Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1394762
6 I PSAI Association Insight, July 21, 2021 The Revolution and Evolution of Restroom Trailers (continued from page 5) with the goal of raising the bar in the industry." In addition to the decontamination line, ACSI soon began producing trailers for other lines of business including restroom trailers for special events, military use, and emergency operations. As the company evolved ACSI developed the strategy of producing their trailers in-house as well as customizing trailers to meet their customers' unique requirements. "The phrase 'whatever you like' was always our response to our customers," Phil states. • NuConcepts. Another industry pioneer, Barry Gump of the Andy Gump Company, contributed to the growth of the portable restroom trailer market by developing units that were flushable with porcelain toilets, stainless steel sinks, and lights. These units could either stand alone or be mounted on trailers. According to daughter Nancy Gump, "I remember the exact date that Dad coined the term "VIP" regarding our industry. On September 26, 1989 (my dad's birthday), he said that this unit is a 'VIP' – a very impressive portable." How many times have all of us in this industry used the term "VIP" and had no idea as to its origin? Barry Gump purchased the NuConcepts company in 1995 and incorporated his VIP units into the product line of the firm. With luxury units that could be placed on the ground or mounted on trailers, NuConcepts helped to "bridge the gap" between stand-alone portable restrooms and the emerging appetite for restroom trailers. "When the new millennium got underway, demand for restroom trailers was growing as restroom trailers became popular at special events." The Restroom Trailer Industry in the Early 2000s When the new millennium got underway, demand for restroom trailers was growing as restroom trailers became popular at special events. Trailers of various sizes were also being produced. While a small 2-unit trailer might work well at weddings, larger 8-unit trailers would accommodate larger gatherings at outdoor venues. Trailers soon became a common site at concerts, golf tournaments, and host of other events. In 2004, Ron and Gladys Bird retired from Ameri-Can after 24 years of leadership, and Gladys' son David Harling became the owner. Ron and Gladys were awarded the 2005 Andy Gump Award for their numerous contributions to the PSAI and to the industry. In 2019, David Harling turned control of the company over to the third generation of family owners, Keegan and Elizabeth Campbell. The portable restroom trailer industry got a boost in the early 2000s from an unfortunate source. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina became one of the worst Atlantic hurricanes in history causing over $125 billion in damages to New Orleans and the US Gulf Coast region. Restroom trailers and shower trailers were invaluable to the victims, the first responders, and then to the rebuilding efforts in that hard-hit area. As Phil Dunn with ACSI concluded, "The emergency preparedness industry made itself known after Katrina. The 9-11 [terrorist attacks first] opened up this market segment and Katrina heightened that awareness." Why Did Olympic Fiberglass Change Its Name? Nancy Gump was able to explain the name change from "Olympic Fiberglass" to "Olympia Fiberglass" that occurred during this period. Nancy says, "[Olympic] trailers were going to be provided for use at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah and the International Olympic Committee forced the name change by promising legal action." Now you know! (continued on page 7)