American Liquid Waste - October 2025 by PHX Publishing

Companies For Sale

FMC Advisors is currently offering the following businesses for sale:

• West Coast portable sanitation & VIP trailers, $30mm revenue - under LOI

• Midwest portable sanitation & liquid waste hauling, $16mm revenue

• Southcentral portable sanitation & rolloff, $15mm revenue – under LOI

• East Coast restroom & shower trailer rental, $11mm revenue

• West Coast Emergency Services, $8mm revenue

• Southcentral portable sanitation & rolloff, $7mm revenue

• Northeast septic pumping, installation & repair, $5mm revenue

• Plains solid waste hauler & rolloff, $5mm revenue

• West coast portable sanitation, $4mm revenue

• Southeast portable sanitation & rolloff, $4mm revenue

• Southeast solid waste & rolloff, $3.5mm revenue

• Southeast portable sanitation, $2.5mm revenue – under LOI

• Northeast septic pumping & installation, $2.5mm revenue

• Northeast portable sanitation, $2mm revenue

• Southeast portable sanitation, $1.5mm revenue – under LOI

• Northeast portable sanitation & rolloff, $1.5mm revenue

• Southeast portable sanitation, $1mm revenue – under LOI

• More coming soon!

CEO & PUBLISHER

Gideon W. Smith

SENIOR EDITOR

Katherine Nolan

ADVERTISING

Tracy Rodean

Phoenix Global Media Inc.

P.O. Box 235, Stockton New Jersey 08559 866-418-4400 phone 973-532-0319 fax sales@americanliquidwaste.com American

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LEAP OF FAITH AS BIG AS TEXAS

Cisco Septic Service, San Antonio

This is a company started by a very young couple that defied the laws of nature and made something, something big, from nothing. At the outset, what’s notable is the experience of communicating with the leadership. That would be Jacklynn, of Frank and Jackie Mendieta, the owners of Cisco Septic Service in San Antonio, Texas. She is like a breath of fresh air. Her bearing carries the ideal balance of passion and advanced insights.

Mendieta is one of those fully accomplished, yet constantly growing people who always seems to be fully engaged and having some fun with the proceedings, and learning something from pretty much everything. We enjoyed listening to her tell the compelling story of her husband and her uprooting from their hometown and moving long-distance

We enjoyed listening to her tell the fascinating story of her husband and her uprooting in pursuit of a better life and

building a great one...

in pursuit of a better life. They've built a great one, through all the challenges. Here, Jackie shares the compelling story of Cisco with us: FROM NOTHING TO GREAT SUCCESS!

In the beginning, my husband worked for another septic company. He had a couple of years of experience in wastewater handling, in a portable toilets business in El Paso. We made the move to San Antonio

in 2015. There was a septic business owner who had cancer. Frank started working with him to help him. He passed away. We were then without an income. But, people continued to call Frank at his cell phone number for service. He was so reliable and good at it, I said, “Why don’t you start your own business?”

In November 2017, we started Cisco Septic. We got the licensing, registration, and everything else we

SPOTLIGHT

needed to start in septic pumping. It was kind of a rough start. We didn’t have a large amount of capital. Financially, it was especially rough. But, we put our faith in God that he would open those doors. Starting out, we got quite a few "no"s. We were told we were too young, too inexperienced. But there were ones that gave us the open doors that led us to now — 8 years later.

BOOTSTRAP STARTUP ON SHOESTRING BUDGET

My husband was adamant that he didn’t want a used truck. We knew about Doggett Freightliner, so we walked into their sales center. The sales associate, oddly enough, was named Chance. Frank spent about 40 minutes with him, told him his vision, and what he wanted to do, and the spec out for the truck he needed. The manager told us, “If you come up with a $2,500 down payment, I will match you and help you get into a new truck”

A family member had some money in a CD, and we borrowed against that, and we got the down payment

It was my husband’s determination, and my family member helping us meet that initial part.

that way. We didn’t take out any other loans. It was my husband’s determination, my family member helping us, and faith that got us through that initial part. We started with that one truck. It got delivered. He was able to buy hoses and tools with the little money we had in our savings. Relying on our faith, the doors just kept opening, and we kept walking through them.

