sparked a question: Why do we accept this as the standard?
“We’re in the 21st century,” Sauers said. “Why are we still going to the bathroom like the Romans?”
Sauers and his business partner, Robert, envisioned something radically different: luxurious, climate-controlled mobile restrooms that would elevate the user experience. Starting with weddings and community events, they quickly proved there was demand for their innovative approach. From there, Royal Restrooms expanded to festivals, corporate events, and disaster relief scenarios.
The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Like many entrepreneurs, Sauers faced initial skepticism. Family, friends, and colleagues questioned his decision to leave a stable career in commercial banking to venture into the portable restroom business.
“Everyone had an opinion,” Sauers shared. “They’d say, ‘You’re a banker. Why are you going into the porta-potty business?’”
Despite the naysayers, Sauers and Robert persisted, fueled by their belief in the concept and the support of their wives. Their first major hurdle came not from customers but from regulatory challenges. As their business grew and expanded nationally, they were forced to transition from a licensing model to a formal franchise system—a costly and complex process that tested their resilience.
Innovating Beyond Restrooms
The success of Royal Restrooms opened doors to new ventures. Sauers has since launched several niche businesses that complement the event services market, including portable high-definition TVs, bar carts, and off-road campers.
One particularly unique venture, Kruger Bush Campers, was inspired by a safari trip in Africa. Unlike traditional RVs designed for paved roads and campgrounds, these off-road campers are built for rugged adventures, equipped with solar panels and durable marine-grade construction.
“It’s about creating a lifestyle,” Sauers explained. “These campers let you explore nature without sacrificing comfort.”
Community and Giving Back
At the heart of Sauers’ entrepreneurial philosophy is a commitment to community. From the early days, Royal Restrooms has donated services to nonprofits and community events, building goodwill while demonstrating the value of their product. This community-first approach has been instrumental in their growth and success.
“When you support the community, the community supports you back,” Sauers said.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sauers’ journey offers valuable takeaways for anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations:
- Identify Real Problems: The best ideas often come from everyday frustrations. Sauers turned a negative experience with portable restrooms into a groundbreaking business.
- Leverage Your Network: Collaborating with his partner and leaning on the support of their families were critical to overcoming challenges.
- Stay Resilient: From regulatory hurdles to market skepticism, Sauers learned to view setbacks as lessons, not failures.
- Think Long-Term: Whether building a franchise model or innovating with new products, Sauers emphasizes the importance of planning for the future.
The Future of Royal Restrooms
With over 50 franchise locations across the United States and a reputation for excellence, Royal Restrooms continues to set the standard in portable sanitation. Sauers’ vision has expanded beyond restrooms to include solutions for events, adventure seekers, and businesses in need of temporary facilities.
His story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others—even in the most unexpected ways.
To learn more about Royal Restrooms or explore franchise opportunities, visit royalrestrooms.com.
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