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And Community Involvement

 

Customers are Saying ...

Steven Grant is the Director, Business Development for Lotus Pond Media and the co-author ( with Yvonne Brooks ) of two children's books and one technical text. After 25 years as a corporate executive with American Express, Rockwell International, MasterCard, WebMD and others Mr. Grant launched an independent publishing company.

Imagine our surprise when Mr Grant wrote an article on Customer Service that highlighted Russell Reid. Mr Grant's experience with our septic tank cleaning service was characterized as "Maximum Joy"; the ultimate goal of any business owner. At Russell Reid we always strive for excellence in the services we provide to customers in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Click here to read the full article

Mr. John Employees Earn PSAI Industry Certification

August 20, 2007

As part of an expanded training initiative, Mr. John has announced a new employee certification requirement for key employees to adhere to the standards set forth by the Portable Sanitation Association International.

The initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance customer experiences through better training and employee education. The PSAI Certification program is the worldwide industry standard program for certifying skills and experience in the portable sanitation community. Based on the proven best practices in the industry, it sets an independent, industry-wide standard for employees and creates a foundation of trust for customers.

A variety of topics are covered, including standards and procedures for restroom servicing, pickup and delivery, vehicle inspections, as well as issues relating to health and safety. This assures that employees have diverse knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge across many segments of the industry. Employees must earn a passing grade on the test or they must attend the training course again.

John Nelson, Direction of Safety and Training for Mr. John said "we set the bar very high for our team. An extensive training program has always been in place, and now with this certification program we are confident that we are satisfying our obligation to promote and uphold professional standards in the industry."

All current applicable Mr. John employees have completed the training and earned their PSAI certification. Moving forward, all new employees will be required to become certified as well. For more information on the PSAI and their certification program, visit their web site at www.psai.org.

 

NYC Steam Pipe Explosion

August 08, 2007 

On July 18, 2007, Mr. John was once again called upon to provide disaster relief services. A steam pipe explosion in Midtown Manhattan expelled thick plumes of smoke and ash into the air. The accident occurred between Lexington Ave. and 40th St, causing much devastation and shutting down a heavily populated area of New York City. The 83 year old steam pipe that exploded resulted in the death of one individual and injured 40 others. The pipe was part of an underground network of mains and service pipes that deliver steam to thousands of customers including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations for such purposes as heat and air conditioning. As for the cause of the explosion, many are blaming the city's aging infrastructure. The areas directly surrounding the blast, spanning from Lexington Ave. to Grand Central Station, were shut down completely until the next day, when the streets slowly began to re-open. The surrounding businesses and the commuters that pass through the area daily were counting on a speedy recovery.

Mr. John responded immediately to the disaster by delivering 83 Standard portable restrooms to the affected area. Many individuals were involved in repairing the damaged pipe, streets and buildings, so the job site needed as many toilets as possible, as quickly as possible. Five trucks, carrying anywhere from four to twenty-four Standard portable restrooms arrived on the site within four hours of the explosion. Since they arrived at the site, these units have been serviced twice a day. 73 Standard portable restroom units were picked up from the site on July 22nd. The remaining 10 units will continue to be serviced twice a day, until the work is completed.

Although this time of year is what would be considered Mr. John's "busy season," the entire staff found a way to immediately respond to the disaster in New York City. As soon as Mr. John employees and managers were informed of the explosion, they hurried to create a plan of action that would be concise and effective. According to Keasbey Service Center Manager, Rob Suessmann, "If this was going to be anything remotely like September 11th, we needed to be prepared for the worst. At that point, we sat down and devised an action plan to immediately respond to the situation." The plan was implemented immediately and trucks carrying the 83 toilets were rushed to the scene.

Mr. John will continue to aid in the effort to repair the damage that was caused by the explosion, while tending to the needs of its many valuable customers.

As a leader in the industry, Mr. John is the only temporary restroom provider in the New York City area with enough resources and a large enough inventory to respond to a job of this size. Thanks to a dedicated staff and an effective plan of action, Mr. John was able to continue to operate normally and provide regular service to its existing customers.

 

Elijah's Promise

June 28, 2007

Russell Reid recently organized a food and clothing drive on behalf of one of its customers, Elijah's Promise.

