Vic Okes, Compliance EnviroSystems’ partner and project manager, is retiring after 21 successful years.

With over two decades of experience in the underground infrastructure industry, Vic is a shining example of what it takes to move up in the ranks.

It was the summer of 1999 when Vic joined CES as a water truck driver in Ashville, North Carolina. Vic explained that he thought it would be a temporary job with no prior experience in the industry, but it turned out to be the best and last place he ever worked.

His strong work ethic was soon realized, earning him the nickname ‘Quick Vic.’

He laughs as he recalls this time, explaining his role as a helper was to keep the three Vacuum trucks full of water for the cleaning operators. Never letting the trucks stay empty, Quick Vic stuck with it and quickly moved up from a helper to a cleaning operator, then TV operator, and, ultimately, a CES project manager and partner.

“The job (and money) kept getting better and better, and I enjoyed what I was doing, so I stayed. I’ve really enjoyed the people I’ve worked for and worked with. My advice to anyone just starting is to stick with it, move up, and buy CES stock.”

It’s not just the people Vic will miss, but the unusual experiences this career brings. Whether it’s creating a custom solution to a sewer evaluation, finding unique items in a collection system, or going places you may never think you would, Vic has plenty of stories to tell. Just this morning, he was cleaning lines in the Atlanta airport when he spotted Ivanka Trump getting escorted by state troopers from her jet to the motorcade!

Over the years, Vic has successfully managed the cleaning and inspection of over 10,000,000 linear feet of sewer pipe in NC, SC, KY, TN, and DC. Thank you, Vic, for your commitment to excellence and your role in maintaining CES’s performance standards. You have been an extraordinary leader, always managing projects with the utmost professionalism – you will be missed!

Retiring on his farm in South Carolina, Vic looks forward to less travel, more hunting, fishing, and working on projects around the house. He’s also looking forward to having more time for four-wheeler racing with his daughter and driving his custom (727 horsepower) Ford Mustang.

We wish you much enjoyment in this new chapter of your life!