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A Year in the Life - Meet Gena Boggero (Part Two)
Year in the Life: Part II
By: Carol Brzozowski
This is the second installment in a year-long series titled “Year
in the Life,” featuring an in-depth look at a portable sanitation
operation.
Last month, Sanitation Journal introduced readers to Gena
Boggero, the third-generation owner of Boggero’s Services in
Greenwood, South Carolina.
February includes Valentine’s Day and although business
owners typically don’t get sentimental about their customers –
and vice versa – a business relationship based on mutual
respect, integrity and trust indeed generates warm feelings that
form the basis of a long-lasting relationship.
This month, Sanitation Journal speaks with Gena Boggero’s
customers, asking them why they do business with her
company.
By: Carol Brzozowski
This is the second installment in a year-long series titled “Year
in the Life,” featuring an in-depth look at a portable sanitation
operation.
Last month, Sanitation Journal introduced readers to Gena
Boggero, the third-generation owner of Boggero’s Services in
Greenwood, South Carolina.
February includes Valentine’s Day and although business
owners typically don’t get sentimental about their customers –
and vice versa – a business relationship based on mutual
respect, integrity and trust indeed generates warm feelings that
form the basis of a long-lasting relationship.
This month, Sanitation Journal speaks with Gena Boggero’s
customers, asking them why they do business with her
company.
In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, a portable sanitation operator’s most important asset isn’t necessary
the portable sanitation unit, loyal and well-trained employees or a long-standing positive reputation.
While all of those factors are important, a portable sanitation operator’s biggest asset is, without a doubt, satisfied
clients. Without them, no amount of units, employees or years in the business could keep the company afloat, in
good times or bad.
Gena Boggero knows a good thing when she’s got it. She appreciates a customer base that includes companies
that date back to the day her company opened its doors. She knows they put the bread on her table.
But what of her customers? What do they think of Boggero’s? Obviously they are pleased with the work the
company performs – they wouldn’t form ties with the company if they weren’t – but does the relationship go
deeper? Is Boggero’s its customers' most valuable asset?
Cindy Schumpert thinks so.
She’s the officer manager for Canon and Associates, a construction company in Newberry, South Carolina
which at 25 years is the oldest customer of Boggero’s Services. The companies’ relationship is so tight that they
consider it almost like a ‘family’.
“We’d rather do business with people we know who are accustomed to us, know our job sites, and know how
we operate,” says Schumpert. “They know our superintendents. Our employees stay here an average of 30 to 35
years, so it really helps with them knowing us that well.”
A portable sanitation unit is basically the same no matter who is renting it – though some companies can charge
less for them – so there has to be a differentiating factor in clients choosing one portable sanitation company over
another.
For Canon and Associates, it’s Boggero’s Service’s service.
Before doing this interview, Schumpert had just spoken with Gena Boggero on the phone, putting in an order for
a unit that was needed that day; it was on its way in the afternoon.
“Customer service is number one with them,” Schumpert notes. “When I talk with (Gena), it’s like I’m the most
important person she’s talked to that day and I’m sure she makes everyone feel that way.
“She’s very personable; you’re not a number by any means. And we always talk about each other’s family, how
is everybody there doing and how’s everyone here doing? They’re all concerned and conscientious about what
goes on in all the business behind the scenes.”
The James B. Jones Construction Company in Abbeville, South Carolina is another of Boggero’s Services’ oldest
customers and its office manager also praises Gena Boggero for her company’s service and attitude.
“Anytime we need a portable toilet, they’re there; anytime we need it serviced, they’re there,” says Brenda Dedo.
“We never have had problems with them whatsoever. She’s a very sweet person; I really enjoy doing business
with her.”
One aspect of doing business that consistently rises to the top for the customers of Boggero’s Services is Gena’s
demeanor.
“She’s always so bright, so bubbly, so positive - that always gives you a good, comfortable feeling,” Schumpert
points out.
And although Canon and Associates has never had a problem with Boggero’s Services, Schumpert is confident
that it would be readily resolved.
