Inside the November 2009 Issue

Features

Profile: The Fixer

Zaring Septic’s Dave Ritchie takes pride in the septic detective work he and his crew provide for customers in Kentucky

Special Feature: Tank & Drainfield Additives

Bacterial, chemical products are designed to restore flow and maintain healthy septic systems

Interview: Septic System 101

A New Hampshire video is designed to teach homeowners the nuts and bolts of their onsite systems. Pumpers everywhere can use this informative tool to aid in system maintenance.

Cover Story: Rapid Response

An emphasis on employee training, on-call troubleshooters and a live person answering the telephone build a great customer service reputation for Olson’s Sewer Service Inc.

Building the Business: One-on-One Time

Taking time for individual meetings with employees can strengthen your business

Overheard Online: Offensive Odors at the RV Park

A pumper who serves a campground thinks the group treatment system is dead or dying. What should he do?

Reading Between the Lines: Maintenance = Profits and Customer Goodwill

Rules and Regs: A County in Washington State Rules Homeowners Can Service and Inspect their Septic Systems

Columns

Product Spotlight: Wells Cargo Comfort Elite Platinum Edition

Money Manager: Unemployment Rules

Know your rights and the rights of your former employee before fighting a claim for unemployment benefits

Septic System Answer Man: The Deep Freeze

While it’s true that warmer septage will break down more efficiently, winter freezing is the bigger issue for onsite systems in northern regions

Industry News: Industry News

Bio-Microbics Receives Exporter of the Year Award; National Vacuum Equipment Opens Arkansas Distribution Center; Chemcorp Names Bamberg Executive VP; Walex Receives Export Achievement Award; Smith’s Septic Wins Pik Rite Show and Shine

NAWT: Extending a Hand

Presenters at the NAWT Waste Treatment Symposium answer dewatering questions and offer business ideas worth their weight in gold

Classy Trucks: Classy Truck of November

This month we feature J.W. Field Septic Services

Reader Pipelines: Class is in Session

Careful customer education is a time-consuming task, but pumpers say it pays off in better-planned septic system maintenance

Association News: Association News

Association News; Training & Education

After Hours: A Pumper’s Outdoor Paradise

Joe Hall moved to Michigan’s scenic northwoods 26 years ago so he could fish and hunt more often. But business is so good he finds little time to do either.