Joe Doucett is CEO of The Bathroom Sink, a subscription service that automatically orders your favorite bathroom products when you’re about to run out. Joe is also in the world of commercial real estate. They’re two very different types of business, but that’s his favorite thing about what he does—he’s able to learn and grow from every professional experience.
What part of Arizona do you call home?
My family and I live in north central Phoenix.
What sparked an initial interest in entrepreneurship?
The opportunity to do something new and to simply challenge myself.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
I started about 20ish years ago and have been in and out of a lot of different concepts. Interestingly enough, at the core of every venture I’ve been involved in has been the idea that there is a need for the product.
What was your very first entrepreneurial venture?
Although I have been involved in a few entrepreneurial ventures in the past, The Bathroom Sink is my first Internet-based venture.
How did you come up with the idea for The Bathroom Sink?
It came to mind as something that would be helpful in my own life. After some discussion with friends and family, along with running out of toothpaste in the middle of the night. . . I realized that a bathroom concierge service like this can be helpful to everyone, no matter what stage of your life.
What is your favorite part about running a business?
I absolutely love coming up with new ideas and bringing them to life. Watching a concept grow into reality is a fascinating accomplishment.
What was the biggest challenge in executing your business idea?
We definitely experienced our fair share of challenges when developing The Bathroom Sink website—specifically overcoming the idea that the site had to offer a static refill system rather than the intuitive program we set out to create. In the end we were able to get it done, and I’m extremely proud of the teamwork it took for us to get there. It was a collaborative effort.
How long have you lived or worked in Arizona?
I moved here in 1996 for college. Arizona has changed drastically since I arrived, and it continues to change all the time. Since I have lived here I have not only seen, but also experienced, substantial growth in local businesses, which is great!
If you could only describe your city with one word, which word would it be?
I’d say “changing.”
What’s your favorite thing about living in Arizona?
I think Arizona allows you to be whomever you want to be and that’s rewarding.
What’s your least favorite thing about living in Arizona?
The stereotype that we are without culture or diversity.
In what area do you think Arizona still has a long way to go?
Although I feel like Arizona has grown its local business scene, it’s still exciting to think of what’s to come. The beauty is that we are not known for one “thing” and we have the room to accommodate a large array of business concepts. Personally, it’s been fun to watch the food scene get bigger and bigger.
What is your favorite place to get breakfast in your city?
The brunch at Richardson’s is hard to beat—as much as I want to keep it a secret!
What’s your favorite place to grab lunch?
The Parlor on Camelback.
What’s your favorite dinner spot?
Crudo is amazing.
What’s your favorite place to work in your city aside from your office?
A local coffee shop or local brewery, depending on the time of day.
Best place for a meeting over drinks?
Chelsea’s Kitchen—especially when it’s outdoor patio season.
What is your favorite memory from Arizona?
Camping on the Rim. I’ve had some amazing summers watching eagles fly, seeing bears wandering around, and sometimes catching fish. What’s so nice about these moments is that you can enjoy the great natural outdoors easily, since it’s only a couple hours from Phoenix.
What is something about living in Arizona that only a local would know of?
To reiterate, I don’t think a lot of people appreciate the true diversity that makes up Arizona. There is a lot of history here, and it’s easy to uncover a lot of unique places if you just look a little harder.
Any tips for new Arizona residents?
Get out there and see your state! We have great natural features, wineries, ski resorts and a rich history. Where else can you find all that within a couple hours of one of the largest cities in the United States of America?
