VacconJohn Unplugged

#7 - Jason Bingham

Episode 7 – Jason Bingham is the owner and founder of Sewer Stormers.On this episode of VacconJohn Unplugged, I sit down with Jason Bingham, owner and founder of Sewer Stormers, a private contractor in California known for tackling some of the toughest sanitary and storm sewer jobs in the field.We dive deep into sewer and stormwater pipeline maintenance, contractor realities in California, and what it really takes to operate Combo Trucks, jetting systems, and hydroexcavation equipment efficiently. Jason shares his journey into the industry, how Sewer Stormers operates as a full turnkey pipeline maintenance company, and why understanding your equipment—down to airflow, pressure, and nozzle selection—separates average operators from great ones.🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:How Jason got started in the industry and built Sewer Stormers into a full-service sewer and stormwater maintenance companyWhy pipeline maintenance is becoming more critical as regulations and infrastructure demands increaseHow prevailing wage laws impact contractors and crews in CaliforniaWhy municipalities are increasingly relying on private contractors for pipeline maintenanceThe role of CCTV inspection in understanding pipe conditions and planning maintenanceVacuum truck fundamentals: air conveyance vs. pure vacuumFan technology vs. PD blowers—advantages, limitations, and real-world use casesWhy dual-engine trucks can reduce noise, improve efficiency, and support hydroexcavationThe importance of nozzle selection, pressure, and flow dynamics in jetting operationsWater management techniques that improve cleaning efficiencyWhy knowing your equipment’s limitations leads to better performance and fewer problemsHow continuous learning and experimentation help operators work smarter, not harderWhether you’re a contractor, municipal operator, equipment owner, or technician, this episode delivers practical, real-world insight into sewer cleaning, vacuum systems, jetting physics, and equipment optimization.🔥 Don’t miss Jason’s perspective on how education, experience, and understanding the fundamentals of airflow and water flow can dramatically improve productivity, safety, and job performance.👉 More from VacconJohn:🌐 https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn📺 Subscribe to VacconJohn Unplugged for more conversations on sewer cleaning trucks, hydrovacs, jetting, training, and the people shaping the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:02 Sewer Stormers: Company Overview and Services 05:51 Journey into the Industry: From Plumbing to Pipeline Maintenance 09:04 Understanding Prevailing Wage and Its Impact 12:11 The Importance of Maintenance in Pipeline Management 14:51 The Role of CCTV in Pipeline Inspection 17:57 Truck Talk: Equipment and Preferences 21:01 Operational Strategies and Best Practices 24:01 Challenges and Innovations in the Industry 32:56 Understanding Vacuum Systems35:17 Auxiliary Engine Hydraulics Benefits39:04 Dual Engine Benefits 51:01 Comparing Fan and PD Blowers Vacuum Systems01:09:20 T.U.F.F. Fan Benefits01:34:14 The Importance of Knowledge in Operations 01:45:40 Transitioning to Advanced Equipment 01:46:34 Flow vs. Pressure in Jetting 01:58:28 Mastering Nozzle Selection for Effective Jetting 02:02:33 Understanding Flow Dynamics 02:10:46 The Importance of Airflow in Jetting Operations 02:22:07 Becoming a Great Operator: Skills and Techniques

#6 - Joseph Blackman

Episode 6 - Joseph Blackman is the founder of Vitendo Training Solutions and host of The Public Works Podcast. On this episode of VacconJohn Unplugged, I sit down with Joseph Blackman, founder of Vitendo Training Solutions and host of the Public Works Podcast. We dive into why video content and social media are game-changers for the public works and utility industry, how to capture tribal knowledge before it walks out the door, and why custom training solutions can transform how crews learn and perform on the job.🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:How Joseph started Vitendo Training Solutions and why capturing institutional knowledge is critical.Why soft skills and communication often matter more than technical specs in sales and operations.The power of video training vs. dusty SOP manuals.How podcasts, short clips, and simple iPhone videos can reshape how our industry shares information.The generational shift: Baby Boomers retiring, Gen X & Millennials stepping up, and how digital-first learning is becoming the standard.Whether you’re in municipal utilities, construction, wastewater, or equipment sales, this episode is full of insights about training, communication, and the future of our industry.🔥 Don’t miss Joseph’s perspective on how creating content builds relationships, preserves expertise, and ultimately helps crews run safer, smarter, and more efficiently.👉 Connect with Joseph Blackman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephblackman/Vitendo Training Solutions: https://www.vitendo.us/👉 More from VacconJohn:🌐 https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn📺 Subscribe to VacconJohn Unplugged for more conversations on sewer cleaning trucks, hydrovacs, training, and the people shaping the industry.#VacconJohnUnplugged #PublicWorks #VintendoTraining #Podcast

