March 2010 Table of Contents

Features

• 4Reading Between the Lines: Septic Jokes are No Laughing Matter
  How does toilet humor help a pumper charge more for a professional environmental service? That question came to mind recently when I visited the Web site of a septic service company that was recommended for a Pumper profile story.
• 10Building the Business: Marketing to Women
  As more home improvement and maintenance decisions are being made by women, it’s time to better tap that vast customer base.
• 12Rules and Regs: Ohio Lawmakers Extend Moratorium on Onsite Rules
  Ohio state legislators extended the moratorium on onsite regulations to July 1, 2010, allowing more time to reconcile differences between competing bills.
• 28Cover Story: Leaner, Not Meaner
  Finding the ideal balance between business and personal life convinced Massachusetts pumper Kevin Orlando that smaller can be better.
• 36Special Feature: Rockin’ the Rig
  Whether they want their trucks to be eye candy or strictly functional, pumping pros talk about the service vehicle accessories they appreciate most.
• 44Profile: Mile-High Standards
  Focus on business planning, customer care and employee retention pays big dividends for Colorado’s Columbia Sanitation.
• 54Interview: A Teachable Moment
  A homeowner education program on septic system care attracts hundreds in Arizona. Could other regions see the same success?
• 62Overheard Online: Ready For His First Vac Truck
  A new pumper knows many considerations will figure into his choice for a service vehicle.

Columns

• 70Money Manager: Setting It Aside
  A variety of tax-deferred investment plans can help small business owners, and their employees, prepare themselves for retirement years.
• 74Product Spotlight: Moro USA PM Series Pumps
  Enhanced performance and longevity and lower operating costs are hallmarks of the new PM Series of vacuum pumps from Moro USA Inc.
• 74Product News: Product News
  Featured products from Sim/Tech Filter, Clear Computing, and Drainbo.
• 76Industry News: Industry News
  Thompson Tank Names Stanley Service Manager; Premier Tech Environnement Becomes Premier Tech Aqua; Ritam Technologies Launches New Web Site; Infiltrator Systems Acquires E-Z Set; Hur Chemical Announces PSAI Show Winners; Sarris Joins Osprey Biotechnics Board; DGK Sales Offers Fabrication, Machining Services.
• 78Reader Pipelines: Getting Ready to Roll
  Spring is the season for taking care of vacuum truck maintenance. Pumpers share their inspection and repair routine.
• 80NAWT: Standard Operating Procedures
  A new manual describes NAWT policies for operation and the procedures necessary to fulfill those policies.
• 84Septic System Answer Man: Do I Need a Distribution Pipe?
  Effluent flow tests answer question of whether or not a perforated pipe is required in an onsite system drainfield.
• 86Association News: Association News
  Associaton News; Training & Education; Calendar of Events
• 88Classy Trucks: Classy Truck of March
  This month we feature Deltona Septic Service.