The pumping industry’s highest honors will be awarded this year during the upcoming WEQ Fair in York, Pennsylvania, recognizing Gary Poborsky, owner of GapVax, for his 44 years of dedication and commitment to the industry.

“The Ralph Macchio Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who exemplifies a lifetime of service to our industries,” says Bob Kendall, founder of COLE Publishing. “Gary Poborsky is a worthy recipient of this year’s award which is given on behalf of Ralph Macchio, NAWT and COLE Publishing.”

Poborsky began his journey in 1977 when a flood devastated his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Poborsky purchased a used septic truck on a loan and went to work cleaning up the mess. He began working with outside contractors and realized that local service was needed in his area. He and his wife Rose grew their business, modifying and building their own equipment when purchased products weren’t getting the job done. From this, GapVax was born, and they began designing and manufacturing industrial vacuum equipment. 

To acknowledge his journey and devotion to the pumping industry, Poborsky will accept the Macchio award during the WEQ Fair at 3:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at the GapVax booth.