Women Executives and Nina Tillery

By Nina Tillery

Hello, my name is Nina Tillery, and I am the owner of Taylor Septic Pumping. In 1989, my parents, Charles and Sylvia Taylor, founded Taylor Septic Pumping with a commitment to integrity that has defined my life’s work. When I stepped into the role of owner, I wasn't just inheriting a fleet of trucks, I was inheriting a reputation built over 35 years in Wise County, Texas. As a woman leading in the plumbing and septic industry, I’ve learned that influence isn't about being the loudest person on the job site, it’s about the strategic application of excellence and the courage to lead with a service-first mindset.

The Strategy That Expanded My Influence Most: Radical Accountability

In an industry where no-shows and hidden fees are common complaints, the leadership strategy that expanded my influence the most was radical accountability. I lean into what we call the "Charles Taylor Way," which is a relentless dedication to honesty, respect, and attention to detail.

Influence grows when your word becomes your strongest currency. By implementing a culture where we own our mistakes as loudly as we celebrate our successes, I built an unbreakable level of trust with both our residential and commercial clients. People don't just hire Taylor Septic because we have the right equipment, they hire us because they know the owner stands behind every pump-out and installation. When you prove that your standards are higher than the local building codes, your influence naturally extends beyond your company and into the community.

Positioning for Executive Leadership in Traditional Fields

For women looking to position themselves for executive leadership, especially in technical or male-dominated fields, my advice is to master both the hard and the soft data simultaneously.

To lead effectively, you must be technically beyond reproach. I made it my mission to understand the mechanical intricacies of wastewater lift stations and the complex biology of septic systems. However, technical skill alone isn't enough for the executive level. You must also master the soft data: the ability to build long-term relationships, manage diverse teams, and communicate vision.

Positioning yourself for the top spot means becoming the bridge between the field and the office. 

I positioned myself as a leader by showing that I could talk to a technician about a pump failure at 6:00 AM and then present a long-term commercial growth strategy to a board of directors at noon. When you show that you can translate technical challenges into business solutions, you make yourself indispensable.

Decisions That Shape Long-Term Success

Long-term career success is rarely the result of one giant leap; it’s the result of small, disciplined decisions made daily. For me, two specific decisions shaped our longevity:

The Decision to Invest in Certification Over Convenience: It is tempting to hire quickly to meet demand. However, I decided that every member of the Taylor Septic team must be extensively trained and certified. This decision to prioritize quality over rapid, unchecked growth ensured that our brand remained synonymous with excellence.

The Decision to Pivot from Service to Education: I realized early on that a customer who understands their system is a customer for life. By deciding to prioritize educational outreach (teaching our clients about septic-safe products and preventative maintenance) we shifted from being a vendor to being a trusted advisor.

Success in leadership is about building a system that can run without you. By focusing on integrity, accountability, and professional ethics, I’ve been able to uphold the high standards set by my founders while carving out a new path for the future of Taylor Septic.

Connect With Nina

www.facebook.com/taylorsepticservices

www.taylorsepticpumping.com