What’s the Secret to Longevity for a Small, Family Pumping Operation?

After a century of profitable septic system and grease trap service, a fourth generation of the Forest family is taking the reins in Des Moines, Iowa.

Nov 05, 2018 | by Ted J. Rulseh |

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What’s the Secret to Longevity for a Small, Family Pumping Operation? — The Forest family’s wastewater services team includes (from front left) Tory Forest and his wife, Katelyn Forest; Tyler Forest; Tyler Forest’s fiancé, Alynnia Freeburg; Jody Forest; Penny Forest; Dillon Downey; and Chuck Pallwitz. Jonathan Spencer is at the rear left. (Photos by Mark Hirsch)

It’s rare for a small family business to prosper into a fourth generation. That’s a source of pride to Jody and Penny Forest, whose business marks its 100th anniversary this year, just as their two sons assume part ownership. Tyler Forest, 31, is a partner with his parents in Forest Septic Environmental Services, based in Des Moines, Iowa. Tory Forest, 28, operates Forest Grease & Commercial, now a separate business serving restaurants and other establishments in and around Des Moines. It was Jody Forest’s idea to split the company and let each son run his own operation: Other successful pumpers had

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