From Welding Sparks to GPS Precision
In 1952, Alfred “Pete” Schlatter opened the doors of a modest welding shop in Francesville, Indiana. Just a stone’s throw from the fire station, this small-town machine shop wasn’t built on big dreams of corporate success—but on a desire to serve the hardworking farmers in the community.
Rooted in Trust, Grown With Grit
In a corner of northwest Missouri—where four miles west puts you in Nebraska, a short drive north lands you in Iowa and Kansas lies just to the southwest—Liles Enterprises stands as a testament to the kind of quiet resilience and family-driven purpose that defines the heart of America’s drainage industry.
Buffalo Ridge Metalworks
Just north of Brookings, South Dakota, Buffalo Ridge Metalworks operates as a unique blend of community, craftsmanship and innovation. With a small but mighty team of seven full-time employees, this metal manufacturing business has spent the past decade creating custom solutions for a wide range of industries.
Williamson Pipe Supply
Williamson Pipe Supply sits just south of Nashville’s concerts and nightlife in Franklin, Tennessee—a place as famous for its country music stars as its rolling hills. Led by Barry Saucier and his tight-knit team of five, this humble pipe supply company focuses on one thing: doing right by their employees and customers.
The Heart of a Legacy
In the quaint, Midwestern town of Atlanta, Illinois, where the fields stretch wide and the days start early, a legacy was born over a century ago. It was here, among the hardworking families of German immigrants, that Clarence Leesman took his first steps into a life defined by grit, determination and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Twin Oaks Environmental
Jobie Watson, owner of Twin Oaks Environmental, is no stranger to business adversity; competing in the crowded market of environmental solutions, the odds were stacked against him. Dominated by industry giants, the company faced an uphill battle just to secure a foothold in the industry. But what may have been a struggle for survival, soon turned into a story of resilience and innovation. Founded by his father, Jay Watson, in 2003 and originally based out of Central Florida, the father and son duo partnered up and relocated Twin Oaks Environmental to Opelika, Alabama in 2009. Despite the challenges, the Watsons refused to back down, finding ways to not only stay in the game but to lead with quality and customer service.
Quality Over Quantity
In 2013, Jon Pfeifer laid the foundation for PNA Drainage in Richland, Iowa out of a passion for drainage and a wealth of experience in the field. Over the past decade, with a dedicated crew of three, they’ve laid an estimated 2.5 million feet of pipe.
Adapting & Thriving in the Field
In the heart of Mazon, IL, there’s a company that embodies the spirit of hard work and versatility—Precision Farm Drainage, Inc. At the helm of this dynamic outfit are Dan Wilkinson and his right-hand man, Tyler Cockerham. Both work together to keep this multifaceted operation running smoothly.
Beyond Pipe & Profit
Drainage Solutions, Inc., a long-time partner of Fratco, is a remarkable drainage systems and solutions distribution company that has not only weathered the storms of time but also emerged stronger with each challenge.
Tapping Into Innovation
Central Plastics Inc. is a remarkable success story in the drainage industry. We talked with Curt Yoder, co-founder of Central Plastics Inc., to get the scoop on how they partner with Fratco in Illinois to bring the best quality products to the people who need them most. Founded in 2011 in Arcola, Illinois, Central Plastics Inc. has steadily grown into a trusted distributor of high-quality drainage products, primarily supplied by Fratco, a leading manufacturer in the field.