Alexandra Smith is a master of opportunity. She creates new opportunities as well as recognizes existing ones. She builds steadily on these opportunities and is now prepared to take the next steps by starting her service for septic design. In a few moments, we’ll talk about that. Let’s start with some background.
Donald Hebert Septic & Site in Pelham, New Hampshire, is named after her paternal grandpa. Dan Hebert started the business with her father in 1988. He runs the industry, and it was incorporated into an LLC in March 2015. Alexandra began as a part-time worker and then moved to a full-time position as an equipment operator. She spends most of her time on a skid steer or excavator. She estimates that the company’s work is divided roughly 50/50 by site preparation and septic installations.
Donald Hebert Septic and Site will install her independent septic business. She will split her time between working for her own business and her father’s. Smith is a septic expert with a lot of experience. The person who designs these systems now serves as her mentor.
Is there enough work for a company that specializes in septic system design? In New Hampshire, yes. Smith explains that there are sewer utilities along the border of Massachusetts in New Hampshire, but the majority of the state is dependent on septic tanks.
Full-Service Solutions for Customer
Smith has a number of business interests, but also a charitable one. “I want to simplify the process of installing septic systems for my customers. It can be not easy to get a new system approved and installed. The number of entities involved in replacing a system is staggering. “I want to provide customers with a single point of contact – an expert who takes care of everything.”
Meeting state criteria is a challenge. The minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet, or a little more than half an acre. Well, the radius is often increased as over one-third of wells serve the homes. Special consideration is required for septic systems located within 250 feet of shoreland. Shoreland restrictions are usually in play because of the many water features and the desire to build in these scenic areas.
One of the challenges is to keep up with technological advances and design changes in septic systems. The Advanced Enviro-Septic system (AES) from Presby Environmental in Whitefield, NH, is one example. AES systems have a variety of benefits, including their compact design. The effluent can be treated effectively on a small site. Donald Hebert Septic installed this system for a Rumney, NH, customer.
Construction Industry to Have a Long Future
Smith does not have a single interest. “Retaining walls might be my favorite,” she says. We’ve built walls up to 1,200 square feet. The constant variety and precision of building retaining walls are appealing to me. “I’m using my skid steer, excavator and hand labor all day.”
Smith’s three top tips. The first tip is for women who work in construction. The other two tips are applicable to any job.
- Don’t give up. It is hard to be a woman in a business dominated by men. There are days when I feel like I’ve done enough, but I must be patient. “Know what you are capable of, and stick with it.”
- Take pride in your work. I have trouble walking away if the job we did isn’t perfect.
- Do not be afraid to share your thoughts and ideas. You can make things better by sharing your ideas. Smith was initially reluctant to express her concerns and ideas. She has developed a more positive vision of jobs over the years. “Don’t question yourself. Tell others what you think.
A bonus tip that summarizes the other three is: “Don’t restrict yourself. I began with a part-time job. This became my career. “Now, at 25 years old, I want to expand on this career and give it a new dimension.”
Alexandra Smith is a master at seizing opportunities.