THE CISCO ORGANIZATION TODAY

The first job we got was a commercial one. That one job helped us make back everything we had invested and pay back our family member. From there, the blessings kept coming and still keep coming along. Now, we probably serve about 20 to 30 clients a week, as just a rough estimate. Our company hit a million dollars in annual revenue last year.

We’re trying to continue to grow the family business and provide for all sorts of needs of our customers. Some companies get into the business not knowing what they’re doing. They start just pumping and not cleaning tanks properly. They’re not doing quality work. We offer the right solution and exceptional work quality.

THE CISCO TEAM, SAN ANTONIO

Our team trains extensively in the field. It takes a long time for Frank to let employees work independently on their own. We use before and after photos. So, we have those for customers as quality checks, to show that our operators are doing their job, to keep

continued on page 12

SPOTLIGHT

our records thorough and current, and to provide the customer with documentation for their own property maintenance files.

The photos help show our customers and employees that this is how we do things, and they help instill a vision of pride in our workers. When they go to clients’ properties, they know they’re set apart, by the quality they will deliver, from everyone else that has provided this kind of service for them.

[Hearing this exceptional young business owner speak, it's easy to forget that she and her husband, after 8 years in operation, are only in their early 30s today.]

EQUIPMENT AT CISCO SEPTIC SERVICE

Right now we have 3 trucks. (We sold another one recently.) Those are a 5,000-gallon, a 4,000-gallon, and

a 2,000-gallon. The 2 larger ones are Western Star and the other one is a Mack. The 2,000-gallon is not a CDL, but the two larger ones do require a CDL.

We have Frank, Adam, and Dillon out in the field.

Some jobs require all 3 of our pumper trucks, for example, at military bases, penitentiary facilities, at a lot of commercial locations, and other places.

My husband really likes the Western Star trucks, and he likes Peterbilt and Mack as well. As I mentioned, the first truck we brought was a Freightliner. It was great for the time we had it, but after we got the 4,000-gallon, he wanted the Western Stars from then on.

He likes the look of the Western Star, the components, the motor, and the overall quality he receives in the Western Star. He has said, “It’s like the Cadillac of continued on page 14

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SPOTLIGHT

pump trucks." We weren’t able to get a Western Star for the smaller tank. They didn’t have that smaller cab, so we got the Mack, and we like it a lot.

All of our trucks are equipped with NVE [National Vacuum Equipment] pumps. They are great. They even came down to our office to help diagnose something in person. The tank that Imperial makes is excellent, and their quality of customer service is great. We know the guys from Imperial. We go to some of the conventions, and they recognize Frank on sight. They know our business. They understand what we’re doing and what we need. Plus, they answer the phone. [Imagine we’ve underlined, italicized, and highlighted Jackie's comment that one of her company’s reasons for choosing an equipment vendor over others is that they answer the phone!]

We pump out septic tanks, including all types, from conventional residential to aerobic to commercial lift stations.

For septic equipment, on the residential side, there are conventional and aerobic systems. We’re distributors of the Norweco brand. (We went to Ohio for the learning sessions with them.)

We also have two Mercedes Sprinter vans, fully equipped for repairs. Adam, one of our techs will go out to help with repairs as needed.

A VIRTUALLY ALL-FAMILY BUSINESS

We’re really a family business. In field services, office management, accounting, data entry, community projects, social media, and other work, we’re fortunate to have family members filling key roles. We’re blessed to be able to work with family and be a family owned and operated business.

We do have a few individuals that work for our company that aren’t members of our family, and, with company’s growth, we welcome new hires to roles that will continue to service our community’s needs.

Future Cisco Leadership Prospects? My son was about 7 years old when we started the business. He’s grown with it. He’s 14 now. He’s out of school today and working with my husband for the day. He was able to spend some time during the summer with his dad out on the truck.

Today, they went to visit a site for a new install of a septic system, examining the soil on the property, the trees, and plans for how we will place the septic tank. He’s never been afraid. We have old videos of him as a little boy confidently explaining how things are done on the job. [Entirely adorable.]

