About 10 years ago, I talked to installer Rusty Luzell about the importance of routine maintenance of the septic systems he was installing around his home base in Industry, Pa. With his family celebrating 50 years in business at the time, Luzell stressed proper care for systems and staying on top of technology advances in the industry.

"There's a whole range of things that are going to require some attention and maintenance. It's so important when we put these systems in that we make sure people are aware you have to take care of them as time goes by," Rusty told me. "We feel a measure of responsibility for our customers to take care of what we put in."
I recall learning a lot about the onsite wastewater industry from Luzell, and how installers cared not just about collecting a check for their work, but how they have a bedrock concern for their professional reputations and the environment as well.

New Duties

"Cutting edge technology and professional installation mean a safer, cleaner environment," he told me. "We've lived in this area for 100 years. Perhaps my family will live here for years to come. Why not do whatever is necessary to ensure that our water – one of our most tremendous resources – is taken care of?"

Little did I know when I was interviewing Luzell for my first story in Onsite Installer that I would one day become editor of the magazine, and charged with making sure the professional values of this contractor and many others continue to reach an audience. At the time I was just learning the difference between a drainfield and an outlet baffle, and Luzell was among the contractors who showed great patience helping me learn the ropes.

Fast forward to today, as I assume the responsibility for this magazine and renew my request of all of you to show patience when I ask a question or seek to learn more about new technologies in the field. I am taking over for Ted Rulseh, Installer's first editor, who casts a long shadow in the wastewater trade publishing world.

Over several years, Rulseh laid the editorial groundwork for several new COLE Publishing magazines, and has served as editor of many COLE titles at some point. He was once editor of Pumper and Cleaner magazines, the company's flagships, and remains editor of Treatment Plant Operator and Water System Operator. As Rulseh announced last month, he recently turned 60 and decided to cut back on his workload a little bit so he could enjoy his family more and spend time at his cherished lake cottage in Northern Wisconsin. Who could blame him for that?

In the last decade, Rulseh set a high standard for Installer, one I hope to uphold. You deserve compelling profile stories, information-packed system profiles and detailed stories about new equipment and techniques. I'll do my best to make sure you continue to get content of value, and I welcome your feedback, suggestions for stories, ideas for small business building columns, comments and questions about what you see in the magazine.

Glad To Know You

Many of you know Rulseh, who has been a fixture at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International over the years. I'd like to tell you a little about my background in the wastewater industry.

After a stint as a freelance writer for Installer, I took over the editor's duties of Portable Restroom Operator magazine for COLE in 2004. I added Pumper magazine the following year, and have edited two other magazines for COLE. I'm also a photographer, and over the years I've been fortunate to shoot photos for several Installer stories featuring contractors near my Northern Wisconsin home.

During my tenure at Pumper, I've noticed a growing interest in the operation and maintenance of onsite systems among the pumping contractors we've featured. An emphasis on enhanced routine care of these systems among pumpers seems like a natural progression as the systems become more complex, environmental regulations become a bigger priority, and homeowners seek to make these valuable systems last longer.

I've had the privilege of talking to many installers while working at the Pumper & Cleaner Expo. We've sat together during Education Day programs with Jim Anderson and Dave Gustafson. During many an Expo lunch break, I've been able to pick the brains of installers and learn about the challenges they face back home.

I am well aware that the last several years have been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs for many contractors who rely on home construction and excavation work to earn a living. Some contractors had to sharpen their pencils on expenses just to stay in business as the housing market ground to a stop in late 2008 and 2009. Some have had to switch the focus of their businesses from digging new systems to maintaining older systems. Some have had to sell off equipment and trim their staffs to make it through lean times.

But I see hopeful signs of better days ahead. After years of a damper on the market, it seems like construction is enjoying a resurgence of sorts. Expo attendees in recent years have been more upbeat about the future and looking to replace aging equipment. An improving business climate is inevitable as housing stock becomes older and people have put off construction and system replacements for a long time.

Let's Grow Together

If you're enjoying renewed success in your business, I want to hear from you. Let's share in the good news as you add employees, install new and exciting systems, or discover new ways to market your services. My email address is published on this page every month. Drop me a line and I promise to respond promptly. By sharing success stories, you're serving to build the professionalism of the entire industry. And that's what Installer is all about.