How Innovation, Hard Work, and Continuous Improvement Span Four Generations
Jim Vaughan’s life story reads like a John Steinbeck novel—a testament to the American spirit of resilience, ingenuity, and hard work. A self-educated welder from a small town in the Pacific Northwest, Vaughan was a devoted family man with unwavering values and the relentless ambition to build something from nothing.
His life was guided by a single, powerful question: “What could make this better?”
Vaughan sharpened his welding skills at a San Francisco shipyard before World War II. During the war, he rose to the rank of foreman, overseeing 500 fabricators at the Everett, Washington Naval Shipyard. But his true calling came when he returned home to Elma, Washington, and purchased a fabrication shop. There, he worked closely with local dairy farmers, helping them maintain their manure-holding tanks. However, the pumps they relied on were prone to clogging, causing endless frustration and costly downtime.
Determined to find a better solution, Vaughan envisioned a revolutionary concept: integrating a chopping mechanism into the pump itself for greater efficiency. This relentless pursuit of innovation led to the creation of the world’s first chopper pump—and in 1960, Vaughan Company was born.
What started as a game-changing solution for farmers quickly proved indispensable across multiple industries. Today, 65 years later, Vaughan Company has expanded worldwide, securing 40 patents (issued or pending) and delivering state-of-the-art pumping solutions across the globe.
With four generations of expertise, Vaughan remains committed to unparalleled service and industry-leading technology. Proudly adhering to the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, its high-performance pumps and mixing equipment are built to thrive in the harshest environments—from correctional facilities and dairy farms to wastewater treatment plants and beyond.
At Vaughan, innovation isn’t just a legacy—it’s a commitment to the future.
The Birth of Vaughan Company and The Chopper Pump – Jim Vaughan
The invention of the world’s first chopper pump didn’t just revolutionize pumping technology—it laid the foundation for a four-generation family business committed to innovation and excellence.
Once Jim Vaughan’s chopper pump proved its value to local farmers, he built a demo trailer and took his invention on the road, showcasing it at trade shows across the Pacific Northwest. The pump gained attention, demand grew, and Vaughan Company began its innovative journey.
“Great Grandpa’s goal when he first started was simply to sell a pump over the Cascade Mountains,” says Derek Vaughan, the company’s 38-year-old president and Jim’s great-grandson. “Now, our pumps are solving problems for end users on six continents.”
Jim Vaughan’s commitment to continuous improvement remains deeply ingrained in the company’s culture.
“Our great-grandfather was always thinking about how to make things better—in innovation, in equipment, in how the business was run. Every conversation was about improvement,” says Stefanie Vaughan, Jim’s 44-year-old great-granddaughter and Vaughan Company’s Marketing Director.
But at Vaughan, improvement is more than just a philosophy—it’s a driving force.
“Grandpa Jim drove that message home,” Derek says. “Because of his relentless focus on innovation, we’re more than just a pump solutions company. We’re a knowledge center, an industry leader, an innovation driver, and a trusted resource for contractors, engineers, and customers worldwide. We take pride in our role in the Build America, Buy America program and remain dedicated to leading in both our industry and our community.”
Along with a passion for innovation, Jim Vaughan instilled another core value—work ethic.
“Grandpa Jim used to say that hard work can make up for other shortcomings,” Derek recalls. “He believed you didn’t have to be the smartest or most talented person in the room—because if you outwork them, you’ll always come out ahead.”
Six decades later, that same relentless drive for excellence, innovation, and hard work continues to fuel Vaughan Company’s legacy.
The Innovation of the Vaughan Company Business – Larry Vaughan
Jim Vaughan believed the manure and dairy markets were the company’s future. But when milk prices crashed in the late 1970s, his son, Larry Vaughan, recognized the need for change. His solution to make things better? Bring in an engineer.
Circa 1980, L-R: Jim Wilson—The first Vaughan Rep east of the Cascade Mountain range. Glenn Dorsch—The first engineer to be hired at Vaughan Company. George Fairchild— Regional Sales Manager for Vaughan Company in the 80’s and 90’s. His son and grandson currently work in the sales department at Vaughan Co.
“That decision transformed us from a backwoods mom-and-pop shop to a serious engineering firm,” says Derek Vaughan. “We hired Glenn Dorsch, an incredible engineer—probably the smartest person I’ve ever met.”
With Dorsch’s engineering expertise and Larry’s business acumen, Vaughan Company evolved. They transitioned from fabricated pumps to cast parts, introduced repeatable manufacturing processes, and established best practices for machining—all of which propelled the company into a new era of highly customized engineering solutions.
