Want to scale a 7-figure wastewater business without burning out? In this episode of The Number Two Septic Podcast, host Ashley Christian sits down with industry veteran David Meints (Owner of Meinco Wastewater Systems). David breaks down how he built a 26+-employee operation over 30 years, transitioning from a weekend side hustle to a multimillion-dollar service provider.

Whether you're looking to step back from daily operations, build recurring revenue through service contracts, or avoid costly mistakes when taking on commercial projects, this episode is packed with hard-earned business lessons for contractors, designers, and trade entrepreneurs!

• From Side Hustle to Scale: How David transitioned from an AutoCAD side job to a 30-year full-service wastewater empire.
• Working with Your Spouse: Practical advice for husband-wife business partners on balancing roles, setting boundaries, and leveraging strengths.
• The Power of Delegation: How stepping back from daily operations and building a middle-management team unlocks massive growth.
• Hiring "Smartly": Why you don't need industry-trained candidates to build a winning team (and why job descriptions matter).
• The Goldmine of Service Contracts: Why recurring service contracts—not just installations—create true enterprise value.
• Commercial vs. Residential: The hidden financing traps of commercial jobs (and how to price net-90 payment terms correctly).

• [02:40] - How a Side Hustle Turned into a Full-Time Septic Business
• [05:10] - Scaling with His Wife, Renee: Navigating Business as a Couple
• [13:05] - Why Meinco Wastewater Systems Doesn't Do Pumping (and the Waste Disposal Challenge)
• [16:20] - Attending Trade Shows & Building Industry Reputation
• [20:15] - Hiring Smartly: Finding the Right Employees & Structuring Management
• [26:10] - Overcoming Financial Mistakes & Valuing Your Business
• [31:40] - Delegating Responsibility & Stepping Back as CEO
• [36:10] - Daily Habits for Downloading Workflow and Preventing Burnout
• [42:00] - Installer vs. Designer vs. Service Provider: Where the Real Value Is
• [44:40] - The Truth About Commercial vs. Residential Septic Work

If you found value in this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell so you never miss an episode!

• Check out Meinco Wastewater Systems: meincowastewater.com 
• Meinco Wastewater Systems Hiring Agency: Employment Solutions
• Follow The Number Two Septic Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@groundbreakermarketing
• Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/459Ep5HE2cO4BV9uYsK2lO
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-2-septic-podcast/id1864034975

#SepticBusiness #WastewaterIndustry #TradeEntrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #SubsurfaceWastewater #TradesPodcast

How do you go from buying a beat-up septic truck on Craigslist to running a global manufacturing operation? In this episode of The No. 2 Septic Podcast, Ashley sits down with Caleb Ingram, founder of Iron-Vac Truck Sales. Caleb shares his raw, no-nonsense journey—from going door-to-door begging to pump tanks to building a multi-million-dollar manufacturing powerhouse. Whether you're trying to scale your fleet, navigate tough hiring challenges, or master old-school relationships in a modern digital world, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.

• The "Starving Mindset" Advantage: How Caleb built a thriving pumping business in 15 months using simple SEO and relentless hustle.
• Overcoming Massive Failures: Why moving to a new state crashed his first expansion—and how pivoting saved his career.
• Mastering Steel Tank Manufacturing: What it really takes to design and build world-class vacuum trucks that won't implode under pressure.
• Unconventional Marketing Tactics: How sending flowers and coffee to administrative staff generated thousands in referrals (and beat out competition).
• Hard Lessons in Hiring & Betrayal: Navigating employee heartbreak, scaling from 5 to 50 staff, and learning to delegate control without losing your mind.
• The Power of Giving Back: Why Iron-Vac Truck Sales gives away a $100,000 custom septic truck every single year to a deserving operator.

• [00:00] - Introduction & Welcome Caleb Ingram
• [00:32] - What Iron-Vac Truck Sales Does & Global Reach
• [02:06] - From Healthcare Management to Buying a Truck on Craigslist
• [05:28] - The Arkansas Pivot: When Pumping Failed & Manufacturing Was Born
• [13:30] - Sourcing, Flow Rates, & Learning the Science of Steel Tanks
• [19:00] - Cold Calling 1,000 People a Day & The $100k Truck Giveaway
• [26:00] - Scaling from 5 to 50 Employees: Lessons in Hiring & Trust
• [32:00] - Dealing with Employee Betrayal, Theft, & Staying Resilient
• [42:00] - Old-School Relational Marketing: Edible Arrangements & Building Referral Networks
• [52:32] - Caleb's Grandfather’s Golden Advice & Closing Thoughts

Caleb Ingram is the founder and CEO of Iron-Vac Truck Sales, an industry-leading manufacturer of custom steel liquid waste and vacuum trucks based in Searcy, Arkansas. The No. 2 Septic Podcast brings you real, unfiltered conversations with leaders, operators, and innovators shaping the liquid waste and septic industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

🌐 Connect with Iron-Vac Truck Sales:

• Website: https://www.septictrucks.com

#SepticTrucks #Iron-Vac #SepticBusiness #LiquidWaste #Entrepreneurship

Are municipal dump fees and rising regulations gutting your septic business’s profit margins?

