Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1385567
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JUNE 23, 2021 Page 11 Continued on page 12 Fathers and Sons of the PSAI…continued from page 10 George moved the family to California to expand his career. Once in California, George became the sales representative for a deodorizer company that, among other products, sold deodorizer for portable restrooms. As was George's nature, he was energetic and a true "people person." George loved his job and loved his customers therefore it was only a matter of time before his sales numbers exploded. The company, mistakenly, cut George's territory in half after he had worked so diligently to expand his customer base. At this point George decided that he should do this on his own. Rice Chemical began in the mid-1970s and specialized in blue formaldehyde deodorizer for portable restrooms, recreational vehicles, and related markets. Located in Los Angeles, Rice Chemical served the Southern California area. But George had another interest in moving to California: Acting! He was gregarious, fun-loving, and yet diligent in any work that was assigned. Although he rarely, if ever, shared this with those of us who knew him, George had an impressive movie and acting career for someone who did this for a hobby. Among his credits using his stage name of "Warren Rice" (his middle name and last name) were roles in: • Arachnophobia—1990 • Dutch—1991 • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York—1992 • Baby's Day Out—1994 • From 1984 to 1989, "Warren" also appeared in several episodes of Michael Landon's Highway to Heaven Back in the business world, George gained an interest in portable restrooms and a company in North Hollywood offered to sell to him. When the arrangements could not be agreed upon, George closed Rice Chemical and opened his own portable restroom company with $5,000 of borrowed money. A-Throne Company of Long Beach, California was founded by George Rice in 1980. Mike Rice went to work with the smaller North Hollywood portable restroom company in hopes that a sales agreement could eventually be completed. When this did not materialize, Mike joined his dad at A-Throne on a semi-permanent basis. From 1991–1996, Mike Rice owned a restaurant in the area. He also had time to devote to his other passions of music and art. In 1996, Mike joined George on a full-time basis at A-Throne as the business continued to grow. Shortly thereafter Mike was introduced to the PSAI by a former deodorizer customer named Barry Gump. Mike states, "The PSAI was a wonderful organization where we learned a lot while meeting a great group of people who quickly became good friends." Early on, besides Barry Gump, Mike became well acquainted with Clyde Sansom and Lee Sola. As a new PSAI member, Mike was definitely in good hands with this group of distinguished gentlemen! Mike soon joined the PSAI Board and then served as President in 2003–04. He was always open and available to share his industry experience with others, especially new members. In 2004, Mike purchased A-Throne from his father and George "went into retirement." George played Dick Manley in Arachnophobia. George and Mike Rice