#WhatWorkLooksLike as an Owner of a Septic Tank Pumping and Waste Removal Company
Caitlyn Pocock
Owner
Suck It Up Septic
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I’m Caitlyn Pocock — a 36 year old wife, mom of two boys, and the only female septic pumper in my province. We live a busy life of farming, fishing, poop trucking and running the boys to hockey and whatever else. Oh ya, we live in PEI, Canada so we spend as much time on the water as possible. Our beaches are AMAZING!
My husband is James Brander, and he is literally the backbone — he’s my Mr. Fix It, my mechanic, my engineer, and the calm to my chaotic. I am the mother of Chris (age 12) and Kash (age 7). Our youngest son loves to come to work with me and wants to take over the poop truck someday.
What prompted you to start Suck It Up Septic?
Six years ago, I had a great job working for the government, and I hated every minute of it. A controlled schedule with two kids and a husband that lobster fishes, it just didn't work for our lifestyle or my happiness. I had always joked that we should buy a Septic truck because everyone is so full of it, you'd never run out of business. Then, an old family friend who owned a septic truck passed away. That was it, we did up the business plan and Suck it up Septic was born six weeks later.
What does work look like as a business owner of Suck It Up Septic and a farmer?
Everyday is different, and that is what I like about it. Farm chores are always done first, we have 200 chickens and 60 turkeys at the moment. Next, I go over my bookings for the day, GPS locations I’m unfamiliar with, grab my coffee and I’m off in the truck (or Tilly as she has been named— yes, my truck has a name!). I can pump up to 6 tanks in a day depending on distance to where I have to offload them and difficulty of the job. I cannot forget the paperwork, scheduling, answering messages and giving out advice.
How might your day-to-day schedule differ each day?
I have control over how my schedule looks which is exactly what I needed.
Some days, I’m just pumping tanks, doing paperwork ( which I HATE) or working on a new promo to add to our services. Other days, I play hooky and do nothing, which is super rare.
What has your experience been with workwear?
My experience with workwear has been difficult. We live in a small province, where women doing labor jobs is still not the norm, so big box places, such as Marks, don't stock any women’s workwear. I have some luck with our locol Co-op (farm store). The manager did bring in a line of pants, overalls, and hoodies for me, and she almost sold out once I promoted some of the workwear she was carrying.
What do you need/want in your workwear to be successful and comfortable throughout the day?
I need my clothes to MOVE!!! I can't handle stiff jackets, pants, hoodies, if I can't move my arms freely, I'm out! And they need to wash well, especially when you’re dealing with sewage all day. Everything I wear to work gets washed after one use. Waterproof is a big plus too!
As a business owner, farmer, and mother, what problems have your Glow Workwear Squeeze pants and Buttery Work Vest solved?
The Squeeze pants are everything I needed!
I love the pockets, where I can stash bailer twine and carry screwdrivers. They are even shit proof because the poop just beads right off. That was a WOW for me!
The mosquitoes have a tough time biting through the fabric, and that was a bonus win for me because sewers and mosquitos go hand in hand. The vest is amazing too! It keeps me warm while leaving my arms feeling free and not trapped.
How would you describe the waist on the Squeeze pants?
Great, flexible, and does not slide down!
I have one suggestion — a stitch in the band to stop it from twisting in the washer.
What advice do you have for first time septic system owners?
Get your septic pumped on a regular 2-3 year schedule and do not skip out! It's a minor cost that will save you in the long run. Also, TP ONLY!!! Wipes are not flushable despite what it says on the packaging.
If there was 1 thing you could ask the world to do that would make a positive impact, what would it be?
Don't be a Dick! Choose to be nice! Smile!