Discover how Jon Jouvenaux vertically integrated his septic & portable toilet company into a multi-million dollar operation—slashing dump fees, unlocking massive route efficiency, and creating recession-proof revenue streams.

Whether you run a single-truck operation or a fleet, Jon breaks down the exact blueprint for turning high-cost waste liabilities into high-margin assets, utilizing automated receiving, land application, dewatering, and advanced biosolids management.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Vertical Integration Blueprint: How controlling your own disposal site saves thousands per month and adds 2+ hours of daily productivity per truck.
• Property Acquisition Secrets: Why you should NEVER buy disposal real estate under your business name (and how to avoid the "NIMBY" backlash).
• Game-Changing Technology: How the Muckraker receiving station unloads 4,000-gallon trucks in under 10 minutes while eliminating heavy debris.
• The Preferred Maintenance Program: How to build an automated, recurring monthly annuity stream that locks in long-term customer loyalty.
• Recession-Proof Income Streams: How solving municipal PFAS, microplastics, and biosolids problems turns cities into paying clients.
• Essential Business Books & Mindset: Key reads (The E-Myth Revisited, Blue Ocean Strategy, The Go-Giver) that transform trade workers into scalable business leaders.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Introducing vertical integration in the septic industry

[01:05] — The disposal problem that sparked a new business model

[04:21] — Building the clean-water farm and local depot system

[07:38] — Where operators should begin when expanding

[10:51] — Doing the math: turning disposal costs into profit and capacity

[17:39] — Managing risk and following a proven path

[19:12] — Why competing on price isn’t the goal

[22:41] — The next challenge: responsible waste handling and PFAS

[29:37] — Building a team to solve bigger problems

[34:23] — The most important numbers every operator should know

ABOUT THE SHOW & GUEST: The #2 Septic Podcast, hosted by Ashley Christian, dives deep into the business, strategy, and operations of the liquid waste industry. In this episode, host Ashley sits down with Jon Jouvenaux—a 30+ year industry veteran, speaker, and co-owner of BBB Septic, ViberWaste, and Net Zero Waste—who shares actionable strategies to help septic operators scale smarter and protect their bottom line.

CONNECT & RESOURCES

• 🌐 BBB Septic: https://bbbseptic.com

🔔 Enjoyed this episode?

Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the NOTIFICATION BELL to stay updated on the latest insights for growing your liquid waste business!

Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway or question about vertical integration.

#SepticBusiness #LiquidWaste #BusinessGrowth #VerticalIntegration #SepticPumping

Discover how a small-town Louisiana septic business grew into the state's largest sewer manufacturer—without fancy degrees or big loans. Titus Menche shares the surprise opportunity that transformed his life and explains why service and people matter more than anything in business.

In this episode, Titus breaks down the unconventional path from sweeping floors to owning a multi-million-dollar company. You'll discover how he turned a ministry of love and grit into an industry leader by prioritizing customer service, building a tight-knit team, and going above and beyond to solve problems. Learn how offering free equipment, flexible payment terms, and rapid response helps him dominate the Louisiana market for residential and mobile home sewer installation.

We dive into the importance of managing people with humility, the habit of paying close attention to your team’s needs, and the value of humble leadership. Titus shares his secrets for creating a family-like work environment where employees feel valued and empowered—leading to high retention and pride that fuels growth. Plus, get practical tips for managing finances, diversifying services, and navigating risks with a calm, big-picture mindset.

Timestamps:

[01:02] How Titus built a statewide sewer-manufacturing business

[02:52] Buying a company without capital or collateral

[05:37] Learning the business while leading it
[13:01] Why treating employees well drives performance

[22:01] Creating loyalty through genuine leadership

[26:32] Winning customers through unmatched service 

[29:42] The hardest parts of business ownership

[33:05] Taking on risk and carrying responsibility

[34:49] Advice for his younger self 

Titus is a country boy with a heart for his community, his team, and his craft. His story proves that hard work, common sense, and genuine care can turn a humble business into an industry leader—without shortcuts or arrogance. If you’re looking for straightforward, honest guidance from a man who’s built everything from the ground up, this episode is for you.

