Covering the streets of Clarkston to assure sanitation and beauty is not always easy. Smith’s Disposal Company has been doing just that for over 23 years.
Starting in 1981, Leonard and Doris Smith purchased the disposal company from the Powell family. When the chance came knocking, Leonard and Doris quickly answered the call.
Working as the only independently-owned disposal company in Northern Oakland County, Leonard and Doris brought their children Ken and Carol into the business.
Today, with the passing of their parents, Ken and Carol share ownership of the company. Leonard passed away in 1998, and Doris just recently on May 26. The two were a crucial part of the business, and their training and skills live on through their children.
‘My parents ran this place perfectly,? said Ken. ‘My mom (Doris) used to handle a lot and she also served as the president which she reminded us of all the time.?
Doris was responsible for phones, billing and managing the office.
‘She was quick and very busy in her younger days,? remembers Ken.
Continuing to achieve success in the footsteps of their parents is something both Ken and Carol strive to accomplish.
‘After my dad (Leonard) passed, it was very hard on my mom,? said Ken. ‘Now that my mom is gone, a lot has changed.?
Doris was bedridden for three years, unable to tend for herself.
‘It was hard, but we did what we could to make her feel comfortable,? said Ken.
Ken and Carol both find difficulty in the passing of their mother.
‘We had a routine,? said Ken. ‘We would take turns visiting my mom, and when those days come, I’m going to feel lost.?
A funeral service was held on May 29, 2005 at the Lewis E. Wint & Son TRUST 100 Funeral Home. Burial ceremonies took place in Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Mercy Supportive Care at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Oakland.
‘We had a wonderful group of caregivers for our mom,? said Ken. ‘They made things so much easier for my mom and our family.?
The Smith family would like to personally thank their mom’s care givers: Cindy, Jennifer, Sharon and Leslie.
Although, Ken and Carol face this hardship, the two unanimously agreed that the business and remaining family will be fine.
‘We have always worked as a family,? said Ken. ‘For years we have learned and growed because we have eachother.?
Ken and Carol work as a team to assure quality service to Northern Oakland County.
Smith’s Disposal offers a variety of disposal needs including curb-side garbage pick-up, recycling, compost pick-up and commercial dumpsters.
Carol is responsible for the office part of the company. She handles the customers, books, payroll and everything else associated within an office environment.
Ken is mainly responsible for handling the truck routes, stops, drivers and roads. He makes sure the trash in front of homes is picked up on a regular basis.
‘My favorite part of the business is dealing with the people of Clarkston,? said Ken. ‘If people request our services we try to help them the best way possible.?
Clarkston is an important place to Ken. He is a 20-year resident, and believes that Clarkston is a place like no other. His children grew up in Clarkston and attended the schools.
‘I am happy that my kids grew up in Clarkston,? said Ken. ‘There are so many wonderful people and places.
‘I have made so many wonderful friends while in Clarkston and through charities,? said Ken.
Not only are Ken and Carol active on the streets of Clarkston, but also in SCAMP, the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce and local sports.
‘We’re local people and we do what we can to support the community,? added Ken.
When Ken can find time, he enjoys traveling north to his cottage with his children, Jami and David, and grandchildren, Jenna, 6; Jordon, 4; and Carter, 18- months-sold. Carol’s daughter Wendy has three children, Damian, 15; Maya, 6; and Zander, 4.
Unity is the most important factor in the Smith family; and even though the grandchildren haven’t began their journey with the company, Smith’s Disposal continues to strive for perfection.
Through highs and lows, the Smith family has managed to maintain their success; and Ken and Carol look forward to many years with the company.