One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is connecting with contractors who are excited about their work and the industry as a whole. Ben Smith certainly fits the bill.
Smith’s company, Marvel Sewer and Drain in Fridley, Minnesota, is featured in this issue of Cleaner. I first met Smith at the WWETT Show, and we’ve emailed back and forth several times since. I’ve even mentioned him in this column a couple times. You can’t talk to him for a minute without recognizing his enthusiasm for his business and the work he is doing. His energy is contagious.
He wasn’t always excited about the business. He didn’t even view it as an industry, really. It was just a way to pay his bills. But the deeper he got, the more he grew to appreciate it and realized he could go into business for himself. It was a significant step, but he still thought of himself as nothing more or less than a drain cleaner. Then, he began to see the bigger picture.
After discovering this magazine and going to his first trade show, he realized there was much more to the industry and that there could be much more to his business, as well. There’s also a lot more to his story, so I hope you’ll read it. It’s one that should be used to show new people the potential this industry offers.
The wastewater industry has so many positives, but it doesn’t have a great track record of drawing in young, qualified workers. People like Smith could help change that.
Another important part of getting younger people involved is offering good training so they can see a good career path and opportunities to learn. That’s part of the motivation behind the new series, Training for Success, beginning in this issue.
There’s no drain cleaning apprenticeship program. Most states don’t even require licensure, yet training and education are major keys to success. Providing new hires and existing employees with opportunities to learn and grow is a good investment for your business and the future of the industry as a whole. With that in mind, we’ll profile a different training resource or opportunity in every issue over the next 12 months.
This month, it’s on the National Association of Sewer Service Companies. NASSCO’s training and certification programs are the industry standard. The organization’s pipeline, manhole and lateral assessment certification programs are not only important for the standardization of the industry, but increasingly, they are required for jobs under bid. They are also continually updated to include new technology and processes.
NASSCO has been around since 1976, and its certifications and training continue to be at the forefront of training and education for the industry.
In the coming months, we’ll have stories about other resources and opportunities. All have something unique and valuable to offer. Keep reading to find more ways to improve your business and help your employees grow.
Enjoy this month’s issue.