CISCO BUSINESS MODEL

We pump out septic tanks, including all types, provide additional septic systems services, and related services for broader management of our customers’ needs at properties with septic systems, such as:

4 Conventional residential system pumping

4 Aerobic system pumping

4 Commercial lift stations system pumping

4 Grease trap pumping

4 Septic systems installation

4 Septic system repairs

4 Commercial main contracts

4 Aerobic maintenance contracts

4 Cesspool waste management

4 Real estate inspections

4 Riser installs

4 Tractor services for trenching, leveling, shredding, etc.

JACKIE MENDIETA ON SEPTIC SERVICES

ECONOMY & PRICING

Our office is in Atkins [around 17 miles from downtown San Antonio]. Originally, when we started out in 2017, we worked out of our spare bedroom as our home office. Greater San Antonio and New Braunfels is our primary service area, though it has started to spread a

SPOTLIGHT

choosing between other necessities and this service. We’ve paid off our stuff years ago. We also want to make sure our employees have what they need.

A COMPANY CULTURE OF GIVING BACK

We want to give back to the community when and where we can. I think, in the future, we’ll be able to do more and more. At Thanksgiving time, every year, we put together a lot of meals for the school system. We started with 10 families and last year I think we grew to like 140. We’ll see how many families we can serve this year. Our son started it. He asked, “Can we do something?” And, we had it on our hearts, so we went with it. This year, we’ve extended it to all the elementaries, middle schools, and high schools in our district.

[At this point we asked Jackie about a rooster crowing in the distance. She laughed and shared a little about life at the Mendieta’s.] We have about 50 chickens. Some are roosters. We love it here. We’re thankful that

The majority of our business is still from word of mouth, about a good 80 percent. A lot of people find us on Google. We pay a small fee for ads on Facebook and Google.

we made the move. We grew up in El Paso, we came from very humble beginnings. Moving here offered prospects of earning a higher wage and not having the limitations of the smaller, less developed area.

CISCO MARKETING AND BRANDING

The majority of our business is still from word of mouth, about a good 80 percent. A lot of people find us on Google. We pay a small fee for ads on Facebook and Google. We also are listed on a lot of neighborhood apps and consumer sites where people review their experience with businesses and record their ratings and comments about it. We use a company for our SEO, and, internally, we have an employee who works on our Facebook posts. He and I sit down and discuss what to post.

Having our business on Google I think has helped people find us. We’re also very active in our church, and we sometimes end up making connections there. My husband is very good at talking with people, so he tends to make good acquaintances naturally.

continued on page 20

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I’d like to see us open up a few other different corporate locations in the different rural areas.I’d like to see our company grow up to 500 people.

TECHNOLOGIES AND OPERATIONAL RESOURCES

The trucks all have a tracker that provides various data on the vehicles. But. as for tracking and managing

maintenance on them, Frank is very meticulous on equipment upkeep, like routine oil changes, lubricating, maintaining fluid levels, cleaning filters, care of the tires, etc. He always says it’s better to be proactive than reactive.

GROWTH PLANS FOR CISCO SEPTIC

I know I have my vision of it. I’d like to see us open up a few more corporate locations in different rural areas. I’d like to see our company grow up to 500 people. Ultimately, it’s in God's hands.

I think Frank likes the risk, and the challenge, and likes to see what could happen. But, at the same time, his concern is how to keep the standard of quality while you’re growing like that. My reasoning is, “But McDonald’s can do it, so we can do it.”

continued on page 22

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING SEPTIC BUSINESS OWNERS FROM CISCO OWNER, JACKLYNN MENDIETA, SAN ANTONIO TX

Well, I think what’s worked for us is trusting each other and supporting one another. I think having someone in it with you is great. If you’re not married, you’re in it on your own. But, if you’re married, you need to be on the same page, or it won’t flourish the way you want.

We are, and always have been, about our faith in it. I think, ultimately, that’s played a big part in our life. We realize that this is given to us — our skill and ability — by God. So, I’d say, giving to the community and tithing are important things to remember about that gift you’re receiving. Even when times get slow, remember your faith in how things are going to turn out to be, and trust in God.

Also, remember why you’re doing it, and that will help you. What’s your why? Are you doing it to make money, or just to prove something? Or, is it to be helpful to your community and your family? When you have a purpose you believe in, you’ll do things the right way, not cheaply, or halfway, or in a way that is taking advantage of people. You’ll find that your foundation is strong. Look back on that. For information about Cisco Septic Service, San Antonio, Texas, you can call (210) 598-9090, or visit ciscoseptic.com/.

