Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1377370
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION MAY 26, 2021 Page 10 Industry Pioneer: Harvey Heather…continued from page 9 After the sale of his company, Harvey worked for several years in a consulting role with Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) in their portable restroom operations. Founding of JW Enterprises in 1985 In 1985 Harvey's son-in-law, Jim Wachsman, began JW Enterprises, a portable restroom and temporary power business, in Ventura, California. Jim's son Jamie, and daughter Robin Forbes, were co-owners of the company as well. The Wachsmans successfully grew the company. Jamie—Harvey's grandson— then assumed a managing position and began helping to run the day-to-day operations in 1992. Harvey consulted, when needed, lending his years of knowledge and experience to the family. Today, JW Enterprises serves an area along the California coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Remembrances from Others Several reminiscences from other portable sanitation industry professionals about Harvey give a further glimpse into his character and his amazing personality. Lee Sola, PSAI President in 1986–87, remembers a visit to Harvey's office in 1982 shortly after Lee started his company, SuperBowl—later S&B Porta-Bowl Restrooms—in the Denver area around that same time. He remembers: "Harvey's personal office was quite memorable. There was a spiral staircase just over from his desk that led down to a wine cellar below. He was a collector and connoisseur of fine wine, and I thought that was quite unique. Further, Harvey was fond of clowns. The office was richly decorated with 10–15 paintings of clowns with several painted and signed by the famous comedian Red Skelton." Jamie Wachsman confirmed Lee's account of a spiral staircase leading to a wine cellar as he related that, "My Grandfather enjoyed wining and dining, and this was a way for him to enjoy his hobby while still working long hours." Harvey also enjoyed traveling with his wife Anna. Craig Mendenhall remembers Harvey as "a workaholic businessman who, while creative, was one of the most demanding persons that I have ever known. At that same time, he was very caring and appreciative. Daily lunches with his team were a chance to show his care and concern for everyone." Gregg De Long characterized Harvey in the previously referenced PRO Magazine article by stating: "He was always trying to drive this industry ten notches above where it was. Everybody who worked for him, either you got on the train or he threw you off at the first bridge. He worked so hard to change what kept this industry in the dark ages." Longtime business associate and general manager, Art Bereuter, characterized Harvey in this way: "He was an idea guy always looking forward to making things more efficient, work effectively, or improve the procedures and processes. He delegated his thoughts to people, and they helped him develop them into valuable high-quality name and service." Fact: United Sanitation Company, also known as USANCO, was the first company to have two representatives (Harvey Heather and Art Bereuter) serve in the position of PSA President. Jamie Wachsman Lee Sola Continued on page 11