The Beat Goes On… Welcome to the CETA Board!

Published January 2019

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     Editor’s Note: Throughout 2018, Cleaner Times ran profiles on the 2017–2018 CETA Board of Directors. At the annual meeting at PowerClean in October 2018 three new members were added to  the CETA board of directors. Below are three brief question and answer sessions with each new board member in order to get to know those who are serving your interests in the industry with CETA.

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Q & A with CETA Director Angie Farley Thurman

What is your position/title at your company, and how long have you been with Farley’s?

     My current position with Farley’s Incorporated is president, and I have been back home in that role since February 2012. I was involved with the business (along with my whole family) since the very beginning in December 1979. I did most jobs in the office during my junior high and high school years after school and during summer breaks. After I graduated from college, I moved to central Oklahoma, raised my children, and taught reading to junior and senior high school students. When my parents were ready to retire, they asked me to come back to Arkansas and help manage the business.

What excites/intrigues you about the pressure washing industry?

     There are many things that excite and intrigue me about the pressure washing industry. One key aspect is the role of technology in improving how we do business, either through boosting efficiency in manufacturing and design or through the way we communicate and disseminate information to our customers. The interesting thing is that even with all the new technology, we are still bound by all the wonderful relationships that we have within our industry. I believe CETA is unique in the way it feels like a family reunion when we all get together each year.

Why did you decide to join the CETA board of directors, and what have you learned?

     When I was nominated, I was not sure whether I could handle “one more thing,” but I realized that it would be a wonderful opportunity to serve the association and industry that has been so important to my family’s business. In the short time I have been a board member, I have learned how much time and energy they put into our association. I am humbled and grateful for the hard work each board member contributes for the benefit of us all.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

     The thing I enjoy the most about my work is the relationships that I am fortunate enough to have. At Farley’s we are surrounded by wonderful people whom we depend on daily. Our employees, customers, vendors, and support businesses make each day gratifying and rewarding. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning and excited about the day ahead of me.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

     I enjoy many different activities but spending time with our children and my mom is at the top of my list. John and I have six boys all together (three mine and three his). Two of mine got married this year, so we have been busy! I am an avid reader and am currently enjoying These Truths by Jill Lepore. My favorite stress relief is when John and I ride our horses around the ranch checking cows.

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Q&A with CETA Director Jessica Gentry

What is your position/title at your company, and how long have you been with Aqua Engineers?

     I have been with Aqua Engineers for 20 years this past February. Being a family business, titles can change from day to day, but technically I am the office manager.

What excites you about the pressure washing industry?

     I find excitement in problem solving unique cleaning applications and the challenges they present.

Why did you decide to join the CETA board of directors, and what have you learned?

     I joined the CETA board of directors because I do believe it is important to support our industry. I also wanted to follow in the footsteps of my grandmother, Janell Page, and my mother, Sandie Harris, who are owner/operators and past board members.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

     What I enjoy most is working with my family. It is very rewarding to help build our business each year supporting each other.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

     In my free time, I can be found outside hiking and running the trails of North Georgia, spending time with friends watching hockey, and relaxing on a quiet afternoon on the couch knitting.

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Q&A with CETA Director Mike Tonies

What is your position/title at your company, and how long have you been with Hydra-Flex?

     My role at Hydra-Flex is Industrial Sales Manager, and I have been with them since December of 2018.

What excites you about the pressure washing industry?

For me, the excitement comes from the people and looking to the future. Every day I get to work with great people who work hard to make their businesses and communities strong. As for the future, with technology changing the way small businesses reach and engage their customers, the industry is changing and that is exciting.

Why did you decide to join the CETA board of directors, and what have you learned?

     I felt this was a great opportunity for me to get involved in order to help bring value to the CETA members through my career experiences. I’ve learned that there are many passionate people who have helped steer the organization over the years, and I am excited to pick up the ball and keep the momentum going.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

     What I enjoy the most about my work is the opportunity to create value for our customers and to provide excellent levels of customer service. At Hydra-Flex, we take great pride in listening to customers and helping them solve problems. If we do this and take great care of them, we will create customers for life.   

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

     My wife and I love to take our two daughters to the lake in the summer to enjoy time with family on the water. If we’re not at the cabin, it’s chasing kids to sporting events or sneaking in a round of golf while the weather is nice in Minneapolis.