| Ned Carpenter of North Carolina, based Porta-Jon has received the honor of being named the 2004, PSAI “M.Z. Andy Gump” award recipient. Ned becomes the thirteenth such recipient since the awards inception in 1993. The annual selection has become the highest industry honor, recognizing lifetime achievements as they apply to the portable restroom industry as a whole. “Ned Carpenter exemplifies everything the PSAI M.Z.’Andy’ Gump Award stands for. His dedication, integrity and honesty in his business life as well as his personal life and his ongoing commitment to PSAI made him the choice over several other outstanding candidates,” said Barry Gump, whose company sponsors the award.” Ned truly leads by example.” |
Ned’s daughter Pam Russell shared her thoughts about her father, saying, “There are so many things that make him
special that I have a hard time narrowing them down. My relationship with my father has always been special,” she
said, and after a slight pause and obvious admiration, added “I think he is a very special man.”
A special man with special attributes
When those that know Ned, speak of him, inevitably, they describe a man that possesses integrity and is known for
honesty. With pride in her voice, Pam shed light on her feelings.”He is always very honest about things and always
tries to impress upon other people how important it is to be honest. He is very generous and willing to help people
who need his help.”
It doesn’t matter if at work or home Ned is surrounded with people that respect how he lives his life. Elaborating
Pam explained, ”When I came to work for him. I discovered his business side is very much like his personal side.
He is willing to help any of his employees who need his help and he treats everyone as equals. He knows that all the
people who work for Porta-Jon are important and the business would not thrive without them. He knows all the
employees by name and always greets them when he sees them. I think that this is very important and I try to
follow his example,” she said.
Ned’s wife Juta knows the dedication behind the man
“Ned has always been dedicated to the purposes of the PSAI and very intentional in encouraging others in the
industry,” explains Juta. “I am proud of Ned and admire the passion he has for the causes he believes in. I enjoy
being a part of the ‘PSAI family.’ May we all continue to share knowledge, support and encourage each other as
we strive to be prepared for the economic and environmental challenges facing our industry.”
For Juta, the honor is significant. “The M Z Andy Gump Distinguished Service Award will have a very special
place in our home. This award has a very significant meaning to Ned because he has a great respect and admiration
for the Gump family and their business. Their organization has always been a great model for everyone in the
portable sanitation industry. The legend of Andy Gump has great meaning to us.”
Long time business partner Flay Anthony shared in the excitement saying, “Having known Ned for more than 20
years I am excited for him in receiving this award. Ned has always been very interested in PSAI and worked to
advance the industry.”
Ned has worked on several PSAI committees during the past two decades, having served two terms on the Board
of Directors, and holding positions as president and past president. Offering further clarification on Ned’s
contributions, Flay didn’t have to look far for what Ned is doing now. “Recently he has chaired the Scholarship
Committee, which has dramatically changed and funded the PSAI Scholarship program.” Looking at why Ned is so
committed to the concept of providing scholarships, Flay explains, “I think one of the reasons he has worked so
hard on this scholarship effort is because he knows we must encourage and support education for the next
generation. I have heard him comment many times on the importance and value of education. I believe he wants
to make college for members of our industry more affordable.”
And more affordable it is. The scholarship program which has achieved great success, giving $20,000 in
scholarships this year, awarding eight students with scholarships of $2,500.00 each.
Across state lines
Relationships with people don’t stop at state lines. More than 750 miles separate Porta-Jon from Indiana-based
Service Sanitation yet Ned and Rich Vegter (Service Sanitation) share a friendship spurred by the desire to enhance
the portable sanitation industry. “I can't think of a more deserving winner,” says Rich about Ned. Rich finds Ned’s
unwavering support of the industry and the people within the industry to be unique. “Ned is generous and has given
a lot of time and support to the PSAI for many years. Recently, he has invested a tremendous amount of time and
energy in his efforts to create the PSAI scholarship fund.” There is more to the relationship than simply being
part of the same association. “Ned has had an open door policy with me and my employees and I've learned so
much from him over the years. If there is one single theme with Ned that I've seen that really stands out, it's his
generosity,” said Rich without hesitation. “His openness, honesty, work ethic, wisdom, experience, positive and
upbeat attitude make him someone I really admire and am proud to have representing the PSAI and our industry, “
he said. With a laugh and a sigh he closed with “Now, if we could just work on that accent....”
