Founded in 1939 in a Louisville, Kentucky basement, Zoeller Company has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving, fourthgeneration, family-owned business with more than 500 employees—and more than 1,000 across all affiliated companies. With its roots in water pump manufacturing, Zoeller has become a trusted leader in water and wastewater solutions, remaining fiercely committed to one guiding mission: to improve people’s lives.
Tom Howard, who began his journey with Zoeller as a consultant and later became CFO, COO and now president of Zoeller Pump Company, said the organization is continuing its tradition of family leadership and customer-focused innovation with CEO Bill Zoeller, great-grandson of the company’s founder, at the helm alongside CMO Billy Stutz, who leads the company’s marketing and brand growth strategy.
A Culture Grounded in Values
What sets Zoeller apart in today’s business world is not just its longevity—it’s the strength of its values. As a privately held company, Zoeller has remained deeply rooted in its family-oriented culture and unwavering commitment to four core values: quality, service, innovation and integrity. These principles aren’t just words on a wall; they’re embedded into every decision, every customer interaction and every employee experience.
“We always ask, ‘How can we improve people’s lives?’—whether it’s a customer, a rep or one of our employees,” says Howard. “That’s our true north. That’s what attracted me to Zoeller and what keeps us focused, even as we grow.”
While many family businesses struggle to make it past the second or third generation, Zoeller has thrived into its fourth without compromising its culture. “We’re not driven solely by profit,” Howard emphasizes. “We’re driven by purpose.”
A People-First Approach
Zoeller takes pride in investing in its people. The company offers education assistance, growth opportunities and a workplace culture that values well-being and career development. It also gives back generously— supporting community programs and numerous charitable organizations.
“We want to be a reliable, trusted presence in everything we do,” Howard notes. “That includes how we treat our employees, how we support our customers and how we engage with our communities.”
Listening to the Customer
In today’s fast-paced world, responsiveness is key. Zoeller’s customers—many of whom rely on pumps for essential water and wastewater operations—need answers fast. That’s why Zoeller continues to enhance its customer service and digital capabilities.
The company has expanded its product line with Wi-Fi-enabled devices that provide realtime diagnostics and peace of mind. A live chat service, an extended-hours call center and a robust network of sales reps and factory-trained personnel ensure customers get the information and support they need —when they need it.
“We’re always asking how we can be more accessible, more helpful, more proactive,” says Howard. “In the end, our goal is simple: be there when our customers need us.”
Focused on the Future
Zoeller isn’t just maintaining its success—it’s building on it. The company is currently in the middle of a 27,000-square-foot expansion and is preparing to install new, high-tech equipment in May 2026. Renovations across its campus are also underway, making room for continued growth and operational efficiency.
“We don’t rest on our past successes,” Howard says. “We’re constantly innovating and launching new products. That’s what keeps this work exciting and fulfilling.”
A Strong Partnership with IMARK
Zoeller values its strategic partnerships, especially its relationship with IMARK. “IMARK has been a great partner for us,” says Howard. “The sales growth we’ve achieved through that relationship has been significant, and we look forward to continuing to build on that success.”
A Legacy of Purpose
As Zoeller Company continues to grow—both in size and impact—it remains grounded in the values that have guided it for more than 85 years. From basement beginnings to an international presence, Zoeller’s legacy is not just about pumps. It’s about people.
And that, according to Howard and the leadership team, is what makes all the difference.
For more information, visit zoellerpumps.com.
Jennifer Kohlhepp
Jennifer Kohlhepp is the managing editor of IMARK Today and has more than 20 years of experience developing award-winning content for various platforms. Reach her at jkohlhepp@cmasolutions.com.