Former NFL Wide Receiver Finds Success in Portable Toilet Business

Russell Shepard leverages his NFL earnings to launch a thriving waste management company.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A highly reflective, chrome-plated portable toilet tank resting on a clean white background, symbolizing the financial success and premium nature of the portable toilet business.A former NFL player's portable toilet business has become an unexpected cash cow, demonstrating the potential for athletes to find success in niche industries.Baton Rouge Today

Russell Shepard, a former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants, has found unexpected success in the portable toilet business. After noticing the efficient overnight trash removal in his neighborhood, Shepard decided to investigate the waste management industry, eventually investing his NFL earnings into starting his own company, Shep Boys Waste Management. The business has grown rapidly, generating over $1 million in revenue by its second year and now bringing in several million dollars annually.

Why it matters

Shepard's story highlights how former professional athletes can leverage their earnings and connections to launch successful second careers in unexpected industries. His portable toilet business model, which focuses on renting and selling units to construction sites and disaster areas, demonstrates the potential for profitability in the waste management sector, even in niche areas like portable sanitation.

The details

Shepard started the business after noticing the efficient overnight trash removal in his neighborhood while playing for the Giants, realizing 'somebody is making a lot of money.' He invested his NFL earnings to purchase a vacuum truck, 125 portable toilets, 50 hand-wash stations, and 20 holding tanks, as well as land to run the operation. The business grew quickly, earning $6,000 in the first two months, $12,000 by the third month, and $1 million by the second year. Shepard's company now has around 1,500 units, with portable toilets making up about 75% of his income. He even rents out pink units for a premium price of $150 per month.

  • Shepard noticed the efficient overnight trash removal while playing for the New York Giants.
  • Shepard started Shep Boys Waste Management after his NFL career ended in 2019.
  • The business generated $6,000 in its first two months of operation.
  • By the fourth month, the company was making $18,000 per month.
  • In the second year, Shep Boys Waste Management made around $1 million in revenue.

The players

Russell Shepard

A former NFL wide receiver who played for the New York Giants from 2013 to 2019 and is now the owner of Shep Boys Waste Management, a successful portable toilet and sanitation services company.

Shep Boys Waste Management

A waste management company founded by Russell Shepard that focuses on portable toilet rentals and sanitation services, primarily serving construction sites and disaster areas.

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What they’re saying

“It smells like money.”

— Russell Shepard, Owner, Shep Boys Waste Management

“Don't throw up.”

— Russell Shepard, Owner, Shep Boys Waste Management

What’s next

Shepard plans to continue expanding Shep Boys Waste Management, potentially exploring opportunities to serve additional markets beyond Houston and Baton Rouge.

The takeaway

Shepard's success in transitioning from the NFL to the portable toilet business demonstrates the potential for former professional athletes to leverage their earnings and connections to launch profitable second careers in unexpected industries. His focus on a niche waste management service has proven highly lucrative, highlighting the value of identifying underserved markets and building a scalable business model.