As the new editor of PRO magazine, I’m thrilled to take on the role and provide for our dedicated readers.

In the past nine months or so, I’ve taken over as editor of three publications previously led by Jim Kneiszel as he transitions into retirement. Each time, I’ve sat down to write my first editorial column and jotted down the main bullet points of things I want to cover. If you’ve read the May issue of Onsite Installer or November issue of Pumper, you likely know part of my spiel.  

For those that haven’t, I’ll provide a short backstory so you know who you will be working with. 

Background

I started working for COLE in late 2019, and prior to that a biology degree landed me a job in aquaponics — a form of indoor agriculture that combines farming fish and soilless food crop culture in one integrated system.

Prior to that, I spent a decent amount of time with the team at COLE Publishing. My mom was hired as a graphic designer for the company in 2000, and over the years I got to know most of the staff and was even lucky enough to travel to Nashville for the 25th anniversary of the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo (now the WWETT Show). From the perspective of a 13-year-old, it was an eye-opening experience to what this industry entailed.

Growing up around the team here, I saw how tight-knit the company was. They were friends that worked toward a joint goal of providing a needed service. So when a job offer was put in front of me to join the team, I happily accepted. 

The PRO way

Like all COLE publications, this magazine is all about providing a platform to share ideas, learn from each other and better the portable restroom industry. In each issue we profile and acknowledge someone who’s made a career in wastewater. We learn from their successes and failures, and recognize what they do for those they serve and other PROs. I realized long ago that no matter what profession you’re in, or whatever you’re trying to achieve, if you want to be successful, emulate success. 

I always find a PRO’s path to this publication interesting. We all come from different avenues in life but end up here. I have always greatly respected those who built their business from the ground up. It takes some major grit to jump into an unknown industry and work without accepting failure. On the other side of that, I see many professionals who find their way here by following in the footsteps of relatives, or through buying out an existing company that they had worked for. That is no picnic either. There is pressure that comes with stepping into a successful business knowing there are so many existing customers that rely on you and a reputation to uphold. 

The advantage of the latter is that you have a template for success. You can look back on what made that business flourish. And that’s my plan. Jim worked for 20 years to build a reputation of respect for this magazine and what he did worked. I am fortunate to follow in his footsteps and use the model he laid down. 

Emulate success

There are many principles and standards that Jim prioritized which I believe made this publication successful. So I will take my own advice moving forward with this magazine and look to the successful industry professionals of the past and present to learn from and lean on.

As Jim observed, the industry has exploded in the last 20 years and attitudes toward sanitation have changed. Professionalism has transpired. The strive for continuous improvement in that area will not retire with Jim. 

First-rate folk

In Jim’s column last month, he proclaimed that he would put the professionalism of PROs up against any other service industry and that he believes that service contractors in this industry share a closer bond than those in other similar trades. I have no doubt his observations are spot-on.

I’m excited for the opportunity to work with you all and to see Jim’s claims proved correct. I look forward to learning from you and growing in my role. Like things have always been done here, I welcome you to reach out to me at any time to share ideas for content, tell your story or simply have a discussion about the industry. 

I will end by saying there is one line from Jim’s last editorial column that I don’t agree with. He said, “I’ll no longer officially be a part of the portable sanitation industry.” That’s not true. His byline will remain and the impact he made with PRO magazine will always be part of the portable restroom industry. The pages he put together and the words he shared will always be there for us to look back on as educational resources and inspiration.

Thank you Jim for 20 years of service, and thank you all for reading this month’s issue!