Spartan Tool takes pride in the many businesses with whom we’ve had the pleasure of working since we opened our doors in 1943. We are honored to support plumbers and drain cleaners with our finely-crafted, professional grade equipment.
Join us every month as we highlight customers who have become part of our Spartan Tool family in our Pro of the Month Series.
This month, we are featuring Don Smith, President of Smith’s Sewer Service Inc. in Johnston, IA.
“Just be stubborn.”
That’s the advice Don Smith would give to other pros looking to grow in the drain cleaning industry. And he would know—Smith’s Sewer Service Inc. has been in business since 1935, and will soon pass to his son, the fourth generation of the Smith family to be in the industry.
Smith’s Sewer Service Inc. was founded by Smith’s grandfather. Smith got his start working in the business as a child, when he would help his father by carrying his tools on the job. Smith took over the company as president in 1969, and they plan to be in business for many years to come.
Smith points to a good reputation as the foundation for business growth. He says, “I don’t want to be the biggest; I want to be the best.” When a business builds a good reputation for quality service, growth is sure to follow.
Smith’s Sewer Service sees growth every year. They’ve expanded into other services, but their mainstay is sewer and drain cleaning. For cable machines, they rely on Spartan Tool exclusively. Smith’s uses everything from the Model 700 and Model 100 up to the 1065 and 2001. About Spartan Tool, Smith says, “They’ve been a great partner. If we have a problem, it’s addressed immediately.”
The most common issue Smith’s Sewer Service technicians encounter in the field is root intrusion. Smith’s relies on Magnum cable to get the job done. Smith says, “Magnum cables haven’t failed yet to get through tree roots. When the other guys can’t tackle the job, we can.”
Don Smith is looking forward to passing his business—a business founded and built through generations of his family—on to his son, who will carry on their legacy. Don plans to enjoy his retirement.
Congratulations to Smith’s Sewer Service Inc. for many successful years in business, and we wish you many more!