Aboutus
About Us

Our History

Duke’s has been serving the underground infrastructure industry with continued excellence since 1948.

In 1979 we were tasked with developing a new way to control roots in sewers. With only a pickup truck and a small foaming machine, we set out to prove to municipalities that there was a better way. Years later and 450 million feet serviced and counting, the concept of treating roots as a maintenance practice instead of cutting has become a much more viable option. In fact, Dukes still treats many of the original lines and they are still considered assets by their owners.

The Duke’s team has grown considerably since its beginnings and now employs over 400 people.  Over the years, we have added to the Duke’s team with the acquisition of Municipal Sales in 2019, Midwest Water Group in 2020, Hydrostructures in 2021, Pipetek in 2022 and Underground Infrastructure Services in 2023.   Our service portfolio has expanded to cater to the evolving needs of Municipalities, Agencies, Utility Service Providers, Engineers and Contractors.

From the beginning, we have wanted Duke’s to be different from other companies. Different in how we treat our customers, different in how we work with each other, and different in the results we achieve.

These differences are best captured in the 24 “Fundamentals” that are the foundation for our unique culture. We call it – The Duke’s Way.

The Duke's Way

Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Always wear the proper equipment. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or the safety of others, including your teammates, our customers, or the environment.

Demonstrate an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing in every
action you take and in every decision, you make, especially when no one’s looking. Always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. If you make a mistake, own up to it, apologize, and make it right.

Work as a team. We win and lose together. Collaborate with each other,
our customers, and our partners to find the best solutions. Trust that other people add value to the discussion. Don’t argue over who is right. Discuss what is right. Collaboration generates better ideas than individuals working alone.

While effort is important, we reward and celebrate results. Set high goals and use measurements to track your progress. Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving those results.

What got us here is not the same as what will get us to the next level. Get outside your comfort zone and look for and embrace new ways to get things done better, faster, and more efficiently. Be excited by the possibilities that change and growth bring. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is not a reason.

We’re all responsible for, and benefit from, Duke’s image and reputation. Make a strong impression and take pride in the quality of everything you touch and everything you do. The appearance of our clothes, equipment, vehicles, and workspace is a reflection upon our company and the quality of our work. Consider how your actions affect our collective reputation and be a proud ambassador for the company.

Everything we do is built on trust and trust is built on relationships. Strong relationships are the foundation of what we do, and they enable us to work through difficult issues and challenging times. It’s more fun to work with people whom you know, like, and trust. Take the initiative to build relationships with customers and colleagues across locations and departments. Enjoy the people you work with every day.

It’s not about you. Don’t let your own ego or personal agenda get in the way of doing what’s best for the team. Be there for each other and be willing to step into another role or help a co-worker when that’s what’s required for success. Nothing is beneath us. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

It’s all about the experience. With every experience, do the little things, as well as the big things, that surprise people. Make every interaction stand out for its helpfulness. Create the “WOW” factor that turns customers into raving fans. This includes both internal and external customers.

Our customers are counting on us, and we’re counting on each other. Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. Follow through on promises and consistently follow-up to ensure that everything is completed in accordance with the commitment you made. See things through to the finish line. Stay on budget. If a commitment can’t be fulfilled, notify others early and agree on a new deliverable to be honored.

Be open to learning from others, no matter what role they have, and regardless of their age, industry, experience, or tenure with our company. Set aside your own judgments and preconceived notions. Don’t jump to conclusions and give people the benefit of the doubt. Think outside of your silos. We make better decisions when we consider multiple perspectives.

Speak honestly in a way that helps to make progress. Say what you mean, and be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Be courageous enough to say what needs to be said. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

While it’s important to understand the problem in its entirety, take responsibility for developing solutions. Approach problems with optimism and use your creativity, spirit, and enthusiasm to see the possibilities. Learn from every mistake.

Take personal responsibility for making things happen. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Be resourceful and show initiative. Don’t make excuses or wait for others to solve the problem.

Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Establish mutually understood objectives and deadlines for all projects, issues, and commitments. End all meetings with clarity about action items, individual responsibilities, and due dates.

Celebrate your achievements and those of your teammates. The more we celebrate success, the more we create it and the more we grow. Regularly extend meaningful acknowledgment and appreciation — in all directions throughout our company.

Respond to questions and concerns quickly, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by email. This includes simply acknowledging that we got the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues. Responsiveness and timely communication are crucial to providing great experiences for our customers, partners and teammates.

You have the power to choose your attitude, so whenever possible choose to be positive, optimistic, and enthusiastic. Your attitude is contagious. Spread optimism and positive energy.

Follow our operating procedures to ensure consistency and high performance. When you see opportunities for process improvement, recommend them so that new and better standards can be established for the benefit of everyone.

Speak directly to each other, preferably in person or over the phone. When that can’t be done, opt for the next closest “real time” method. Direct communication resolves issues faster. Make sure everyone clearly understands their expectations.

Be organized and plan your work for maximum efficiency. Have all the tools necessary before starting your work. Be thoughtful about your schedule, and have a game plan for your calls, your tasks, and your workday. Know the priorities and work on them first. Ask yourself, “what could get in my way?” Have a plan to address those issues in advance.

The best way to influence others is through your own example. Walk the talk. Take responsibility to coach, guide, teach, and mentor others. Be the change you want to see.

Share the right information with the right people. Find a balance between keeping people appropriately informed and not dumping unnecessary information on others. The more effectively we share information, the more efficiently we can collaborate.

Missing just one detail can have an enormous impact on a job. Be a fanatic about accuracy and precision. The goal is to get things right, not simply to get them done. Double-check your work. Get the details right the first time.

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Fundamental
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#4
DELIVER RESULTS

While effort is important, we reward and celebrate results. Set high goals and use measurements to track your progress. Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving those results.

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