Elijah's Promise is a social services organization that strives to end hunger and provide employment solutions for those in need of help. Their programs offer a continuum of services leading towards self-sufficiency - from the kitchen, to the classroom, to the workforce. Through the implementation of programs to enrich individuals in every aspect of their lives, Elijah's Promise is able to give aid to those who would otherwise not be given these same opportunities. Volunteer work and donations help to make the promise a reality.

Russell Reid was alerted to the work of Elijah's Promise through Customer Care Representative, Brad Jones. Brad was touched by their mission and suggested that the company do something to help. Arrangements were immediately made to hold a food and clothing drive at its main office in Keasbey, NJ from June 4-8.

Elijah's Promise received a great amount of support from Russell Reid employees. Boxes were set up to collect donations of clothing, linens and groceries which arrived daily. "It's great that the company does things like this" said Marketing Assistant Natasha Chater. "It really makes it easy for us to do something to help people in our local community."

For more information on Elijah's Promise or to donate online, please visit their web site at www.elijahspromise.net.

 

Kings Italian Market

June 21, 2007

Kings Colonial Market and Italian restaurant has been a satisfied customer of Russell Reid for 10 years. It is a family-owned Italian grocery store and restaurant located on Kings Road in Swedesboro. Kings Colonial Market has been in business for 30 years and continues to thrive because of its friendly atmosphere and fresh selection. The restaurant is known for its catering service, which has a wide selection of foods that keep customers coming back for more.

Owner, Robert Botto says that he has been using Russell Reid to clean his restaurant's grease traps for the past 10 years. "Service technicians always do a professional job and are there to answer all of our questions. Those in the office are very flexible and customer friendly, ready to handle any issues that we have. They are knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. Overall, we are very pleased with Russell Reid, as it is a company geared towards providing its customers with the best service possible."

Kings Colonial Market and restaurant is open 8am-8pm and is located at 1409 and 1411 Kings Highway in Swedesboro, NJ 08085. For more information call 856-467-1570 or visit wwwww.bottos.com.

 

Mr. John & Russell Reid Supports The Wellness Community 

May 14, 2007 

Russell Reid is proud to be a corporate donor to The Wellness Community, an organization that strives to bring cancer support, education and hope to those directly or indirectly affected by the illness. The donations will go towards installing commercial grade telephone and computer systems.

Along with its sister company, Mr. John, Russell Reid is an avid supporter of The Wellness Community because of its efforts to create a sense of comfort for people with cancer.

Mr. John founder, Morton Weiner, died of cancer in 1989. After his death, Morton's sons continued his legacy by taking over the company and continuing the work that their father started. Having experienced the loss of a loved one to this illness firsthand, Mr. John / Russell Reid President Gary Weiner chose to become Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for The Wellness Community. The Russell Reid / Mr. John company will continue to support the wellness cause, in an effort to bring hope to other families and individuals.

Learn more about The Wellness Community

 

Mr. John Participates in Dining Spaces Competition

March 03, 2007 

Mr. John submitted an entry in the fourth annual NJ ISES Dining Spaces Design Competition benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The event was held on March 19th at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, NJ.

"Dining Spaces" was started by ISES' NJ North Chapter -a group of professional event planners - as a way to celebrate and reward creative entertainers. Competition entrants are given a table, ten chairs and free reign to design and decorate a themed table for the evening's gala.

Last year, Mr. John entered a toilet-themed dining table complete with toilet seating, toilet paper menus, a toilet themed centerpiece as well as table elements made from plumbing parts. The table was tastefully decorated with satin and ribbon in a "tidy bowl blue" color scheme. The title of the dining table was "Toilets Can Be Pretty, Too." The Mr. John design team was honored with the "Apprentice" award proving that toilets can indeed be pretty, too.

This year Mr. John's marketing team decided to go with the theme, "Pretty in Pink." The table was decorated with pink toilet paper rolls, flowers and pink bathroom items. The centerpiece was a water feature with a sink faucet, flowing water, pink stones and tiles. Complete with pink hand-sewn cushions for the toilets, the table brought together the worlds of fine dining and toiletry.

While we did not win an award this year, we were once again "showered" with compliments. The recognition that we receive from this event is priceless and truly sets us apart from all of our competitors. We are surely succeeding in establishing ourselves as the only name in temporary restrooms for the special events industry!

