This year’s recipient of the M.Z. Andy Gump Award was our very own Michael McCarthy! Michael was presented with this award by Barry Gump and his daughter Nancy Gump, at the 2011 Portable Sanitation Association International Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.
The M.Z. Andy Gump Award is presented and sponsored by Andy Gump Inc., based in Santa Clarita, California. Barry Gump, a second generation industry veteran presents the award in honor of his father Andy Gump, who was a pioneer in the portable restroom business, beginning his venture building wood units in his garage in 1956.
Barry began the first presentation of the M.Z. Andy Gump Award in 1993 in honor of his father. “It depicts the way my dad did business,” explains Barry, adding “A hand shake was his word and bond and he didn’t need a contract or piece of paper to seal the deal.”
Michael McCarthy launched his career in the portable sanitation industry in 1972 with Mr. John, Inc., located in Keasbey, NJ. He started working in the warehouse repairing wooden portable toilets, and under the guidance of owner and mentor Mort Weiner, Michael moved up the ranks to become Vice President. In 1985 he took advantage of an opportunity to purchase the Pittsburgh division of Mr. John, and relocated to Western PA. As managing partner Michael took the reins of a 12 employee company, with assets that included 800 portable restrooms and 6 trucks. Through hard work, timely acquisitions, and the help of a great team, the business grew to 60 employees, 4000 portable restrooms, 300 mobile office trailers, 55 company vehicles, and a wastewater & septic division. Despite the challenges that arise while developing into a larger company, Mr. John has managed to maintain the company culture and family atmosphere Michael instilled back in 1985.
Congratulations Michael! It was well deserved and we are all so proud of you here at Mr. John!