Whether you're a small business owner, a trades entrepreneur, or someone seeking practical inspiration, Titus’s journey will motivate you to lead with humility, service, and resilience. Hit play to learn why the best growth often comes from the genuine care you put into your work and your people.

Subscribe for more conversations that help entrepreneurs grow with purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and check out the links in the description for more resources and updates.

#Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Podcast

Discover how Cisco Septic grew from a startup to a community-loved business by prioritizing integrity, customer service, and team development. Jackie Mendieta shares invaluable lessons learned along the journey, emphasizing the importance of expectations, employee culture, and community involvement.

In this episode:

1. The origin story of Cisco Septic and lessons learned from adversity
2. How high review ratings are intentionally built through service quality
3. The importance of setting clear expectations for clients and staff
4. Strategies for training employees on customer service and company values
5. Real stories of going above and beyond for community and clients
6. Practical tips for requesting reviews and enhancing online reputation
7. The significance of personal connections and professionalism in service calls
8. How transparency and communication prevent misunderstandings and conflicts
9. The long-term benefits of community involvement with Thanksgiving initiatives
10. Advice for business owners on trusting the process and taking calculated risks

Timestamps:

[00:00] — Intro and who Cisco Septic is

[01:23] — How Cisco Septic got started

[03:22] — Growing the business through hard lessons

[06:55] — Building a company culture that puts customers first

[09:30] — Teaching team members the impact of great service

[13:48] — Handling difficult customer situations with integrity

[18:48] — Managing expectations and improving communication

[28:05] — Going beyond the job to serve the community

[39:49] — How Cisco Septic gets so many five-star reviews

[52:27] — Final advice for entrepreneurs and business growth 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe for more conversations like this, hit the like button, and check out the links in the description for more resources and updates. 

#CommunityFirst #BusinessWithHeart #ServantLeadership #CustomerCare #SmallBusinessSuccess 

Most septic businesses stay small because owners hesitate to take bold risks—but Jason Lambert didn’t. In this episode, he shares how he scaled from septic tank installs to full-service sewer solutions by making strategic moves, buying smart, and leaning into growth before it felt comfortable.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or trades professional looking for real-world lessons on scaling, branding, pricing, and leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can use right away.

What You’ll Learn

• How Jason grew a septic business through acquisitions and brand consolidation
• Why owning your website, phone number, and reviews matters more than ever
• How to price honestly while still protecting customer satisfaction
• What it takes to build repeat business in a competitive local market
• How early AI-driven advertising can help a service business stand out
• The lessons Jason learned from setbacks, recessions, and business mistakes
  

Timestamps

• [02:42] — Buying and merging the pump truck company
• [03:35] — Advice on growth: think of business like a tree
• [06:17] — Early AI advertising and standing out
• [10:59] — Hiring the right people and delegating
• [17:47] — Team building and rewarding employees
• [21:25] — Pricing strategy and staying competitive
• [27:32] — Reviews, Google reputation, and responding to bad feedback
• [35:39] — His million-dollar advice: commit and marry what you do
  

About the Guest/Show

Jason Lambert is a hands-on business owner who built his company by combining field experience with a smart growth strategy. This show highlights real conversations with entrepreneurs and operators who are building, scaling, and leading in the real world.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe for more conversations like this, hit the like button, and check out the links in the description for more resources and updates.

#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BlueCollarBusiness #SmallBusiness

The secret to scaling a septic business isn’t just trucks, tools, or even price—it’s service, culture, and professionalism. In this episode, Mason shares how he built a thriving septic and portable toilet company in just five years, earned 250+ reviews, and turned customer experience into a serious growth engine.

Plus, we dive into the numbers that actually drive profitability. Check out the featured Plumbing Sales Coach to help you track your margins, price accurately, and ensure your business is built to scale.

