At Home in Berks October 2017 - 23

What's the difference between an outhouse and
a portable toilet?

for the HBA's Restoring Hope Foundation. "I honestly believe
that the relationships I've made through this organization are
what have made our business what it is today."

There is a big difference, Dennis explained. Outhouses, which
have been used for centuries, are simply semi-permanent structures placed over a deep pit. Portable toilets are self-contained
units in which human waste is stored temporarily and then
removed.

With D&S also a member of the Lehigh County Chamber of
Commerce, Dennis believes that membership within an organization is a two-way street.

How is the waste removed from the unit?
Dennis explained that waste is vacuumed out of the portable
toilet into a tanker truck. The contents of the truck are then
delivered to a municipal wastewater treatment plant, where they
are added to the rest of the sewage sludge.

"You can't just pay your membership dues and expect somebody
else to do the work that needs to be done," he said. "You need
to show up and get involved and serve on a board or two and
take some responsibility. And, if you do that, you'll find that you
benefit tremendously."
His business, Dennis said, has benefited from fellow HBA members who use and recommend his services, provide advice when
needed and simply are there to support him.

How have portable toilets improved over the
past decade or so?

"The sharing between the businesses and individuals has been
amazing," he said.

Portable toilets now come with features that would not have
been available 10 years ago, Dennis explained. While your basic
unit includes a toilet, urinal and toilet paper dispenser, D&S
also offers a three-restroom luxury trailer, complete with hot
and cold running water, heat, air conditioning, Bluetooth radio,
granite countertops and hardwood floors.

Dennis also is a firm believer in continuing education, and continues to work toward additional certifications and ratings.
"Sara and I are committed to building our business, and we understand that it's important to keep up," he said. "We've worked
hard, but we're grateful to the HBA and the people who have
helped us."

A luxury trailer can accommodate up to 350 people, making it
ideal for a large wedding, reunion or other event. And, explained Dennis, with heating and air conditioning and features including aluminum framing, composite sub-layers and
seamless outer layers, the trailers are usable and comfortable
year-round.

What is the typical rental length for a portable
toilet?
Someone who wants a portable toilet for a one-time event
typically rents it for a weekend, Dennis explained. Other rental
agreements are available for situations in which a unit is needed
for a longer time, such as at a construction site.

You're an active member of the Home Builders
Association of Berks County. Why is that important to you?
Dennis strongly believes in the power of personal connections,
and believes that the Home Builders Association of Berks
County has provided his business with opportunities to form
and develop relationships he would not otherwise have.
"I've gotten to know so many great people through the HBA,"
said Dennis, who serves as a member of the board of directors
October 2017 AT HOME IN BERKs

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