This column frequently addresses established pumpers. It’s often aimed at providing tips to increase profits, expand offerings, lead employees and everything in between. This month, it’s my hope that a few readers who find this article are here because they are contemplating a new career.

It’s been over a decade since I graduated from college, but I can still vividly remember my feelings of uncertainty as graduation approached. I recall a specific night a couple friends and I were sitting on the top floor of the campus library studying for a final exam and began talking about jobs after college. We were all nervous about where we would end up and what we’d be doing. The field we were all studying wasn’t exactly known for its abundance of open positions, but rather a competitive market, especially for people like myself who did not want to move across the country.

If you’re reading this at a time in your life where those feelings of uncertainty about your future are at the forefront of your thoughts and you’re considering pumping as a solution, I’m here to tell you to do it, because you are needed. 

Abundance and security

I often hear from pumpers that recruiting and retaining new people for their business or to be part of their local associations is difficult. To me, that says a couple things. One, some people just aren’t cut out for the pumper’s life, but also and more important, good people are needed. 

Along with that, things change. Technology is growing at speeds that are hard to keep up with and many jobs of the past are becoming obsolete because of it. I can assure you however, people will always produce waste and waste will always need to be removed. Pumping is a career you can enter knowing you’ll have a job for the long haul if you are willing to work, treat people right and are smart about business.

Remembering that fact alone should ease your mind about joining the ranks. Jumping into a career that you know will always be there eliminates a huge uncontrollable factor and puts the power to be successful directly in your hands.

Plenty of pathways

Becoming a pumper doesn’t have to start with owning a business. The walk-before-you-run strategy is often a wise choice. Take a job with an established company to gain experience and learn from the inside how the business and industry work. This will also help you know if it’s truly a field you want to be in. I’m a strong believer in working from the bottom up. It’s the best way to fully understand how a company works and puts you in a position later on to respect each employee and their role, having once been in their shoes.

Be picky when choosing a company to apply for. Read reviews and interview them as much as they interview you. If you are fresh into the industry, this first company you work for will mold you and can have a big impact on the projection of your career.

Another successful template I often hear is buying an existing company. If that is a possibility for you, I urge you to do your homework. Study their books and know what you are buying. If it’s an established company with a long list of clients that come with it, it can be an incredible opportunity to join the industry. 

Whatever path you choose or fall into, do your due diligence and use the resources available to you like this magazine and your local associations. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Reach out to me here, or get in touch with pumpers in your area. If the people I’ve dealt with over the past few months are any indicator, it’s a wonderful industry full of helpful folk that are eager to share their knowledge. 

Thanks for reading this month’s issue!