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Challenges
Over the fifty year history of the company, responding to challenges has created great opportunity. As more and more development utilized the sewer system, the septic business was no longer a growth industry. Expanding into portable restrooms provided opportunity, also recognized by other industries, as temporary power and fence rental businesses entered the market.
In the 1980's solid waste (trash) multi-national companies invested heavily in Southern California, further dividing the market. The family history of reinvesting profits in the company gave the family the capital to withstand the competition, despite their lower prices and commissioned sales forces, rising operating costs and the cyclical fortunes of the construction industry.
Andy and Barry recognized that competition is a healthy element of the American economic system and fostered "friendly competitor" relationships with everyone. Investing in new and better products, continuing to provide quality equipment and service, investing in related businesses without incurring significant debt, and providing career growth opportunity to co-workers, helped the business grow and prosper. Most of the "competition" has changed hands several times, whereas Andy Gump, Inc. remains a well-known and respected enterprise