Ron and Gladys Bird of Ameri Can Engineering, based in Argos, Indiana were named the “M.Z. Andy Gump Award
recipients for 2005. The couple become the fifteenth honored since the awards inception in 1993.
Dating backwards, past honors have gone to Ned Carpenter, Dick and Mary Macialek, Peter Booth, Lothar
Vermillion, Frank Ranson, John Taylor, Mark Perry, Ed Crafton, Fred Cutler Sr., George Harding and Clyde
Sansom.
A PSAI selection committee scours through nominees, from around the world to find the most appropriate person
(couple) meeting outlined criteria. Consideration is given, based on how him or her conducts business as well as
personal relationships with fairness and integrity. Criteria also includes that the recipient has worked to improve the
image of the industry, introducing innovative approaches to portable sanitation needs, and creating new products,
services and related technology. In addition the recipient is required to be known as one that leads colleagues in the
advancement of the portable sanitation industry and environmental challenges facing the industry.
The award is presented and sponsored by Andy Gump Inc. Based in Santa Clarita, California.
Barry Gump, a second generation operator presents the award in honor of his father, Andy Gump, who was
considered to be a pioneer in the portable restroom business, beginning his venture, building wood units in his
garage in 1956. “It (the award) depicts the way my dad did business,” explains Barry, adding, “a hand shake was
his word and bond and he did not need a contract or piece of paper to seal the deal.” Andy Gump passed away
August 10, 1998.
Always an emotional event, this year proved to be double edged with happiness coupled with great sadness.
Instead of Ron and Gladys making their way to the podium it was Gladys’s son Tom Harling that accepted the
award on their behalf. Reading from a prepared statement, Tom read the note to a silent audience. “Ron and I regret
not being able to attend, but a sudden and tragic death in the family keeps us away. Ron and I receive this
recognition with enormous pride and gratitude to the Portable Sanitation Association and to Barry Gump. The Andy
Gump Award is an award that all members hope to earn. Members have worked hard to better the image of this
industry. The PSAI is on the fore front of elevating industry image. The Gump family has maintained the image
created by Mr. Andy Gump and we proudly accept this award.”
recipients for 2005. The couple become the fifteenth honored since the awards inception in 1993.
Dating backwards, past honors have gone to Ned Carpenter, Dick and Mary Macialek, Peter Booth, Lothar
Vermillion, Frank Ranson, John Taylor, Mark Perry, Ed Crafton, Fred Cutler Sr., George Harding and Clyde
Sansom.
A PSAI selection committee scours through nominees, from around the world to find the most appropriate person
(couple) meeting outlined criteria. Consideration is given, based on how him or her conducts business as well as
personal relationships with fairness and integrity. Criteria also includes that the recipient has worked to improve the
image of the industry, introducing innovative approaches to portable sanitation needs, and creating new products,
services and related technology. In addition the recipient is required to be known as one that leads colleagues in the
advancement of the portable sanitation industry and environmental challenges facing the industry.
The award is presented and sponsored by Andy Gump Inc. Based in Santa Clarita, California.
Barry Gump, a second generation operator presents the award in honor of his father, Andy Gump, who was
considered to be a pioneer in the portable restroom business, beginning his venture, building wood units in his
garage in 1956. “It (the award) depicts the way my dad did business,” explains Barry, adding, “a hand shake was
his word and bond and he did not need a contract or piece of paper to seal the deal.” Andy Gump passed away
August 10, 1998.
Always an emotional event, this year proved to be double edged with happiness coupled with great sadness.
Instead of Ron and Gladys making their way to the podium it was Gladys’s son Tom Harling that accepted the
award on their behalf. Reading from a prepared statement, Tom read the note to a silent audience. “Ron and I regret
not being able to attend, but a sudden and tragic death in the family keeps us away. Ron and I receive this
recognition with enormous pride and gratitude to the Portable Sanitation Association and to Barry Gump. The Andy
Gump Award is an award that all members hope to earn. Members have worked hard to better the image of this
industry. The PSAI is on the fore front of elevating industry image. The Gump family has maintained the image
created by Mr. Andy Gump and we proudly accept this award.”
Ron and Gladys Bird named 2005 'Andy
Gump Award' recipients
Gump Award' recipients
Just days prior to the presentation, a car accident had taken the life of the Bird’s son-in-law Jeff Lontz. A shaken
Tom Harling said, “you know, the odd thing is, Jeff was the one that started them into this business.”
The Birds own and operate a manufacturing facility that produces portable restroom trailer units as well as shower
and multi purpose specialty equipment. One of the trailers was displayed at the trade show. Harling noted that
everyone had been so helpful, even offering to watch after his booth during times he was called away
Tom Harling said, “you know, the odd thing is, Jeff was the one that started them into this business.”
The Birds own and operate a manufacturing facility that produces portable restroom trailer units as well as shower
and multi purpose specialty equipment. One of the trailers was displayed at the trade show. Harling noted that
everyone had been so helpful, even offering to watch after his booth during times he was called away
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