Our Legend of the Environmental Industry award aims to recognize individuals for their longstanding positive impact and achievements within the environmental industry. Their demonstrations of forward progression in the push towards environmental change for their accomplished excellence during their tenure are evaluated in five core areas: leadership, innovation, commitment, collaboration, and education.
This year we honored Jack Doheny posthumously and Kay Doheny of JDC, accepted by current CEO Steve Shafer. JDC began as Jack Doheny Supplies in the 1970s and later became known as Jack Doheny Company. It started when Jack Doheny began working in the sewer cleaning industry at a young age, he and his father traveling across the country to demonstrate power sewer cleaners. This exposure combined with industry knowledge led to Jack starting his own company. Its offerings include combination sewer cleaners, pipeline inspection equipment, training, service, and parts. Jack had a huge influence on his industry, including being a founding member of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies. Over time, Jack Doheny Supplies evolved into JDC and grew to become the leading provider of sewer cleaning equipment in the industry. Jack always spoke of being a trusted partner for his customers, and valued investing in the industry and in his customers’ businesses.
Kay Doheny joined the family business in 1984, starting out as administrative support to JDC’s Jet-Vac sales team. Over time she also supported accounting, managed vendor relations, and jumped in wherever needed. When NASSCO’s PACP was launched in the early 2000s her focus shifted to industry relations, conferences, and networking. When Jack passed away in 2016, she moved up from executive vice president to the role of president. Seeing the need to expand the business by bringing in fresh perspectives from outside talent, JDC hired a new president and Kay took over as CEO while also becoming the president of NASSCO from 2016-2017. Continuing in her father’s footsteps, Kay has made it her mission to foster a community of safety, workplace development, education, and expertise.
In 2019, JDC expanded its product line to include electric utility equipment. JDC has continued to set the standard for industry as the #1 provider of industrial cleaning, utility construction, gas and oil, and municipal stock. With fifteen coast-to-coast locations throughout the United States and Canada, JDC continues to serve as a trusted resource to customers by helping them solve challenges and serving as an extension of their success whilst prioritizing staying on top of trends in the industry and create innovative solutions to further assist them. In short: JDC’s goal is to continue to evolve its offerings to support the infrastructure needs of the communities it serves. Jack’s character and commitment to his customers’ success made JDC what it is, and the leadership continues his legacy.
Portions of this text are courtesy of Underground Infrastructure September 2020 Vol. 75 No. 9 and Pumper Magazine’s Business Spotlight, May 2023