cookout. Set up an annual employee appreciation event. Give
employees more responsibility when they deserve it.
Everyone wants to be appreciated, so figure out a way
to show your appreciation. Bring your crew to our Preferred
Pump open house—we will show them a good time and it
does not cost them a dime. Take them to a water well con-
vention. Use the convention as an opportunity to teach them
about the industry but also treat them to some fun outings.
WWJ: Looking back, what are your fondest
memories in creating the company?
Lyne: My fondest memories are the personal interactions I have
had with employees, customers, and vendors. I have had so much
fun interacting with everyone involved in our industry. All those
people who make up our wonderful industry are my friends.
WWJ: Has your role changed since the ESOP? Is there
a set time when it changes?
Lyne: My role really has not changed. I still hold the same
position of president, and I do not think anything has changed
since we became an ESOP. As we become larger with more
branches, employees, and revenue, delegation becomes more
important every year. But that happened before and after the
ESOP formation. Really, nothing has changed with my role.
WWJ: Lastly, how does it feel to leave Preferred
Pump & Equipment's future in the hands of your
employees?
Lyne: It feels really, really good. Very gratifying. We have
formalized what has always been the case at Preferred Pump.
My employees have always been much more than employees.
Honestly, they have always been my partners. I have had a
wonderful career in business.
I would never have succeeded without wonderful, compe-
tent, engaged, and motivated employees. Legally, I was a sin-
gle owner sole proprietorship for 38 years before becoming an
ESOP. In reality, I have always had great partners—my fellow
employees—that has not changed.
Mike Price is senior editor of Water Well Journal.
In addition to his WWJ responsibilities, Price also con-
tributes to the Association's scientific publications.
He can be reached at mprice@ngwa.org, or at
(800) 551-7379, ext. 1541.
WWJ
Learn more about Preferred Pump & Equipment's history and
ESOP decision by watching the announcement at www.youtube.com/
watch?v=x8lLDvgN1LQ.
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waterwelljournal.com 32 n October 2021 WWJ
WATER WELL JOURNAL Q&A
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