Challenging Times Approach for the Wastewater Industry

Hiring and training good workers, finding suitable disposal options will continue to dog pumpers and installers into the future

Challenging Times Approach for the Wastewater Industry

 A&B Septic Service runs this 2021 Peterbilt 567 built out by Imperial Industries with a 4,200-gallon stainless steel tank and National Vacuum Equipment pump.

In Snapshot, we talk to a member of a state, provincial or national trade association in the decentralized wastewater industry. This time we visit a member of the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association.

Name and title or job description: Chris Rhodaback, president and chief executive officer

Business name and location: A&B Septic Service, Albany, Oregon

Services we offer: Pumping, system evaluations, system repairs and cleaning, pump repair and replacement, drain line cleaning, location and diagnostics, sand filters and advanced treatment. 

Age: 52

Years in the industry: 44 — since 1977. I helped my father, Homer Rhodaback, who owned a portable restroom business, Best Pots.

Association involvement: I’ve been a member of the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association for 15 years. I served as president in 2014, secretary in 2017, and treasurer in 2018.

Benefits of belonging to the association: O2WA provides a forum for research, the exchange of ideas, information and technology, training and certification, and collaboration for the highest possible standard of safe, sanitary and environmentally sound onsite wastewater services in Oregon.

Biggest issue facing your association right now: There aren’t any education or certification programs to help guys get their operations and maintenance certifications and licenses. 

Our crew includes: David Anderson, general manager; Jane Alexander, septic operations manager; Josh Simmons, Ed Elliot and Jose Sanchez, pumping technicians; Ryan Tyle and Manny Rivas, line technicians; Magnum Miller, Levi Moevao and Michael Sartusche, operations and maintenance, alternative treatment technologies; Denise Street, Jamie Miller, Pamela Platt and Laura Adams, office staff; Todd Chase, mechanic; Larry Chase, waste plant manager; Chris Bohanan, human resources and information technology manager.

Typical day on the job: I arrive at 7 a.m. and meet with David Anderson to discuss all the companies I own (Septech Technologies, Tank Doctor, Best Pots, Site Locker, Advance Treatment Technologies, Set the Bar Rentals) and the 60-plus employees. Then I might have fieldwork for the day. I work with the mechanic to ensure the 40 trucks in the fleet are working properly. I meet with managers, look over and review evaluations from work performed that day, take calls from line technicians and pumpers who have questions. I talk with vendors and creditors, order parts for various jobs, attend company meetings, write up and review bids for jobs, and review ways to improve the company. I fabricate and build things the company needs, such as portable restroom trailers or lids. And I oversee the onsite waste plant. I try to leave the office between 6 and 8 pm.

The job I’ll never forget: The first time I had to rebuild and replace the pumps and control panels for a 15,000-gallon pump station for a mobile home park. I’ll never forget because it was my first one and I wanted to make sure everything was right.

My favorite piece of equipment: Our new septic service truck — a 2021 Peterbilt 567 from Imperial Industries with a 4,200-gallon stainless steel tank and National Vacuum Equipment pump.

Most challenging site I’ve worked on: Every site is challenging and I love that. Every job is like a puzzle that needs to be pieced together to figure out what exactly is going on. The challenge is why I wake up every day. It’s fun figuring out the problem and providing the customer with the solution. 

The craziest question I’ve been asked by a customer: “Why is the septic tank full again when we just had it pumped?” A lot of customers don’t realize the septic tank requires a certain level to operate properly. Another crazy question was from a customer who wanted to know why the potable water well was running more than usual, thinking the septic system had something to do with it.

If I could change one industry regulation, it would be: Regarding commercial driver’s license rules and guidelines: our drivers can only work 14 hours according to CDL guidelines. If someone has a septic emergency at 2 a.m. and our driver has already worked the 14 hours, we can’t service the customer. Our emergencies are hazardous and require immediate attention. We shouldn’t have the same rules as a long hauler. We should be able to help all customers and meet all emergencies at all times of the day.

Best piece of small business advice I’ve heard: I received this advice from my father when I was a young man. He said, “Make sure there is always a live voice on your end of the phone. You will lose customers if you automate or have a message system.” That’s why we offer emergency service 24/7 and you will either get a live voice right away or you will get a call back with a live voice ASAP.

If I wasn’t working in the wastewater industry, I would: Own a custom car shop where I could do my own fabrication and engineering.

Crystal ball time – This is my outlook for the wastewater industry: I think we really have some challenging times ahead. It’s getting harder to dispose of wastewater and reuse, it’s getting harder to retain and hire good employees. There will always be a need for the wastewater industry going forward, and we plan to be in the forefront as much as possible. 



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