“We had a fantastic piece of equipment, but Larry and Glenn’s vision truly transformed Vaughan Company,” says Stefanie Vaughan of her cigar-smoking grandfather. “I loved my Grandpa Larry. He was a big man, a no-bull kind of guy. He had a lot of great one-liners. The guys in the shop called him Big Larry, and they’ll tell you to this day—everyone listened to Big Larry.”
Larry’s sharp business instincts also fueled the company’s global expansion. In the mid-1980s, with the help of his daughter Suzanne Vaughan, he established Vaughan’s municipal and industrial rep network and expanded sales into Europe, starting in the United Kingdom.
“Grandpa Larry knew we needed help selling the product,” Derek says. “He built the rep network we rely on today. He not only recognized the need for advanced technology, but he also understood the power of a strong sales force and local customer support.”
Innovation ran deep in Larry Vaughan. He was always pushing for bigger and better solutions.
For example, Vaughan’s chopper pumps were initially breaking mechanical seals due to massive radial loads. Embracing his father’s philosophy of improvement, Larry worked with Dorsch to develop a spring-loaded mechanical seal—one strong enough to withstand the power of Vaughan’s industry-leading pumps.
Larry also spearheaded business innovations, including the creation of a documents and submittal department to support engineering teams and secure high-profile contracts.
Like his father, Larry Vaughan believed in strong family values.
“Grandpa Larry taught us the importance of showing up, being seen, and innovating through hard work,” Derek says. “He always said, ‘The world is what you make it—so go get it.’”
The Growth of Vaughan Company – Dale Vaughan
When Dale Vaughan took the reins in 2001, his mission was clear: expansion and growth. Under his leadership, Vaughan Company tripled its sales, experienced its largest workforce expansion, and dramatically increased market coverage. A $16 million-per-year operation transformed into a thriving, industry-leading enterprise.
Building on their father Larry’s foundation, Dale, with the help of his brother Steve Vaughan (former VP of Production), saw the need for modernization. While Larry had invested in used CNC machines, they took it further—investing in state-of-the-art equipment and refining the entire manufacturing process. In 2016, Vaughan Company added more than 100,000 sq. ft. of production space, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.
“Dad had a keen sense of identifying underserved markets and developing a strategy to capture them,” says Derek Vaughan. “He created our business development department specifically to seek out new opportunities.”
Dale set ambitious goals, including balancing the company’s revenue stream—aiming for a 50/50 split between municipal and industrial business. This vision pushed Vaughan Company to diversify, explore untapped markets, and expand its reach.
His leadership also extended to product innovation.
Working alongside Glenn Dorsch, Dale spearheaded the launch of the Rotamix System, a game-changing mechanical hydraulic mixing solution for sludge tanks, digesters, and high-volume applications.
Now at 68, Dale Vaughan remains an integral part of the company, working half days on the production side. His deep expertise in pricing and manufacturing allows him to generate accurate quotes with minimal details—an invaluable skill honed over decades of experience.
“Dad understands production inside and out,” Derek says. “His knowledge is unmatched, and his role remains vital to our custom solutions.”
The Legacy of Vaughan Company – The 4th Generation
Vaughan Company stands as a pillar of innovation and leadership, recognized as the industry’s leading manufacturer of chopper pumps and a pioneer in hydraulic mixing. With a legacy spanning 65 years, Vaughan has remained steadfast in its commitment to quality, staying in the very same building it first established in 1960. Today, it proudly manufactures centrifugal mixers, serving both industrial and municipal applications with unmatched precision.
But Vaughan is more than just a pump manufacturer – it is a solutions provider. “If you have a problem, call us, and we’ll help you fix it,” Stefanie says. “We’re not just about chopper pumps; we’re innovators, dedicated to finding solutions and leading the way with thought leadership.”
With more than 40 years of experience in the municipal market and more than 65 years in industrial and agricultural sectors, Vaughan’s expertise is unparalleled. Despite its growing international presence, Vaughan has maintained its family roots. In addition to Stefanie and Derek’s leadership roles, their sister Stacie serves as Vice president of the Company and cousin Jacob Vaughan is VP of Production. Their younger brother Jesse contributes to inside sales and cousins Justin, and Chase have vital roles in the business making Vaughan the largest family-owned employer in a town of only 4,000 residents.
As Vaughan continues to thrive, Derek Vaughan’s leadership exemplifies his dedication to the company’s people. “When I became president, I was told to be the most replaceable person at the company,” Derek recalls. “It’s about lifting others up—supporting every employee and treating them as part of the Vaughan family, whether they share our last name or not.”
