As the septic pumping industry continues to advance, the key to long-term success lies in preparing the next generation of leaders. Three businesses in the sector, previously profiled by Pumper magazine, serve as examples of how family-owned companies can work to ensure their legacies continue by grooming their successors.

Valley Septic and Drain: Finding the Perfect Successor

During a long battle with cancer, Craig Stewart, owner of Valley Septic and Drain, needed a successor to take over his business in Idaho's Teton Valley. Knox VanZandt, who sought a stable income, proved to be the ideal candidate. In 2017 at the time of Pumper's original profile story, they operated as partners, with VanZandt learning the business under Stewart's mentorship. Since then, Stewart lost his 12-year battle with cancer, leaving
the business to VanZandt.

“I wouldn’t have sold the business to just anybody,” Stewart said in 2017. “I wanted to know that whoever took this business over would operate it with the same mindset I have. I don’t want Knox’s hat to fall off from his head swelling up, but I’ve had customers call and tell me that I picked a good young man.” 

VanZandt and Stewart agreed on the importance of maintaining high-quality customer service and were content to let growth and expansion plans develop over time. They said it was an ideal arrangement: VanZandt was learning the business under the mentorship of Stewart, who found a partner willing to carry on his tradition of fairness and customer service.

“I couldn’t ask for any better than working with Craig," VanZandt said in 2017. "He is an unbelievable teacher and is very patient with me. His name is well-spoken around this community.”

Plummer's Waste Group: Grooming the Next Generation

In 1957, Warren Plummer opened up Plummer’s Septic Tank in Wyoming, Michigan, following in his father’s footsteps. Over the years, as the business grew, so did his family. By 2007, three of his sons had taken over different aspects of the company, all operating as separate businesses — Richard in septic, Todd in environmental, and Nick in portable restrooms and roll-off containers.

Today, a similar scenario is playing out at the septic service company. Richard, 54, and his wife, Karen, spend much of their time grooming the group he calls “the next generation.” — sons Jon, Rick and Dan; Jon’s wife, Ally; and longtime team member Sam Biggio. The younger group has already had a tremendous impact on the business, Richard says, especially in the area of technology.

Richard's job has evolved from being a player to more of a coach, as he prepares his sons and other team members for eventual ownership stakes in the company. They hold weekly Thursday morning meetings, where each person reports on their tasks and discusses any issues. Communication is a high priority at Plummer's Waste Group, with daily, weekly and monthly meetings held to ensure smooth operations.

Advanced Pollution Control Corporation: A Family Tradition

APC Corporation, founded in 1975 in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, by Mike "Big Mike" Flaherty, has thrived on its commitment to customers, a family atmosphere and hardworking crews. As of the time of our original profile story in Pumper, a third generation of the Flaherty family was preparing to take over the company. Mike Flaherty, who joined the company in 1977, was training his 25-year-old son, Michael, to succeed him. Having started as a laborer, Michael had progressed over the years, working as an operator and in sales.

For Michael, joining the family business was a natural choice. "After college, I knew that I wouldn't like a cubicle job, so I figured I'd give APC a shot." Looking solidly to the future, Michael’s plans included big goals for the company, including expanding into pipe cleaning, pipe relining, X-ray inspection and video inspection.

Securing Your Future

The success of these three businesses highlights the critical role of succession planning in the septic pumping industry. By dedicating time and resources to training the next generation of leaders, these family-owned companies are not only securing their own futures, they’re also contributing to the long-term stability of the industry as a whole.

A well-executed succession plan enables a smooth transition of leadership and ensures that the core values of a company are preserved. It helps maintain strong customer relationships and supports the continued growth of the business in an increasingly competitive market.