Jenna Giopulos

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

JG: I have worked in the PHCP-PVF industry for almost five years. This was my first job out of college.

What drew you into the industry?

JG: I was open-minded after leaving college; I wasn’t sure what specific industry I’d land in but was eager to work and grow my knowledge/skill set. My older brother started at Liberty Pumps and explained how great of a company it is to work for. The people and atmosphere at Liberty Pumps are magnetic. I quickly immersed myself in all the processes there; from the different product lines of gray water pumps to the Machine Shop and Finishing side of the factory where the castings are cut and painted. There was/is a lot to learn, and many great, intelligent people to learn from as well. I enrolled in a virtual SWPA (Submersible Wastewater Pump Association) class that helped bridge where and what happens to our products once they leave the facility. That helped piece together the real-world applications of what Liberty Pumps produces, and how important it is to society in residential and commercial areas. I enjoy how much there is to learn and draw from in this industry. Working with pumps and tank systems consists of electrical motors, fluid dynamics, machining, panel work, etc. that I have enjoyed learning more about over the years.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

JG: The most rewarding aspect of working in this industry is how imperative pumps and tank systems are to society. COVID proved that tenfold. We couldn’t shut down because people depended on our products, and they depended on us. Natural disasters, especially hurricanes, empty our stock supply of pumps. It’s humbling to feel like, in those dire situations, what we produce can help mitigate the problems. It’s also rewarding to be a part of a company and industry that strives for innovation in energy usage and product design.

What motivates you every day?

JG: I think I have an innate will to keep bettering myself. There is a science to everything that mastering any topic feels overwhelming and insurmountable, but still worth the journey in trying. I feel as though the hard times in life motivate me too. I’m humbled by those times, but also respect myself for pushing through them. It yielded an unwavering resilience in me. It may be a naïve attitude, but nothing feels impossible. People motivate me as well. I’m fortunate to have a lot of great people in my life that I want to make proud. I make it a point to ensure that no matter what I’m going through, I still put my best foot forward and be present to the people around me.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

JG: Maybe people don’t realize how much engineering design is required to properly build sewage systems for wastewater removal. Liberty Pumps’ Engineering and Customer Service Teams extensively consider every aspect of the design. There is a lot of customization, from trimming impeller diameters for the customer’s specifications to the local code requirements of the customer. Being an engineer at Liberty Pumps, we ensure to sell the customer what they need to fit their application perfectly.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

JG: The proudest moment in my career happened recently. I was entrusted with a high-stakes project — the biggest project of my career so far, and it was just approved. Liberty Pumps underwent an expansion to increase our warehouse footprint. With this expansion, we also gained space that we reserved for our tank systems department. I developed a layout for that department in the new area, but also developed a new method of operations that will help improve efficiency and ergonomics, while also decreasing waste and non-value-added steps. This new method will reduce our already-competitive lead times even more as we push our tank systems out the door quicker. I worked closely with a few of my coworkers to help conceptualize this new change. The collaboration and continual support made this huge and overwhelming project fun and rewarding, and I learned a lot along the way.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

JG: Most people probably don’t know my passion for writing books. I used to write during the summers between college terms. I’m still trying to finish the first book. Life is always busy, but dedicating time to work on my passion is prime.