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IN THE NEWS

AIRVOTE EXPANDS PLATFORM WITH SMARTER TAGGING, CLIENT ACCESS, AND ADVANCED SERVICE TRACKING

Scottsdale, AZ – September 2025 – AirVote , the customer feedback and service-tracking platform for the sanitation and waste management industry, has announced a series of new features designed to help operators simplify workflows, improve transparency, and serve more clients with less hassle.

As demand grows for streamlined operations across portable sanitation, septic, and roll-off services, AirVote’s latest updates put efficiency and visibility at the forefront.

SMARTER ASSET TAGGING & CLIENT ACCESS

Operators can now tag and filter assets directly on the AirVote Map – whether portable toilets, trailers,

roll-offs, grease traps, or septic units. Assets can be grouped by customer, site, or type, making it easier to manage fleets at scale. For large clients, operators can share view-only access , giving customers direct visibility into locations, feedback, and service records.

AirVote now supports commercial septic installations, enabling operators to assign QR codes to each install and link them directly to service records..

Looking ahead, AirVote plans to roll out geofencing , where assets automatically tag or untag themselves when entering or leaving designated areas.

SERVICE TRACKING FOR COMMERCIAL SEPTIC INSTALLS

AirVote now supports commercial septic installations, enabling operators to assign QR codes to each install and link them directly to service records. These installations appear on the AirVote Map, making them easy to share with inspectors and customers. AirVote will showcase this use case at OOWA 2025 in Tulsa, OK.

ROLLOFF LOGGING FROM THE TRUCK

Drivers can now log roll-off deliveries, pickups, or swaps without leaving the truck, increasing safety and saving time. For areas with poor connectivity, AirVote’s AirLog Android app works in offline mode and even tracks containers in the yard.

continued on page 28

“WHAT’S LEFT TO SERVICE TODAY?” MAP VIEW

Operators can now see at a glance which assets have been serviced (or not) for any given time period. This eliminates guesswork and ensures teams stay on top of daily service goals.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

“With these new features, we’re giving operators the tools they need to cut out extra steps, reduce calls, and grow with confidence,” said Dmitri Poukhovski, CEO of AirVote “We’re helping crews gear up with smarter tools to get the job done.”

ABOUT AIRVOTE

Founded in 2019, AirVote® (https://air-vote. com) is a location-specific real-time contactless customer feedback platform. Customers provide instant service feedback by scanning QR Smileys™ with their smartphones. All feedback is associated with its precise location for quick action and accurate analytics. The system's simplicity, reasonable implementation costs, and contactless format made AirVote attractive for clients in various industries and settings.

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Beyond a Burst of Optimism Leveraging Lasting Gratitude for Yourself and Co-Workers

BY REV. ROBERT TURNER, DMIN.

What if the fulfilling work life you’ve been searching for is within plain sight, in the everyday moments you typically overlook? Cultivating a consistent state of gratitude and appreciation - for ourselves and for co-workers - is a deeply transformative practice. It shifts your focus from a sense of lack and limitation to one of abundance and hope, encouraging greater resilience, deeper connections, and a more authentic sense of well-being. By intentionally recognizing the good, you open yourself to more positive experiences, creating a cascading benefit for your career, as well as for those who work around you. This isn't just a transient burst of optimism; it's a conscious decision to integrate a constructive mindset into every aspect of your profession.

The question then becomes: How can you develop effective strategies to not only move beyond workplace challenges, but also to consistently cultivate and sustain an active sense of gratitude and appreciation? Consider the following actionable objectives:

How can you develop effective strategies to not only move beyond workplace challenges, but also to consistently cultivate and sustain an active sense of gratitude and appreciation?.

FOR SELF:

Start a Gratitude Journal: Utilize a notebook or a digital document to reflect on your achievements and strengths, recording the best moments of the workday. Also, list 3 things that you believe you did especially well, focusing on your effort or character. Weekly, review your list and identify trends, such as recurring strengths or positive traits. Acknowledge and affirm these qualities. Remember to celebrate every win, regardless of its perceived significance.

Cultivate the practice of discovering the extraordinary in the everyday. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary life experiences is remarkably small—a mere one degree. When confronting a challenge or crisis in confidence, go back to your journal to remind yourself of your capabilities and successes.

Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and support you would offer a coworker. Be strategically mindful and pay attention to the quality of your thoughts. During moments of self-incrimination, pause and acknowledge the feeling without passing judgment. Speak to yourself kindly, with encouraging phrases like, "This is painful, but it’s only temporary and I’ll get through it stronger than before." Engage in small acts of self-care daily that re-energize and nourish you, whether it's a brisk walk in the morning air or the preparation of a favorite meal. When you prioritize your own needs, you lay the foundation for growth and put yourself in the best position to genuinely value the needs of others.

Use the "Mental Subtraction" tool: Reflect on what your job would be like without certain positive things, boosting a greater appreciation for their presence. Choose one dimension of your job you often dismiss, such as your co-workers, office, or supervisor. Now imagine the absence of that beneficial circumstance or relationship and how your professional situation would be hindered without it. Return to the present and accept the gift again with a deeper sense of gratitude, consciously acknowledging its value. Often, a sense of entitlement works against a mental state of gratitude. When good things are always present in our lives, we

Go beyond office hierarchy obligations to express targeted and meaningful appreciation. Establish a daily habit to genuinely thank at least one person...

forget their immense value. Gratitude reminds us of what we have, which fosters a healthy sense of self.

FOR OTHERS:

Practice Verbal Affirmation: Go beyond office hierarchy obligations to express targeted and meaningful appreciation. Establish a daily habit to genuinely thank at least one person, clearly acknowledging what they did and how it favorably impacted your day, such as “Thank you for coming with me to the manager’s office; it eased my anxiety to have your support.” When you witness someone's great character or effort, reach out and let them know, such as “I really appreciate the coffee on my desk every morning; it's such a thoughtful treat.” Set a weekly goal to thank someone for something they did; a gesture that left an impression, like the co-worker who personally delivered a care basket to your desk when you were returning from a cold.

Invest Yourself in Acts of Service (Pay It Forward): Show appreciation through action. On a regular basis,

BUSINESS CORNER

perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone, without expecting validation or reciprocity. Reach out to a coworker with a specific need whether they have expressed a request for help or not, signaling your interest and willingness to assist. This can be as small and simple as offering a colleague a special treat for lunch. When offering assistance, consider the person's love language and what is uniquely important to them. If it’s a clean office, tidy up the conference and/ or breakroom for them. Find opportunities to coach, mentor or share your knowledge, paying forward the support you've received from others.

Engage in Active Listening: Show appreciation by acknowledging and valuing the thoughts and feelings of others, even when there is disagreement. During interactions, be present in the moment and grateful for the opportunity to connect. Set aside digital devices or other distractions that may degrade the quality of your communication. Provide non-verbal cues that send a clear message that you are open and receptive, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding occasionally. Lean forward and actively listen, taking special notice of their tone, gestures, and facial expressions. To fully absorb information, resist the tendency to mentally rehearse a response while someone is still talking. Ask clarifying questions that facilitate common ground, and then reiterate what you understood to demonstrate full engagement.

As you integrate these simple yet effective practices into your professional life, you'll witness a significant shift in perspective. By focusing on the good, expressing thanks, and appreciating the value of small moments, you'll cultivate a heart of gratitude that permeates every area of your life, not just at

work. When you intentionally practice gratitude in the workplace, it not only transforms your individual experience, but also extends outward, strengthening relationships and facilitating an environment where mutual well-being can thrive. Now, it's time to leverage this potential and watch as gratitude transforms your relationships, your work, and your overall well-being. With consistent time and practice, gratitude will become a natural part of your daily rhythm, bringing more fulfillment into your life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, PCC, BCC is a speaker and consultant that works with executives who want to intensify their leadership brilliance and success. Leveraging his 30+ years of experience, his clients pivot to a mindset of clarity and confidence so they continue to produce and collaborate at extraordinary levels. Learn more please visit ExecutiveCoachTurner.com.

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Consolidation in the Liquid Waste Industry: What It Means for Independent Operators

BY FMC ADVISORS, LLC

START ATTACKING FOG NOW

Over the last decade, the liquid waste industry — including septic pumping, portable restroom rentals, and related services — has experienced a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). National providers, regional roll-ups, and private equity firms are aggressively pursuing acquisitions. Their goals are clear: build route density, capture economies of scale, and expand vertically into complementary services. For independent operators, this trend brings both opportunity and urgency. The wave of consolidation isn’t slowing down — and owners who understand what’s driving it are better positioned to take advantage.

