Indiana Pumper Infuses Business With Inspiration, Faith

Indiana Pumper Infuses Business With Inspiration, Faith

“Have a blessed day.”

That’s something Matthew Moseng of Norway Septic tries to say to customers every day. It’s a phrase that exemplifies his beliefs, and he says he hopes that positivity and inspiration rubs off on others. “You just try to plant a seed.”

Norway Septic, located in Elkhart, Indiana, was established in 1964 and headed by Moseng’s father, Clarence. Matthew began working for the company when he was just 12. So, he’s met a lot of people along the way, and that’s what he loves about continuing the family business.

“It’s amazing the personalities you meet — they’re just inspiring. I love being able to connect to the public, and it’s not the same every day,” says Moseng, who operates the business with his wife, JoDee Ann running the office.

With only two employees, Norway Septic maintains a narrow focus. They provide septic pumping and maintenance to residential (about 80%) and industrial/commercial (20%) clients in Michiana — an area of Indiana and Michigan about 5 miles from the Michigan state line. They serve about a 30-mile radius.

The company owns one truck: a bright blue 2008 Freightliner M2 which recently earned Classy Truck recognition in the February edition of Pumper. Moseng and his brother, Mitchell, built out the truck (their fourth build) using a 3,750-gallon steel Vaxteel tank and Jurop/Chandler 580 pump provided by LMT. The rig is powered by a Cummins 330 hp engine tied to a six-speed automatic transmission by Allison Transmission. Features include a 28-inch rear manway, hand-fabricated heated front and rear valves, Garnet SeeLevel electronic gauge, air-ride seats and cab and air conditioning. Graphics are provided by Valley Screen.

Moseng and his brother, Mitchell, built out the 2008 Freightliner themselves.
Moseng and his brother, Mitchell, built out the 2008 Freightliner themselves.

Even though his father founded the business, it wasn’t necessarily expected that Moseng would go into the business. “But I took it upon myself, and it’s been gangbusters since,” Moseng says, noting that his area is extremely competitive — even cutthroat, he says.

“We have a real loyal fan base. Customers have been thrilled with us. All I’ve had to do is do it right. We don’t leave until the tank is clean.”

His work was recognized last year with the 2019 Best of Granger Award in the category of Septic System Service — an award which honors local businesses.

Moseng says his next venture will be going live with a new website in the coming months which will sell septic tank parts and accessories like risers, filters, lift pumps and valves. While the site will be open to the public, Moseng says he’s trying to offer it as a service to his customers. “I get a lot of questions about parts on the phone.”

For all the good things coming to his business, Moseng credits God and his faith. “I’m a strong faith-based person. It’s been a blessing,” says Moseng, who also spreads his faith with text-based devotionals.

But talking to customers on his route remains his favorite. “It gives you a chance to talk, spread God’s word. It’s been a blessing and get paid to it.”

Here's a shot of the 2008 Freightliner after its initial coat of shiny blue paint was applied.
Here's a shot of the 2008 Freightliner after its initial coat of shiny blue paint was applied.


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