Austin's Pumping Service of Strafford, Missouri, has followed through on its promise to implement increased professionalism in the business from new uniforms to ensuring vehicles are kept scrupulously clean and clearly labeled with the company logo. Plus, most of the company’s service workers are cross-trained so they can cover for each other.
“Plumbing goes hand in hand with pumping,” says co-owner Jack Crow. “For example, a lot of the restaurants that require grease pumping also require plumbing service work. Cross-training makes a lot of sense so we can back each other up for manpower.”
In addition, workers can pursue certifications for specific jobs: Missouri septic installer, septic inspector and well inspector; manufacturer training for working on specific grease traps; backflow technician; and pipefitting and gas fitting. The company’s incentive for employees: “The more you learn, the more you earn.”
For years, co-owner Douglas Hurrelbrink has been a member of the Missouri Smallflows Organization, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing educational opportunities to wastewater professionals in the state. He’s now slated to teach a course to help share his professionalism with others: “Inspections: Tools of the Trade.”
“My focus will be explaining that if you get into inspections, don’t go in partway because you won’t be able to do the job properly,” he says. “Get your education, get your credentials, spend time with seasoned people and buy the right tools. Know the resources you’re going to need before you start.”
Hurrelbrink also builds on his personal professionalism by attending the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show whenever he can. He’s made it a goal to attend at least every other year.
“We like to see if there’s anything new that will help improve our efficiency or service,” he says. “I was told a long time ago by my uncle that you need to go to these trade shows because if you come back with even one idea or one suggestion that makes your company better, the whole trip was worth it.”
Read more about Austin's Pumping Service in the May 2025 issue of Plumber magazine.