All are welcomed to participate in the judging and attend the banquet. Visit www.njises.org for more information or to register.

 

Mr. John's 19th Century Portable Toilet

April 17, 2007

Mr. John is in possession of a very rare find: a 19th Century "portable loo" that was used before the times of running water and toilet paper. It is a predecessor to the temporary restrooms that are manufactured today.

The toilet was built in London, by D. Chambers. The technology is similar to that found in today's portable toilets, as it uses a fresh water pump. The date of manufacture is estimated to be early-to-mid Victorian (1840s-1860s). It is a 'campaign' toilet, meaning that it was intended for the use of British Army officers while on military campaigns overseas.

Historically, this kind of flushing portable toilet could have been used by the nobility and gentry when travelling in Great Britain, especially those who were not prepared to tolerate the public toilets found in the yards and gardens of provincial inns and hostelries. It would have been one of the servant's duties to empty the contents into the nearest garbage heap.

The portable toilet, or "loo", remains in excellent condition. It is an antique that represents the timelessness of the temporary restroom industry, an industry that Mr. John is very proud to be a part of.

 

Russell Reid profiled by Pumper Magazine

April 17, 2007

The Russell Reid / Mr. John Company was recently profiled for a feature article in the Pumper magazine. The Pumper is a liquid waste industry publication for professionals involved in residential and commercial septic system service, portable sanitation, and industrial vacuum service.

The full length profile spotlights the company's history, service capabilities, operating philosophy as well as key elements for success. The article is slated to appear in the October 2007 issue of the magazine.

For more information on the Pumper magazine, visit their web site at www.pumper.com.

 

Mr. John Rides for Multiple Sclerosis

February 27, 2007

On May 19 and 20, Team Mr. John was one of many groups amidst more than 1,600 cyclists who participated in the 2007 "Coast the Coast" Bike Tour to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The annual event supports the Mid-Jersey Chapter MS Society, in an effort to help fight the debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system. They expect to raise $2 million with the help of the many sponsors, supporters and donors.

Russell Reid / Mr. John President Gary Weiner has been riding for the MS Society for many years. An avid supporter of their mission, he made the decision to form and sponsor a team in 2006. Gary assembled 20 friends, supporters and family members and with some training, determination and official uniforms, Team Mr. John was ready to tackle this year's race!

Four different Central New Jersey courses of varying lengths were available for participants to choose from. Team Mr. John braved the most intense course which consisted of a strenuous 170 miles! While the length of the tour and occasional winds tested their endurance, they continued on bearing in mind the intense physical challenges faced by people with MS every day.

At the end of the race, not only did Team Mr. John members exceed their own physical expectations, they also more than doubled their goal of raising $5,000. According to Team Captain Gary Weiner, they were able to raise $10,855 and are still receiving donations!

Team Mr. John is extremely grateful for the extensive support received during their participation in this worthwhile event. It is not only support for the team, but more importantly, support for the fight to cure Multiple Sclerosis.

For more information or to donate to Team Mr. John, visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?team_id=22312&pg=team&fr_id=5710.

For more information about the MS Society, Mid Jersey Chapter Walk and Bike Tour, visit www.nationalmssociety.org/njm.

Click here to sponsor Team Mr. John!

  

Habitat selected as "Charity of Choice"

January 21, 2007

For as long as Mr. John has been in business, the company has donated its equipment and services to numerous charities and fund raising organizations. With so many organizations looking for help, it was increasingly difficult to decide which to choose. It became necessary to select one organization to be our "charity of choice" and we decided that organization would be Habitat for Humanity. It was clearly a perfect fit: Habitat for Humanity builds homes and Mr. John provides portable restrooms to builders.

Through the work of Habitat, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups, and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem - supplying decent, affordable housing for all. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200,000 houses, sheltering more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities worldwide.

We are so proud to be a part of this important endeavor! Check back here for updates on the latest housing projects! To learn more about the Habitat for Humanity Charity please go to www.habitat.org.

Letters of Thanks from our Habitat Partners

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity builds modest, affordable homes for hard working, low-income families who are committed to building better lives for themselves and their children. In June 2007, RVHFH completed 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th homes, located on donated property along Route 202 in Bernardsville. Our next project will be the construction of four more homes to be located near Franklin Boulevard in Franklin Township, Somerset. We expect to begin building these homes in August.

