I understand the joys and challenges of operating a small family business. There are long hours and many rewards when moms and dads and sons and daughters work side by side servicing septic systems and portable restrooms. There’s a satisfaction to getting the job done right, helping out your neighbor, and building something good to pass down to the next generation.

Strong family ties play an important role in our contractor profiles this month. I met both the Turner family of Michigan and the Lee family of Georgia at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International and knew they would make good feature stories. I’d like to share a little about how we met and why I think you’ll enjoy meeting them, too.

METRO SEPTIC

Kenney Lee, seen on the cover of this issue, introduced himself to me at the 2011 Expo. On the exhibit floor, he was checking out the products and consulting with his father, John. Kenney started his company, Metro Septic in Cartersville, Ga., in 2005, and runs it with his wife, Marsha. Meeting the father and son, I could instantly see they have a tremendous respect for each other. Kenney values his dad’s vast business experience, and John is proud of his son’s enthusiasm for the industry.

While Kenney is out in the truck every day, he has Marsha and John back at the office helping run the business. As Kenney told writer Doug Day in the story (Rightsizing), he’s had to adjust to learning the ins and outs of the office, but his dad has been a huge help. “I’ve gotten better, but that’s where my dad comes in. He’s an entrepreneur, so I’m very lucky to have him to help me out,” he said.

TURNER SANITATION

I met Steve Yerkes at the 2010 Expo and learned his father-in-law, Bob Turner, had been to many Expos over the years as owner of Turner Sanitation, Lake Orion, Mich. But that year, Yerkes was there to research products and attend Education Day seminars and report back to “Mr. Turner,’’ as the company founder was called.

We had planned to feature Turner Sanitation in 2010, in part as a tribute to the military vet who transferred a disciplined approach learned in the Army to running an enduring pumping business. But sadly, Turner passed away and the story was delayed. More than a year later, Steve and his wife, Janet (Turner’s daughter), are working hard to further the family legacy.

“He went over the top with service,” Steve said of Turner in the story by writer Dee Goerge (Lessons From Dad). “He wanted it all done yesterday. They (technicians) didn’t come home until they finished the job. Customers got what he promised on a handshake.”

Janet added: “We are trying to keep my dad’s work ethic of taking care of customers and that our word is good.”

READ ON

So turn inside and meet these fine pumping industry families. And if you have an interesting story to tell about your own family business, please contact me at editor@pumper.com. Like the Turners and the Lees, your experience might serve as an inspiration to many thousands of Pumper families who work hard every day.