The
year was 1884. Chester Arthur was president. Mark Twain
published “Huckleberry Finn.” Coney Island introduced
the first roller coaster. And the Myers family business
in Eastern Pennsylvania opened its doors.
Over
the course of 125 years, the United States has seen
tremendous growth and change; a phenomenon evidenced in
the evolution of this small business born outside of
Lancaster County.
Sprung from the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
Edward Myers cultivated his water well drilling company
with little means and a lot of willpower. Despite the
limited technology of the day, Edward grew his business
with the help of family and the development of the area.
When he retired, his son Charles set up business in
Coatesville, PA and named it C.L. Myers. Shortly
thereafter, Leroy Myers, Charles' son, joined the family
business and changed the name to Lee Myers and Sons when
he became the head of the company.
The
well drilling tradition carried on for many years and
many generations. At the age of 18, Leroy's son Barry
transitioned the
|
|
company into a new phase of development, creating B.L.
Myers and Sons. Barry's brother,Gregg, is currently Vice President and Secretary, and
has over 34 years of well drilling experience, while
David Myers — Gregg's nephew and Barry's son — is
President and CEO of B.L. Myers Bros. today.
As a
fifth generation family business owner, David lives his
work every day. It is part of his history, and it's
something he has passed on to his colleagues and to the
next generation of Myers. In fact, a family culture
exists for all employees — creating an environment in
which the communication between management and workers
is enhanced, problems are more openly discussed and
solutions are achieved by talking directly to ownership.
With 55 employees under his wing, including his son
David Jr., David Sr. imparts the lessons he's learned
over the years to others and combines this knowledge
with their talents and trends in the industry.
Using the latest technology, B.L. Myers has evolved into
a full-service water well drilling company. Their
primary focus is geothermal, environmental and
residential
water well systems, which improve operating performance,
annualized cost and environmental impact. These systems
have a higher |
|
mitigating effect on greenhouse gas emissions and
global warming impacts that any other
market-available technology. Their “Just Green It”
mantra has only aided the company's ability to grow
bigger and better.
What
began as a one-man shop now employs dozens of workers
and services thousands of customers each year. David Sr.
acknowledges, “Our success in the current economy has
been attributed to cutbacks, without compromising
customer satisfaction while maintaining skilled and
highly qualified employees.” B.L. Myers is headquartered
in Glenmoore, PA, with divisions in Frederick, MD and
Manahawkin, NJ. They are customers of Pumps, Inc and
Aquaflow Pump & Supply, Co.
This article appeared in the Gould ITT
November 2009 magazine. |