For Stefanie, the Vaughan legacy runs deep. “I remember visiting the factory with my dad as a little girl—how the lights would slowly turn on as we flipped the switch, and the distinct smell of coolant and dust in the air.” Beginning her work at Vaughan at age 16, Stefanie, like all family members, was taught to understand the company’s every facet and step in whenever needed.
Family, both blood-related and not, is at the heart of Vaughan. “Auntie Pat,” a devoted 84-year-old secretary, exemplifies the multi-generational commitment that defines the company. Many employees have been with Vaughan for decades, and despite not sharing the Vaughan name, they too embrace the family spirit.
“They all feel like part of the family,” Derek shares. “People are proud to work here, and they take pride in the impact we make. We recently posted for an administrative assistant position, and over 70 people applied. People want to be a part of what we’re doing.”
While the Vaughan family honors its deep roots, they’re not afraid to push forward with fresh ideas and innovations. “Dad always said, ‘You either grow, or you die,’” Derek reflects. “We aim to be innovative and improve our processes, making our products better and more cost-efficient.”
Efficiency is a key focus at Vaughan, particularly in its production facility. “We collaborate closely with our teams on the floor to identify efficiencies and enhance production,” Derek adds. The company has bolstered its research and development efforts, creating larger pumps with higher gpm and advanced mixers designed specifically for the biogas and dairy industries.
International expansion has fueled Vaughan’s industry outreach, with increased involvement in wastewater associations and professional committees to stay at the forefront of industry trends. They also partner with local schools and colleges to nurture the next generation of trade workers.
Vaughan’s commitment to community extends beyond its workplace. As a manufacturer, the company fully complies with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, ensuring eligibility for federal projects. Nearly all materials are sourced domestically, and Vaughan’s 140,000 sq. ft. facility in Washington supports a $10 million inventory and fast lead times, ensuring top-tier quality.
The company leverages cutting-edge technology, including in-house 3D computer modeling, to deliver precision-cast components and unmatched performance.
As Vaughan continues to grow, their focus remains on providing tailored solutions, exceptional customer service, and contributing meaningfully to both their local community and the industries they serve.
The Future of Vaughan Company
For Stefanie and Derek, there was never any question about their careers—working at Vaughan Company was always part of the plan. Continuing the family legacy wasn’t just an option; it was a calling.
“Grandpa Larry loved his family deeply and wanted to create a place where we all felt inspired to work together,” Stefanie reflects. “He envisioned a legacy that we could carry forward, but we never had to look beyond Vaughan for opportunities. There was always something new and exciting to explore here.”
While Derek briefly dreamt of playing basketball in the NBA, his path was always clear. “Working here made sense to me,” he says. “But it wasn’t expected. Our mom always told us, ‘You can do anything you want, but this opportunity is here if you’re willing to work for it.’”
Though their father, Dale, still works part-time, he has entrusted the company’s leadership to his children—leaving them with valuable advice.
Vaughan Family currently involved with company L-R: Top Row: Jesse Vaughan, Justin Ayres, Chase Vaughan, Steve
Vaughan, Dale Vaughan, Derek Vaughan, Jacob Vaughan Seated: Stacie Vaughan, Sandra Schluter, Suzanne Vaughan,
Stefanie Vaughan
“Dad always said, ‘If you make a mistake, don’t apologize—fix it,’” Stefanie recalls. “His wisdom was about learning from missteps and improving.”
Derek remembers his father’s emphasis on a strong work ethic. “Dad always said, ‘If you work hard, it will overcome everything else.’ He also taught us to ask for help and take action when needed.”
In Dale’s office, you’ll find motivational sayings that have shaped the company’s culture: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way” and “Work with a purpose” are just a few of them.
As the Vaughan legacy marches forward, Derek reflects on what their late great-grandfather, Jim Vaughan, would think of the company’s growth. “I think he’d be incredibly proud of how far we’ve come—but more so, he’d be happy that the integrity remains intact,” Derek says. “The core values are still alive and well.”
Jim’s daughter, Sandra, now in her mid-80s, remains an active board member. “Every time we see her, she tells us how proud Grandpa Jim would be of what we’ve built,” Derek adds.
For Stefanie and Derek, the most rewarding aspect of leading Vaughan is how the company has upheld its core values while embracing innovation and community growth.
“You can stay true to your values while accomplishing great things,” Stefanie says. “We listened to previous generations about what the company’s legacy should be. It’s vital to honor that history, but we also need to continue evolving and innovating.”
Sixty-five years after Jim Vaughan invented the world’s first chopper pump, Vaughan Company’s original vision still thrives. It’s bigger, better—and, most importantly, it remains a true reflection of the values that began it all.
Michelle Segrest is president of Navigate Content, Inc. She has reported on the pump industry since 2008 and is the author of a book series on Modern Manufacturing.