Dan Biron is the facility manager for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Greenwood, South Carolina and
also spearheads the set-up crew for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in May.
He has contracted Boggero’s Services for portable sanitation for that event for three years and for church events
for the past eight years.
It’s important to be able to take someone at their word and Gena Boggero’s does what she says she’s going to
do, Biron says.
“Anytime we’ve ever had a problem, we’d call them and they responded right away,” Biron says. “They are very
friendly and courteous. Gena will always go the extra mile to keep the customer happy.”
Donna Buzhardt agrees. She is the office manager for Buzhardt’s Trash in Greenwood, South Carolina. The
company handles solid waste and has been doing business with Boggero’s Services for two years.
“We were at a point where we either had to do it ourselves or partner with someone who was doing it,” Buzhardt
says of the portable sanitation. “Their background is like ours – it’s a family business. They’ve been doing it for a
long time in the same town as ours and had a good reputation, so we just thought that was the way to go.”
Buzhardt’s company also appreciates the networking Boggero’s Services does on their behalf.
“It works both ways,” says Buzhardt. “We recommend her and are able to provide our customers with porta-lets
and she recommends our company and is able to provide her customers with a roll-off container for
construction, so we work together well.”
Over and over, stories of Gena Boggero’s generosity surface, which engenders positive feelings toward her by
her customers who see her as not being all about money.
“With the Relay for Life, they will usually charge just half the price for a certain amount of units and then they
always donate a few (Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant) units on top of that,” says Biron. “For the
church, they have on occasion supplied a free unit. They have also helped out with the Boy Scout group that is
sanctioned through our church with portable sanitation units on campsites.”
Schumpert recalls a music concert charity event her company sponsored for a young man with cancer.
“We needed porta-lets and they helped us out with that,” Schumpert says. “They didn’t have to, but they did and
they brought them early and let them stay later - it’s that more than you asked for kind of service.”
With portable sanitation companies doing battle with each other in lowering prices in a desperate attempt to get
work in what has become a shrinking market with the present residential housing construction slump, it’s
noteworthy that not one of Boggero’s Services customers say they would switch portable sanitation companies if
presented a lower price
“I don’t know that someone could do it cheaper, but if they did, I probably wouldn’t get the service that Gena
gives us,” Biron notes.
“The business is competitive, but when you get down to customer service and push comes to shove, time’s
money,” says Schumpert.
While another company may try to come in and sell portable sanitation units for less, it may not be able to deliver
on time, she adds.
“That could cause things to be pushed back a day or two and we’re on a time frame where we can’t afford to
have situations where we can’t at least keep moving forward,” she says. “Cheaper doesn’t make it better.”
Part 1 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 3 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 4 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 5 in a "Year in the Life"
the portable sanitation unit, loyal and well-trained employees or a long-standing positive reputation.
While all of those factors are important, a portable sanitation operator’s biggest asset is, without a doubt, satisfied
clients. Without them, no amount of units, employees or years in the business could keep the company afloat, in
good times or bad.
Gena Boggero knows a good thing when she’s got it. She appreciates a customer base that includes companies
that date back to the day her company opened its doors. She knows they put the bread on her table.
But what of her customers? What do they think of Boggero’s? Obviously they are pleased with the work the
company performs – they wouldn’t form ties with the company if they weren’t – but does the relationship go
deeper? Is Boggero’s its customers' most valuable asset?
Cindy Schumpert thinks so.
She’s the officer manager for Canon and Associates, a construction company in Newberry, South Carolina
which at 25 years is the oldest customer of Boggero’s Services. The companies’ relationship is so tight that they
consider it almost like a ‘family’.
“We’d rather do business with people we know who are accustomed to us, know our job sites, and know how
we operate,” says Schumpert. “They know our superintendents. Our employees stay here an average of 30 to 35
years, so it really helps with them knowing us that well.”
A portable sanitation unit is basically the same no matter who is renting it – though some companies can charge
less for them – so there has to be a differentiating factor in clients choosing one portable sanitation company over
another.
For Canon and Associates, it’s Boggero’s Service’s service.
