As seen in the Tried & True Summer 2024 issue
In 2013, Jon Pfeifer laid the foundation for PNA Drainage in Richland, Iowa out of a passion for drainage and a wealth of experience in the field. Over the past decade, with a dedicated crew of three, they’ve laid an estimated 2.5 million feet of pipe.
The road to success was bumpy at first, marred by challenges with suppliers that couldn’t deliver the right materials or in some cases deliver on time. Jon switched to Fratco after a recommendation from a friend, he noted to us, “It was easy to transition to Fratco, they go out of their way to help me succeed in my business.”
Reflecting on the growth of both companies, Jon notes, “It’s been pretty nice watching them [Fratco] grow as I’ve grown.” Jon noted how busy Fratco’s Mt. Pleasant location has become explaining that today there are almost always a few other customers there to pick up materials. This mutual growth isn’t just about business expansion; it’s a testament to the relationship PNA Drainage and Fratco have cultivated, growing side by side for years, with more to come.
Central to PNA Drainage’s ethos is a principle that Jon has always stood by: “Quality not quantity.” This philosophy isn’t about cutting corners to increase output. Instead, it’s about meticulous attention to detail and ensuring that each job is done correctly the first time. This approach not only saves time but also builds a reliable reputation, allowing PNA to help more customers effectively. Jon’s commitment to this principle has been a critical factor in PNA Drainage’s success, emphasizing the importance of quality in building a sustainable business.
“It’s a family-oriented business–they know my name–you don’t get that anywhere else,”
Jon pointed out, emphasizing his personal relationship with Fratco. This level of personal recognition and familiarity is rare in the industry and highlights the strong community ties within the Fratco network. For Jon, this isn’t just about business transactions; it’s about being part of a community that values and supports its members on a personal level. He remarks that the Mt. Pleasant Fratco team knows him well enough that they know exactly what materials and products he needs on a regular basis, and they’re always ready to deliver.
Jon Pfeifer and his family
The relationship between Fratco and PNA has also helped improve PNA’s customer relations with farmers through Fratco’s quality pipe. Jon explained that when Flexcorr first came out, Kiley Miller, one of our proud Fratco salesmen, recommended it for a specific job that Jon was struggling to solve in a cost-efficient way. While he was hesitant to use a new product at first, Flexcorr proved to be a highly efficient solution not just for PNA but for the farmer as well. “It just has great flow rate compared to traditional single-wall,” Jon told us. He went on to explain that he has used Flexcorr consistently since that job, and it’s proven its worth time and time again. For Jon and PNA, Flexcorr “changed the industry.”
Jon’s 5-year-old son already hard at work
While PNA Drainage may seem small to some, Jon is quite proud of the work they do. Jon told us about the possibility of some small expansions on the horizon but PNA Drainage isn’t looking to spread too thin. Jon wants their work to be done right, so PNA won’t expand until he’s confident they can do it right. PNA Drainage at its heart is a family business, and the future looks bright for them as Jon laughs saying, “Well, my son’s five and can run an excavator.”
Jon Pfeifer’s leadership at PNA Drainage serves as a compelling testament to the benefits of forging strong partnerships and maintaining a commitment to quality. Jon consistently recommends others in his area to Fratco, connecting them with salesmen, and continuing to grow the Fratco family. Within a community that prioritizes hard work and integrity, PNA Drainage emerges as a distinguished example of excellence, driven by Jon’s clear vision and dedicated approach.
