When South Interlake residents needed a septic tank pump-out, many came to recognize the friendly face behind the front desk at Jeffery’s Environmental Services — or the warm, reassuring voice answering the phone.
After more than three decades of service, Edna Jeffery is retiring from the business she built and nurtured from the ground up.
Jeffery and her then husband, Joe, purchased the septic company from an owner in Gunton on Aug. 1, 1993. Both were working full-time jobs at the time and saw the opportunity as a way to create employment for Jeffery’s father-in-law. Although he remained with the company only a few years, the couple continued to grow the business, steadily building a loyal client base while offering septic tank pump-outs and portable restroom rentals throughout the southern Interlake.
About 15 years ago, Jeffery left her original full-time job to focus entirely on Jeffery’s Environmental Services. What began as a practical opportunity evolved into a nearly 33-year career — something she admits she never expected.
“Septic certainly wasn’t a business I thought I would ever get involved in,” she said. “But providing this service to customers gave me a sense of purpose and made me feel good.”
Jeffery credits her customers as one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Even as other septic companies entered the area, many clients remained loyal.
“I want to give the best service we can, and I think our clients are proof that perseverance is worth it in the end,” she said.
Running a business also came with challenges. In recent years especially, Jeffery balanced caring for her elderly parents while coping with the loss of her son following a cancer diagnosis — all while keeping the business operating.
“But I still had a business to run,” she said. “I knew customers needed this service, and I needed a place to be.”
Over the years she witnessed significant changes in the industry, from advancing technology and truck upgrades to increasing provincial regulations and paperwork requirements. Through it all, customer loyalty and referrals made the hard work worthwhile.
Jeffery became known for responding when emergencies arose, though she often helped customers troubleshoot problems over the phone before dispatching a driver.
“Sometimes it was just the breaker that needed to be flipped or the PIL switch that got hung up,” she explained. “But when we needed to be there, I made sure I was tracking down a driver.”
Beyond her day-to-day work, Jeffery also supported community causes, annually donating portable toilets for the Children’s Wish Ride in Woodlands — a fundraiser for sick children that has been held every August for more than 30 years.
Without that support, organizers would face significant rental costs that would otherwise reduce funds raised for the cause.
“The event has been very dear to my heart,” she said. “When special-needs twin grandsons were added to my life, I became more aware of how important it is to help support this cause. I can only hope the new owners of Jeffery’s will continue to support the Children’s Wish Ride.”
While she will not miss the stress of running a septic service, Jeffery is looking forward to slowing down. She plans to spend more time volunteering and enjoying a quieter pace of life, while helping ensure a smooth transition to the new owners.
“Thank you to all my customers for your continued loyalty,” Jeffery said. “It’s important to support local businesses, and I wish the new owners all the best moving forward.”
