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.