#5 - Frank Wheeler

Episode 5 - Frank Wheeler is the founder of Municipal Maintenance Equipment. He is a Vac-Con Icon that has been in the industry for over 30 years. MME was founded in 1992 and as a company, they strive to prove the motto “Customer satisfaction is our goal” in every situation.On this episode of VacconJohn Unplugged, I sit down with Frank Wheeler, founder of Municipal Maintenance Equipment (MME) in California—one of the true Vac-Con icons. Frank shares the origin story behind MME (founded in 1992), the family-first culture that powers great dealerships, and decades of lessons from the front lines of sewer cleaning trucks, customer service, and solution-driven sales. If you care about dealer excellence, operator safety, and building an organization that lasts, this one’s gold.🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:How MME got started, bootstrapped, and grew by putting customer satisfaction first.Why a family-run culture (spouses, sons, long-tenured teams) creates better service and retention.Frank’s “Grinder” mentality: keep pushing, solve problems, and do what you say you’ll do.Legendary demo stories: the 12-inch air-mover “rock” test, overcoming on-site mishaps, and winning trust anyway.Product insights: when 3-Stage Fan vs. PD blower systems shine—and how to match tools to daily work.Why the PRO Reel concept became a genuine industry shift.Career advice for newcomers: be yourself, communicate clearly, work hard, and play the long game.Whether you’re in municipal utilities, wastewater, stormwater, hydroexcavation, or equipment sales, Frank’s stories show how consistent service, candid relationships, and the right spec choices create real, repeatable results.👉 Connect with Frank / MME:Website: https://trustmme.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/municipal-maintenance-equipment-inc/posts/?feedView=all👉 More from VacconJohn:🌐 https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn📺 Subscribe to VacconJohn Unplugged for more conversations with the people shaping public works, sewer cleaning, hydroexcavation, training, and dealer excellence.#VacconJohnUnplugged #VacCon #MunicipalMaintenanceEquipment #PublicWorks #SewerCleaning #DealerNetwork #PROReel #VacuumTrucks #Wastewater #Stormwater

#4 - Andy Armstrong

Episode 4 - Andy Armstrong is the Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest for Vac-Con. He has been in the industry for 13 years and truly lives and breathes Vac-Con.On this episode of VacconJohn Unplugged, I sit down with Andy Armstrong, Vac-Con’s Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest. Andy and I compare notes on covering big territories, supporting dealer networks, and what it really takes to be a resource for end users—from muddy demos to late-night hotel work sessions. We dig into career paths, mentorship, and how authenticity beats “salesy” every time. If you’re into combo trucks, hydrovacs, PD vs. fan systems, and building a winning dealer–manufacturer partnership, this one’s for you.🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:Andy’s path from automotive operations to 13 years with Vac-Con—and how a mechanical mindset helps in sales.The role of a Regional Sales Manager: supporting dealers, jumping on hot opportunities, and balancing nonstop travel.Why being hands-on (keys in the truck, boots in the mud) accelerates product knowledge and customer trust.PD blower vs. 3-Stage Fan: matching systems to daily work—plus real field lessons from lift stations to rock-heavy hydrovac jobs.The underrated win: auxiliary engine hydraulics for quiet jetting, fuel savings, and shutting the chassis off when vacuum isn’t needed.Building your sales identity: learn from mentors and reps across regions—then add a lot of yourself.Work–life rhythm on the road: packing smart, drawing home/road boundaries, and making time with the network count.Whether you’re an end-user operator, municipal buyer, dealer rep, or manufacturer teammate, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways on spec’ing, demoing, training, and running a relationship-first sales playbook.👉 Connect with Andy / Midwest Dealers:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-armstrong-43073773/👉 More from VacconJohn:🌐 https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn📺 Subscribe to VacconJohn Unplugged for more conversations with the people shaping public works, sewer cleaning, hydrovac, training, and dealer excellence.#VacconJohnUnplugged #PublicWorks #SewerCleaning #Hydrovac #DealerNetwork #PDvsFan #AuxEngineHydraulics #Wastewater #Stormwater

#3 - Gary Vermeulen

Gary Vermeulen is the founder of WestVac Industrial. He is a pioneer in the hydrovac industry and has been in the industry for over 30 years. WestVac is the Vac-Con dealership in Western Canada and the company is built on values, powered by integrity, and driven by a relentless commitment to quality products and service.On this episode of VacconJohn Unplugged, I sit down with Gary Vermeulen, founder of WestVac — a pioneering hydrovac contractor turned Vac-Con dealer from Western Canada. Gary walks us through the early days of daylighting and hydrovac, how Precision Daylighting evolved into a full dealership, and the real-world lessons learned building a business in extreme northern climates. If you want the origin story of hydrovac in the north, practical winterization hacks, and contractor-to-dealer lessons, this one is a must-listen.🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:How Gary moved from surveying & facility locates to founding a hydrovac contracting fleet — and why the survey → hydrovac combo is powerful.The reality of early hydrovac adoption in Alberta and how the tech trickled into the U.S..Winter survival tips: glycol recirculation, boiler use, parachute + heater tricks, and other winterize strategies for -30/-40 climates.Why boilers matter beyond frost — melting clay, boosting productivity in sticky soils.Contractor → dealer transition: turning heavy equipment ops into a parts, service, and sales business (the WestVac origin story).Front-mounted vs rear-mounted boom pros/cons, hose wear, and real operator-centered tradeoffs.How hydrovac adoption changed hand-digging practices, improved safety, and sped up complex locates.Whether you run a hydrovac crew, sell combo trucks, or spec equipment for harsh climates, Gary’s practical field stories and dealer lessons are full of actionable takeaways.👉 Connect with Gary / WestVac:Website: https://www.westvac.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-vermeulen-779821b/👉 More from VacconJohn:🌐 https://linktr.ee/vacconjohn📺 Subscribe to VacconJohn Unplugged for more conversations about hydrovac innovation, dealer history, winterization, and the people who built this industry.#VacconJohnUnplugged #Hydrovac #Westvac #Daylighting #Winterize #Boiler #PublicWorks #SewerCleaning #VacuumTrucks #hydroexcavation