When Porta Kleen Hydro-Excavator Operator Scott Cooper steps onto a job site, he brings a level of respect and professionalism that stands out. Those qualities recently earned him Porta Kleen’s RITES Award, which recognizes employees who exemplify the company’s core values of Respect, Innovation, Teamwork, Excellence, and Stewardship.
For Cooper, strong performance starts with customer service. “I always check in with the foreman or crew to see if they need anything else,” he said. “I like to stay busy and visible. Even if there’s downtime, I don’t just sit in the truck. I want everyone to know I’m ready to help.”
That approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. Division Manager Keith Egloff said Cooper has become one of the most requested operators because of his consistent focus on safety and service. “He’s been asked to take on jobs that others wouldn’t,” Egloff said. “He accepts them head-on, with a smile and no complaints.”
Egloff also highlighted Cooper’s role as a mentor, noting his ability to train new employees while still delivering high-quality work. Cooper credits preparation and respect for site-specific rules. “Use your safety equipment, show good manners, and follow the site’s safety protocols,” he said. “Every location is different and respecting that matters.”
Cooper’s steady leadership reflects the intent of the RITES Award—demonstrating integrity and respect in everyday work. “The best part of the job is seeing the finished product done right and knowing I was part of it,” he said.
According to Egloff, Cooper embodies Porta Kleen’s commitment to providing a premier service experience through safe and dependable solutions. “He’s built strong partnerships on both a professional and personal level,” Egloff said. “He truly represents what this award stands for.”
Porta Kleen’s RITES and Mission
For the past three years, Porta Kleen has placed a strong focus on living out our Mission and RITES, striving each day to deliver exceptional service while upholding the core values that define who we are. The year 2025 marked an important milestone as we proudly introduced the first-ever Mission and RITES Awards—recognizing employees who have not only embraced these guiding principles but have exemplified them in extraordinary ways.
Managers across the company were invited to nominate any employee who demonstrates these qualities, and the final recipients were thoughtfully selected through a collaborative review by the Porta Kleen Employee Engagement Team and Division Managers. These awards honor individuals whose actions, attitude, and commitment inspire others and set the standard for excellence across Porta Kleen. The 2025 inaugural award winners were Tyler Zook and Scott Cooper.