Before doing this interview, Schumpert had just spoken with Gena Boggero on the phone, putting in an order for
a unit that was needed that day; it was on its way in the afternoon.
“Customer service is number one with them,” Schumpert notes. “When I talk with (Gena), it’s like I’m the most
important person she’s talked to that day and I’m sure she makes everyone feel that way.
“She’s very personable; you’re not a number by any means. And we always talk about each other’s family, how
is everybody there doing and how’s everyone here doing? They’re all concerned and conscientious about what
goes on in all the business behind the scenes.”
The James B. Jones Construction Company in Abbeville, South Carolina is another of Boggero’s Services’ oldest
customers and its office manager also praises Gena Boggero for her company’s service and attitude.
“Anytime we need a portable toilet, they’re there; anytime we need it serviced, they’re there,” says Brenda Dedo.
“We never have had problems with them whatsoever. She’s a very sweet person; I really enjoy doing business
with her.”
One aspect of doing business that consistently rises to the top for the customers of Boggero’s Services is Gena’s
demeanor.
“She’s always so bright, so bubbly, so positive - that always gives you a good, comfortable feeling,” Schumpert
points out.
And although Canon and Associates has never had a problem with Boggero’s Services, Schumpert is confident
that it would be readily resolved.
Dan Biron is the facility manager for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Greenwood, South Carolina and
also spearheads the set-up crew for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in May.
He has contracted Boggero’s Services for portable sanitation for that event for three years and for church events
for the past eight years.
It’s important to be able to take someone at their word and Gena Boggero’s does what she says she’s going to
do, Biron says.
“Anytime we’ve ever had a problem, we’d call them and they responded right away,” Biron says. “They are very
friendly and courteous. Gena will always go the extra mile to keep the customer happy.”
Donna Buzhardt agrees. She is the office manager for Buzhardt’s Trash in Greenwood, South Carolina. The
company handles solid waste and has been doing business with Boggero’s Services for two years.
“We were at a point where we either had to do it ourselves or partner with someone who was doing it,” Buzhardt
says of the portable sanitation. “Their background is like ours – it’s a family business. They’ve been doing it for a
long time in the same town as ours and had a good reputation, so we just thought that was the way to go.”
Buzhardt’s company also appreciates the networking Boggero’s Services does on their behalf.
“It works both ways,” says Buzhardt. “We recommend her and are able to provide our customers with porta-lets
and she recommends our company and is able to provide her customers with a roll-off container for
construction, so we work together well.”
Over and over, stories of Gena Boggero’s generosity surface, which engenders positive feelings toward her by
her customers who see her as not being all about money.
“With the Relay for Life, they will usually charge just half the price for a certain amount of units and then they
always donate a few (Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant) units on top of that,” says Biron. “For the
church, they have on occasion supplied a free unit. They have also helped out with the Boy Scout group that is
sanctioned through our church with portable sanitation units on campsites.”
Schumpert recalls a music concert charity event her company sponsored for a young man with cancer.
“We needed porta-lets and they helped us out with that,” Schumpert says. “They didn’t have to, but they did and
they brought them early and let them stay later - it’s that more than you asked for kind of service.”
With portable sanitation companies doing battle with each other in lowering prices in a desperate attempt to get
work in what has become a shrinking market with the present residential housing construction slump, it’s
noteworthy that not one of Boggero’s Services customers say they would switch portable sanitation companies if
presented a lower price
“I don’t know that someone could do it cheaper, but if they did, I probably wouldn’t get the service that Gena
gives us,” Biron notes.
“The business is competitive, but when you get down to customer service and push comes to shove, time’s
money,” says Schumpert.
While another company may try to come in and sell portable sanitation units for less, it may not be able to deliver
on time, she adds.
“That could cause things to be pushed back a day or two and we’re on a time frame where we can’t afford to
have situations where we can’t at least keep moving forward,” she says. “Cheaper doesn’t make it better.”
Part 1 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 3 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 4 in a "Year in the Life"
Part 5 in a "Year in the Life"
Serving the American Liquid Waste Industry Since 2002