WHY BUYERS ARE TARGETING THE INDUSTRY

1. Predictable, Recurring Revenue

Liquid waste businesses often benefit from recurring contracts — whether it’s regular septic pumping, event-based portable restroom rentals, or ongoing service agreements. Buyers value this recurring cash flow, as it provides stability across economic cycles.

2. Route Density = Profitability

A core driver in acquisitions is route density: serving more customers in a concentrated area. The tighter the routes, the higher the profit margins. Acquiring nearby competitors immediately improves efficiency and bottom-line performance.

FOR INDEPENDENT

OPERATORS, THIS TREND BRINGS BOTH OPPORTUNITY AND URGENCY. THE WAVE OF CONSOLIDATION ISN’T SLOWING DOWN...

3. Barriers to Entry

Permits, compliance requirements, and the capital investment needed for fleets and disposal infrastructure make this a difficult industry for new entrants. Buyers see established operators as valuable footholds in otherwise protected markets.

4. Fragmentation = Opportunity

Despite consolidation, the industry remains highly fragmented. Thousands of independent businesses operate across the U.S., presenting abundant acquisition opportunities.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR INDEPENDENT OPERATORS

For business owners, consolidation presents both risks and opportunities:

4 Valuations Are Strong: Acquisitions are driving up multiples in many regions, creating an attractive window for owners considering a sale.

4 Competition Is Shifting: Competing against larger, well-capitalized companies can be challenging. Independents may need to double down on service quality and local relationships to stand out.

4 Exit Windows May Narrow: Consolidators often prioritize companies with clean financials, strong customer bases, and growth potential. Businesses that don’t prepare may find fewer buyers interested when they’re finally ready to sell.

HOW TO POSITION YOUR BUSINESS FOR SUCCESS

Even if a sale isn’t imminent, independent operators should start preparing today. Here are five steps to ensure your business is ready for consolidation opportunities:

1. Clean Up Financials

Ensure your books are accurate, up to date, and reflect true profitability. Buyers will discount poorly kept records.

2. Reduce Customer Concentration

Relying on one or two large accounts can make buyers nervous. A diversified customer base is more attractive.

3. Maintain Fleet & Assets

A well-documented, reliable fleet signals operational efficiency and reduces buyer risk.

4. Retain Key Employees

Buyers want stability. Keep strong managers and drivers engaged, as employee turnover during a sale can jeopardize value.

5. Plan Ahead

Ideally, prepare 2–3 years in advance of a sale. This allows time to strengthen weak areas and maximize valuation.

THE ROLE OF TRUSTED ADVISORS

Selling a business in a consolidating industry is complex. Between valuation, deal structuring, tax implications, and negotiating terms, the process can overwhelm even the most seasoned operators. That’s where specialized advisors come in.

At FMC Advisors, LLC, we work exclusively with owners of portable restroom and septic service companies across the U.S. Our role is to:

4 Prepare businesses for sale.

4 Connect sellers with the right strategic or financial buyers.

4 Manage negotiations and due diligence.

4 Maximize after-tax proceeds for our clients.

FINAL THOUGHT

Consolidation in the liquid waste industry is reshaping the competitive landscape. For independent operators, it represents both challenge and opportunity. By understanding the forces at play — and taking proactive steps to prepare — owners can position themselves to benefit from this historic wave of industry change.

The time to act is now. Whether you’re ready to sell today or just starting to plan, aligning your strategy with the realities of consolidation will ensure you don’t just survive this trend — you thrive in it.

FMC ADVISORS, LLC

Helping portable toilet and septic service business owners prepare, sell, and maximize value.

www.fmcadvisors.com

damon@fmcadvisors.com | 407-765-9440

How Vactor 2100i Helps Keep Stevens Point’s Wastewater System Flowing Smoothly

For more than two decades, the City of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has relied on Vactor equipment to keep its wastewater systems operating efficiently. With over 200 miles of wastewater lines, regular maintenance is essential. The Vactor 2100i has become an indispensable part of the process. Recently retired, Mark Zalewski spent over 25 years

with the city’s wastewater team, including overseeing stormwater and sanitary. After the city created a separate stormwater utility, he became wastewater lead but still did televising on the stormwater mains. In wastewater, with a small crew of just two or three people, having equipment that’s powerful, efficient and easy to operate was critical.

