A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION - RON INMAN’S 50th WORK ANNIVERSARY

A half-century of dedication, hard work, and leadership is what Ron Inman has contributed to our industry and to our Association and he has not stopped yet!

On September 27^th, more than 100 PSAI friends and family gathered in Tacoma, Washington to celebrate Ron Inman and his inspiring career. 

The entire Honey Bucket staff, led by Jason and Angela Perry, Greg Potts, and Trevor and Janalyn Inman did an outstanding job planning such a memorable event. 

In addition to the picturesque location – the Tacoma Country & Golf Club, overlooking American Lake – the menu, the program, and the various displays of Ron’s life and career were amazing.

Guests enjoyed a fascinating display showcasing the company’s history, various artifacts, and Ron’s contributions through the years. Among the highlights:

• In 1968, Alan Kimmel founded Cascade Septic Services. At this same time, an 11-year-old Ron Inman had a newspaper delivery route in Tacoma, Washington.

• In 1974, Mark Perry became Employee #8 at Cascade Septic. The next year, after graduating high school, Ron Inman became Employee #11 as a laborer with “shovel in hand”!

• In 1982, Mark Perry purchased Cascade Septic Services from Alan Kimmel and Redford Honey Bucket from A.J. Redford. The company is now in the portable sanitation business.

• In 1987, Ron attended his first PSAI Convention in Nashville, Tennessee led by PSAI President Joe Yannuzzi.

• From 1995-96, Ron served as PSAI President.

• In 1998, Ron was promoted to Vice President of Honey Bucket. In addition, Honey Bucket expands to Spokane, Washington and Northern Idaho. Ron lived in this area for 6 months during the transition.

• In 2002, Honey Bucket and 4 other companies provide units for the Winter Olympics, in Salt Lake City, Utah and it was a remarkable success. Ron lived in Salt Lake City for 4 months during this time. His leadership, experience, and teamwork were invaluable.    

• In 2007, as part of Ron’s responsibility to expand, Honey Bucket entered the Utah market.

• In 2013, Honey Bucket entered the Bay Area, California market.

• In 2015, the company entered the North Bay Area market in California – including Napa Valley.

• In 2019, Ron Inman was awarded the M.Z. “Andy” Gump Award, the most prestigious honor in the PSAI.               

• In 2021, among the company’s 9 acquisitions was Liberty Site Services in Denver, Colorado.  

• In 2023, Honey Bucket entered the Atlanta, Georgia market.

After an excellent meal, personally selected by Ron, Jason Perry, Trevor Inman, and Greg Potts hosted an engaging program. They did a fantastic job welcoming the guests and in introducing Ron – although he hardly needed an introduction.

Fond Remembrances

Ron thanked everyone in attendance and then shared: “I carry a lot of satisfaction in knowing that I give this company my all. I also have a lot of satisfaction that the company has taken great care of me and my family. I attribute the reason for that focus as coming from many here in this room, especially Mark Perry.”

He continues, “travel and recreation together have allowed me to spend quality time with so many of you! I thank you all for your friendship, fellowship, and support.”

As far as the PSAI, Ron shares “the PSAI is something that we have supported and been active in for many years. We started out learning a lot from others. We know that we learn and implement changes gained from others still. Now I, and others, continue to serve on committees and add or give back where we can. It makes me happy that Trevor is now serving on the Board.”

(AN INTERESTING ASIDE: Honey Bucket has had more PSAI Presidents than any other company. Ron Inman 1995-96, Tim Petersen 2015-16, Matt Sola 2018-19, and Jason Perry 2022-23. With Trevor Inman now serving on the current PSAI Board, who knows what the future holds?)

Ron then shared some of his mentors and friends from the PSAI including Barry Gump, Clyde Sansom, Lee & Connie Sola, Todd Hilde, John Babcock, Bill Williams, Todd Boyd, Flay & Glenda Anthony, Dave Banauski, myself and so many others.

He made special mention of his mentors Barry Gump, his father and mother, Ross Anderson, Bill Stuth, Jerry Knutsen, Steve Barger, Carl Lilliquist, and Greg Potts. Ron also stated that Tim Petersen, Jason Perry, and son, Trevor, “continue to teach and challenge me.”

Ron gave a very heartfelt statement in saying that “I cannot stress enough how much of what I do and who I have become is a direct result of the Leadership and Friendship of Mark Perry.” 

Words for All to Live By

Ron shared these words for all in attendance to reflect upon – they are very poignant:    

“I hope that I am remembered as an example for others to know a few key things:

1. Family is important, no matter whom you decide is your family. (You all here are family.).

2. Christ and church are a big part of my life and stability.

3. Work Hard, Play Hard.

4. Choose to do what is right versus what is easy. Sometimes both can be true.

5. Treat everyone with respect. Try to meet them where they are.

6. Tell people the truth in as pleasant a way as possible. (But be willing to call the baby ugly.)

7. The details matter. The words matter.

8. Learn to take comfort in being vulnerable. This one was much later in life, but oh so important.

9. It’s never too late to add knowledge (keep learning).

10. Your rewards will follow your hard work and accomplishments. (Focus on the results, not the prize.)

11. Life Balance is important and different for each person.

12. Communicate, Listen, Communicate, Listen.

Insightful words from an exceptional leader and friend! 

Concluding Words

After sharing such interesting and inspiring words on his past, Ron concluded with his view of the future: 

“When the idea of this party was shared with me, I was a bit uncertain. After consideration, I started to like the idea. However, I made it perfectly clear that this is a celebration and not in any way a retirement party!”     

It is indeed an honor to have Ron Inman as a friend, a confidant, and a fellow PSAI volunteer!