It's all in the family - four generations so far!
Kenny and Mary White started Valley Pump & Equipment in the early 1940's. Valley Pump & Equipment (VP) is the oldest continuously run business in Emmett!
There were four basic components that comprised Valley Pump & Equipment Company, Inc.:
- Sell, install and service pump and water systems for residential and agricultural wells.
- Sell and service Allis Chalmers tractors, farm equipment and parts.
- Operate a retail store, selling the products associated with the business.
- Sell and install irrigation systems for agricultural uses, i.e. wheel lines, hand lines and main lines.
Kenny and Mary ran a very tight ship! Kenny handled the sales for the most part while Mary oversaw the administration side of the business. They were a very effective team and both were respected in the community for their expertise. Valley Pump is credited with installing the first ag irrigation sprinkler system in Gem County!
Kenny and Mary have a son, Dennis, and a daughter, Kathleen. Dennis started working fulltime at VP in 1977. Previously he had worked summers while he attended high school and college. Dennis was primarily responsible for developing the pump installation side of the business. Dennis retired officially a few years back but can still be found in his office when he delivers the mail. Kathleen worked at VP for time as well.
Dennis and his wife Willean have three daughters, Wendy, Jodie & Heidee, and one son Bill. Billy, as the community knows him by, started his career with VP just like his dad, after school and summers until 2013 when he took up the reins from Dennis.
Billy and his wife Sharla have two sons, Davis & Easton, and two daughters, Eliana & Amalia. Both Davis and Easton currently work at VP and make the fourth generation of Whites to do so!
Taken March 8th, 1978.
Same space, only larger, with a new coat of paint! Over the years, VP has expanded it's storage facilities into neighboring buildings but the office is in the same friendly space as when VP started!
Willean & Dennis White, doing what they love most, supporting their community!
VP letterhead - back when we sold tractors - check out what a 1958 phone number in Emmett, ID looked like!
Another long-time vendor / partner in the industry that VP is still working with and servicing their products.
VP still sells Wade products, they are now know as Travis Pattern & Foundry, Inc. Same great products throughout the years!
It appears VP has been supporting the Emmett 4-H program for a long, long time...at least till 1971 according to the sweet thank you note from one of the Vaughn kids!
Another classic found from the 80's - a Christmas card from a vendor!
Yep, that vintage soda machine at the counter, still works and may not have Coke products in it but has been with VP through the years!
1974 meets 2023 at this clients home...from an era of quality materials and good workmanship - still works!
Another oldie but goodie discovered by one of our clients as they cleaned out their parents place...sigh...1956...still handwritten, in cursive!
A pump & water system installed back in 1974 by VP...check out the old school sticker!
VP drills water wells year around! Contrary to popular belief, it's actually easier to drill in the winter as long as we can get a drill rig to the location.
Brian setting a pump and motor.
A completed wellhead and frost free bury hydrant installed by VP.
VP's boom crane comes in handy when trying to get to some of our clients well heads.
VP works right along contractors and other service providers on new home builds to make the process run as smooth as possible for our mutual clients.
Jake works to move a pump system from a temporary storage container into a garage.
Do not over-tighten fittings as they can split, ultimately flooding your basement or well house - Yikes!