If you’re a trades business owner, entrepreneur, or service leader, this conversation is packed with practical ways to increase reviews, improve team culture, and stand out in a crowded market.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Mason grew a septic company from zero to 250+ reviews in just five years
• Why “six-star service” creates customer loyalty and referrals
• The hiring strategy that prioritizes attitude and charisma over experience
• How to build a stronger team culture with simple daily habits
• The metrics Mason watches to improve performance and revenue per call
• Why offering 3 quote options helps customers choose the right solution
• How to scale without getting stuck doing everything yourself
• What adding portable toilets taught him about operations, demand, and leadership

Timestamps:
[00:00] - Introduction

[00:50] - How the business started

[05:08] - Building reviews through service

[08:27] - Hiring for attitude and culture

[12:10] - Tracking metrics and call averages

[15:20] - Competing on value, not price

[19:16] - Letting go and delegating

[21:38] - Adding portable toilets

[23:21] - Marketing and website strategy

[30:33] - Final advice for business owners

About the Guest/Show: Mason Rickner is the owner of KM Excavation in Stroud, Oklahoma, where he leads a growing septic and portable toilet business. He also works as an Oklahoma City firefighter, bringing a service-first mindset and strong leadership to everything he does.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to subscribe, like, and turn on notifications for more interviews and business growth insights.

#SepticBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #BlueCollarBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast 

If you’re a septic business owner, service-based entrepreneur, or family-run business leader, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away. Ashley sits down with Julio and Sandy Vega of VSE Septic Services in Austin, Texas, to talk about building a successful husband-and-wife business, delivering exceptional customer service, and using systems and AI to scale without losing the human touch. From hiring for attitude to creating a paperless, process-driven operation, this conversation is full of real-world lessons from a company that’s been serving its community for 20 years.

What You’ll Learn:
• How Julio and Sandy built a thriving septic business together over two decades
• Why “hire for attitude, train for skill” is one of their most important hiring philosophies
• How they keep business and marriage separate while working side by side
• Why field restoration and maintenance became their niche in a crowded industry
• How bilingual service has helped them better serve their Texas community
• The systems they rely on to stay organized, efficient, and scalable
• How AI is helping them improve customer communication, follow-up, and internal workflows

Timestamps:
[00:38] How the business started
[09:39] Advice for working with your spouse
[13:03] Hiring for attitude and building company culture
[21:13] Serving Spanish-speaking customers
[25:48] Hardest challenges in business
[28:08] Crucial systems and processes
[32:31] How they use AI in the business
[41:16] Million-dollar advice for septic owners

Julio and Sandy Vega are the owners of VSE Septic Services, a full-service septic company based in the Austin, Texas area, with a strong focus on customer-first field restoration, repairs, and maintenance. On this episode of the Number Two Septic Podcast, they share hard-earned lessons on leadership, teamwork, and building a business with integrity.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe for more conversations with industry experts, hit the like button, and check out the links in the description for more resources and information.

#SepticBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessOwner #AIforBusiness #PodcastInterview

Dive into the world of Wastewater Management with Logan Holekamp from Guadalupe Wastewater. 

Discover how Logan transformed a family business into a thriving enterprise in the heart of Texas Hill Country.

What You'll Learn:

• The journey from survival mode to thriving business owner
• Insights into managing a multi-generational family business
• The importance of community and collaboration in the wastewater industry
• Tips for hiring and building a strong team
• Future trends and innovations in wastewater management

Timestamps Placeholder:

[00:00] - Introduction

[02:00] - Logan's Business Journey

[10:00] - Industry Insights

[20:00] - Building a Strong Team

[30:00] - Future of Wastewater Management

Logan Holekamp is the owner of Guadalupe Wastewater, a leading provider in the Texas Hill Country. With decades of experience, Logan shares his journey and insights into the wastewater industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, like, and check out the links below for more insights and updates!

#WastewaterManagement #FamilyBusiness #TexasHillCountry #SepticBusiness #WasteWaterManagement

Dive into the world of septic systems with Thomas Wayne, the operations manager at Burleson Septic Cleaning. Discover how this family-run business evolved over 54 years to become a leader in septic solutions. Join us for an insightful conversation on innovation, customer care, and the future of septic technology.

What You'll Learn:

• The journey from a small family business to a full-service septic company
  
• How technology is transforming septic maintenance
  
• The importance of company culture in business growth
  
• Tips for maintaining your septic system effectively
  
• Insights into the challenges and rewards of the septic industry
  

Timestamps Placeholder:
[00:00] - Introduction
[05:10] - Company Evolution
[10:30] - Technology in Septic Systems
[15:45] - Building a Strong Company Culture
[20:00] - Customer Care and Maintenance Tips

About the Guest/Show:
Thomas Wayne brings years of experience and a passion for innovation to Burleson Septic Cleaning. This episode of the Number Two Septic Podcast explores the intersection of tradition and technology in the septic industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Check out the links below for more information and resources.

#SepticSolutions #InnovationInSeptic #SepticMaintenance #FamilyBusiness #SepticTechnology