For many years, Mr. John has provided port-o-johns for all of our construction projects, saving us the expense of renting these units. These savings are passed along to our partner families, making these homes more affordable. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Mr. John !

July 07'
Louisa Bartok
Office & Volunteer Manager
Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity

On Behalf of Habitat for Humanity - New York City, please know how grateful we are for Mr. John's generous contribution to our building sites. We are particularly grateful for the VIP unit to accommodate our special event with Delta Airlines and Jon Bon Jovi on April 3rd. It is organizations like Mr. John's that enables Habitat-NYC, with the help of our family partners and volunteers, to build homes and create a better environment for so many families.

May '07
Josh Lockwood
Acting Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity NYC

Many thanks for your generous in-kind contribution in support of Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley. In addition to cash contributions, donations of material and services are an essential part of our home building program. I am pleased to acknowledge your 2006 in-kind donation Portable Toilets.

 February '07
Yolanda Hernandez
Office Manager
Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.

Metropolitan Camden Habitat for Humanity has had a busy year! The Camden Redevelopment Agency has agreed to help us obtain 40 more properties within the Cooper Plaza neighborhood. We broadened our mission to include job training for unemployed youth. We also moved into our new office and hired 4 new staff members. We are looking forward to another exciting year. We are more than half way done with the second phase of the Sixth St project. We're also busy rehabbing our former office. New corporations and faith-based groups are sponsoring homes, and we hope to see more partners get involved at this level. All of our recent moves have been geared toward ramping up housing production. Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity would like to say thank you for being our partner.

January '07
Douglass Wagner
MCHH Executive Director
Metro Camden Habitat for Humanity

On behalf of the Board of Directors and local families in need, thank you for your commitment to Morris Habitat for Humanity through your 2006 contribution of two portable toilets, which were used during our event for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, called Operation Home Delivery. As you know, Morris Habitat's role in this unprecedented effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast was to construct frames for the "home in a box". Our short-term effort will provide long-term assistance for a community that was desperately ravaged. 2006 promises to be an excellent year for Morris Habitat for Humanity because we have gone from 2 homes a year to a record breaking 11 planned projects in the next two years. This phenomenal growth is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of supporters like you. As we continue to work with families who have a desperate need for better housing, we hope you will continue in partnership with us.

April '06
Cindy Flanagan
Administrative Assistant
Morris Habitat for Humanity

Many thanks for your generous in-kind contribution in support of Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley. In addition to cash contributions, donations of materials and services are an essential part of our home building program. I am pleased to acknowledge your 2005 in-kind donation of Portable Toilets at our home sites. Your total estimated value of this gift was $2,550. Thank you for making it possible for us to offer the opportunity of homeownership to the most needy of Lehigh Valley families.

December '05
Angelika Cornelius
Director of Development
Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.


In recognition of its work as a longstanding supporter of
Habitat for Humanity, the Mr. John company has continuously
received the Golden Hammer Supporter Award.

 

First Biodiesel Plant Opens at Russell Reid NY Location

January 17, 2007

NABFNorth American BioFuels Company, Inc. (NABFC) has announced the official opening of Long Island's first Biodiesel plant at Russell Reid’s branch location in Bohemia, NY. The plant is the first of its kind to successfully create B100 ASTM Certified Biodiesel from grease trap waste.

Russell Reid, headquartered in Keasbey, NJ, has been the host to the NABFC pilot plant since the two companies first decided to partner in order to address the need for long term disposal and beneficial reuse of grease trap waste. The plant is the result of this mutually beneficial partnership, offering a viable solution to Long Island's grease disposal crisis while addressing the need for a clean, renewable energy source.

"We are pleased by the progress to date on this important new technology" said Russell Reid President, Gary Weiner. "As a leader in the non hazardous waste water management industry, we are extremely excited about converting a waste product into a clean source of alternative energy. Our partnership with NABFC demonstrates our on going commitment to responsible wastewater management and progressive approach to service the community and our customers".

"Expansion on the plant will continue" said David Butler II, CEO of NABFC. "It will continue to be an R&D facility as well as a commercial production facility for NABFC. Meanwhile, NABFC will be producing fuel for the home heating oil market this winter on Long Island as well as continuing to provide biodiesel for on road use."

Learn more about North American BioFuels Company, Inc. (NABFC)