“We started with a used Vactor, and I pretty much fell in love with it,” Zalewski said. “Once we saw what it could do, we never looked back.”

CHALLENGES

Like many municipalities, Stevens Point faces a variety of persistent sewer maintenance issues:

• Roots in clay tile pipes

Recently retired, Mark Zalewski spent over 25 years with the city’s wastewater team, including overseeing stormwater and sanitary. After the city created a separate stormwater utility, he became wastewater lead but still did televising on the stormwater mains.

• Grease and rags in lift stations

• Debris accumulation, especially in winter when iced up

• Aging infrastructure, including clay, PVC and concrete lines

Zalewski’s team followed a preventative maintenance schedule, cutting and jetting sewer lines in sections

With the 2100i, I could cut and jet blindfolded — though I never did and definitely don’t recommend it...

across the north, middle and south of the city on a regular basis. The goal was simple: Stay ahead of blockages.

SOLUTION: VACTOR 2100I

Over the years, Stevens Point upgraded from earlier Vactor Classic and Plus models to two modern Vactor 2100i units. According to Zalewski, the difference was immediately noticeable.

“With the 2100i, I could cut and jet blindfolded — though I never did and definitely don’t recommend it,” he joked.

The features of the 2100i allowed for more precise control, greater reach and less physical strain on the crew :

• The RDB boom extends out 10 feet and drops down 15, allowing access to deep lines without excessive manual handling.

• Positive displacement system delivered better

continued on page 40

Stock UnitS AvAil Able

Slide-In Unit

2025 Peterbilt 567 with 4200

2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with 1200-gallon 2C (300 water/950 waste), with a Masport HD4 hydraulic drive with a cooler, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind DC 10 water pump, dual-side bucket fill, dual 36” toolboxes, dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders

$130,000.00

2024 Ford F550 4x4 equipped with a 999-gallon 2C (300 water/699 waste), with a Masport HD3 engine drive, dual-sided service, 50’ hose spring rewind 45 PSI water system, dual-side bucket fill, dual 48” toolboxes (not shown), dual-side 2” x 30’ Tigertail suction hose, dual-side bucket holder, chemical holder drivers-side, dual-side wand holders

$107,000.00 (Gas Models starting at 96,000.00 complete)

2025 Peterbilt 537 Paccar PX-7 equipped with with an Allison 2500 RDS-P Transmission Gen 6, a 2500-gallon 2C (200 freshwater/2300 waste), Masport Titan 407 CFM’s, Masport water system PTO driven with 50’ rewind garden hose, 48” Toolbox

$168,950.00

Optional Add-on: Jetter Box $6,000.00

Zalewski noted that being able to vacuum during active cutting was effective and kept operators cleaner.

performance than fan-style units, especially when vacuuming in challenging conditions.

• The front-mounted hose reel simplified setup and eliminated alignment issues common with rearmounted systems.

• Customizable nozzles and interchangeable blades made it easy to match the cutter to different pipe diameters.

RESULTS

With the Vactor 2100i, Stevens Point’s team was able to:

• Improve cleaning efficiency with less manpower

• Reduce wear-and-tear on equipment and personnel

• Maintain cleaner systems year-round, including harsh winters

• Minimize exposure risks — cutting, jetting and vacuuming without getting sewage on operators Zalewski noted that being able to vacuum during active cutting was effective and kept operators cleaner.

“You could vacuum the mist right as you’re cutting and flushing. It keeps the sewage off your face and body. That’s a win.”

Additionally, maintenance was simple. The crew could easily drain and clean filters, which captured fine debris and helped avoid clogs during heavy summer root growth.

CONCLUSION

When presenting the budget to the city for new units, Zalewski highlighted the cost savings in manpower, lower maintenance and higher resale value as strong justification.

Stevens Point's long-term investment in Vactor trucks — especially the 2100i — proved essential in maintaining a reliable, efficient wastewater system. And for a small municipal crew, that made all the difference.

“We’d never have made it this long without Vactor,” said Zalewski. “If I had to do it all over again, I’d make the same choice.”

ABOUT VACTOR

Vactor is a leading provider of sewer cleaning and vacuum excavation equipment, trusted by municipalities and contractors across North America. Designed with operator safety, performance and long-term value in mind, Vactor units like the 2100i deliver power and precision when it matters most.

Learn more at Vactor.com.