Away from home, and work Ned is an active member of his local community serving in a local mediation program
which promotes the resolution of problems outside the courtroom. In addition he is an active member of the United
Methodist Church of Gastonia where he teaches Sunday school and serves on the Staff Parish Committee.
special that I have a hard time narrowing them down. My relationship with my father has always been special,” she
said, and after a slight pause and obvious admiration, added “I think he is a very special man.”
A special man with special attributes
When those that know Ned, speak of him, inevitably, they describe a man that possesses integrity and is known for
honesty. With pride in her voice, Pam shed light on her feelings.”He is always very honest about things and always
tries to impress upon other people how important it is to be honest. He is very generous and willing to help people
who need his help.”
It doesn’t matter if at work or home Ned is surrounded with people that respect how he lives his life. Elaborating
Pam explained, ”When I came to work for him. I discovered his business side is very much like his personal side.
He is willing to help any of his employees who need his help and he treats everyone as equals. He knows that all the
people who work for Porta-Jon are important and the business would not thrive without them. He knows all the
employees by name and always greets them when he sees them. I think that this is very important and I try to
follow his example,” she said.
Ned’s wife Juta knows the dedication behind the man
“Ned has always been dedicated to the purposes of the PSAI and very intentional in encouraging others in the
industry,” explains Juta. “I am proud of Ned and admire the passion he has for the causes he believes in. I enjoy
being a part of the ‘PSAI family.’ May we all continue to share knowledge, support and encourage each other as
we strive to be prepared for the economic and environmental challenges facing our industry.”
For Juta, the honor is significant. “The M Z Andy Gump Distinguished Service Award will have a very special
place in our home. This award has a very significant meaning to Ned because he has a great respect and admiration
for the Gump family and their business. Their organization has always been a great model for everyone in the
portable sanitation industry. The legend of Andy Gump has great meaning to us.”
Long time business partner Flay Anthony shared in the excitement saying, “Having known Ned for more than 20
years I am excited for him in receiving this award. Ned has always been very interested in PSAI and worked to
advance the industry.”
Ned has worked on several PSAI committees during the past two decades, having served two terms on the Board
of Directors, and holding positions as president and past president. Offering further clarification on Ned’s
contributions, Flay didn’t have to look far for what Ned is doing now. “Recently he has chaired the Scholarship
Committee, which has dramatically changed and funded the PSAI Scholarship program.” Looking at why Ned is so
committed to the concept of providing scholarships, Flay explains, “I think one of the reasons he has worked so
hard on this scholarship effort is because he knows we must encourage and support education for the next
generation. I have heard him comment many times on the importance and value of education. I believe he wants
to make college for members of our industry more affordable.”
And more affordable it is. The scholarship program which has achieved great success, giving $20,000 in
scholarships this year, awarding eight students with scholarships of $2,500.00 each.
Across state lines
Relationships with people don’t stop at state lines. More than 750 miles separate Porta-Jon from Indiana-based
Service Sanitation yet Ned and Rich Vegter (Service Sanitation) share a friendship spurred by the desire to enhance
the portable sanitation industry. “I can't think of a more deserving winner,” says Rich about Ned. Rich finds Ned’s
unwavering support of the industry and the people within the industry to be unique. “Ned is generous and has given
a lot of time and support to the PSAI for many years. Recently, he has invested a tremendous amount of time and
energy in his efforts to create the PSAI scholarship fund.” There is more to the relationship than simply being
part of the same association. “Ned has had an open door policy with me and my employees and I've learned so
much from him over the years. If there is one single theme with Ned that I've seen that really stands out, it's his
generosity,” said Rich without hesitation. “His openness, honesty, work ethic, wisdom, experience, positive and
upbeat attitude make him someone I really admire and am proud to have representing the PSAI and our industry, “
he said. With a laugh and a sigh he closed with “Now, if we could just work on that accent....”
Away from home, and work Ned is an active member of his local community serving in a local mediation program
which promotes the resolution of problems outside the courtroom. In addition he is an active member of the United
Methodist Church of Gastonia where he teaches Sunday school and serves on the Staff Parish Committee.
| Ned Carpenter named 'M.Z. Andy Gump Award' recipient |
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