A Candid Conversation with Jim Stieber, Senior Commercial Sales
For over four decades, Imperial Industries has quietly set the bar for what commercial vacuum truck customers should expect from their equipment partner. With vertically integrated manufacturing, stock availability, and a people-first service model, Imperial consistently delivers engineered tanks and trucks that outperform expectations in the field. One of the voices behind that consistency? Jim Stieber.
Jim joined Imperial in 1986 and has been part of the company’s transformation ever since. Today, he serves as the Senior Commercial Sales lead, helping customers navigate everything from chassis selection to custom builds to aftermarket support. “We build to work,” he says. “We build hoist dumps, pumpers, portables—whatever fits the customer’s world. And we build all three tank types: carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. That’s what makes us the largest builder of our kind in the country.”
WWETT 2026: More Trucks. More Variety. More Solutions.
At the upcoming WWETT Show, Imperial is showcasing the full spectrum of its truck-building capabilities—with seven fully equipped trucks on display.
“We don’t bring plain-Jane builds,” Jim says. “Every unit we’re bringing to the show is feature-rich—chrome wheels, air-ride suspension, high-capacity tanks. They’re built to work and built to impress.”
Attendees can expect to see:
- A variety of chassis brands including Peterbilt, Ford, Ram, Freightliner, Western Star, and Mack
- Tank sizes ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 gallons, for both CDL and non-CDL operations
- Porta potty service units and large-capacity septic trucks
Each model reflects real-world spec packages used by operators across the U.S. and Canada. “We aim to bring a wide range of options so customers can get a feel for what fits their operation,” Jim explains.
Product Advancements Rooted in Field Results
Imperial isn’t about reinventing the wheel each year. Instead, the team focuses on refining core products to add meaningful value for operators:
- Plug-and-play electronic integration: Today’s trucks are built with smarter wiring and software. Imperial’s systems communicate directly with the chassis to simplify installation and diagnostics.
- Remote operation: Operators can now engage PTO, control pressure, operate blowers, reel out hose, and monitor tank levels using handheld remotes. “They’re the size of a cell phone—and powerful,” Jim says.
- Digital sea level indicators: Mounted in-cab displays give real-time tank volume readings—no guesswork required.
- Retractable Omega hose reels: Fewer injuries, faster cleanup. “It saves shoulders, time, and ultimately money,” Jim adds.
Custom Orders Meet Smart Stocking Strategy
Whether a customer needs a completely custom truck or wants to start from one of Imperial’s stock builds, flexibility is built into every step. “We keep a healthy lineup of baseline builds ready to go,” Jim says. “Then we layer in the customer’s must-haves—jetters, lights, valves, whatever it may be.”
For customers looking to retrofit after purchase, Imperial offers aftermarket kits designed for quick installs without welding. “If you want to add a digital level indicator two weeks later? No problem. We can ship it out, and your team can drop it in.”
Testing That Goes Beyond the Spec Sheet
Not all coatings are created equal—and Imperial knows it. That’s why the company recently introduced a new epoxy lining with embedded Teflon, designed specifically for high-chemical loads in aluminum portable tanks.
“Aluminum’s light and tough, but it’s not invincible,” Jim explains. “With this new liner, it holds up even when it’s storing full-strength chemical waste. We tested it hard. Then we sent it to third-party labs to test it harder. We don’t leave performance to chance.”
Jim also stresses the importance of tank maintenance: “Getting inside your tank a few times a year and inspecting everything—that’s key. Our designs help prevent buildup, but inspection is just smart ops.”
Built on Experience. Run by Real People.
Jim’s story is woven into Imperial’s history. He joined just after the company’s pivot from silos into commercial trucks and has seen firsthand how the team has grown—and stuck to its roots.
“We’ve grown a lot—six people in Commercial Sales now, dedicated QC, full customer service team. But the mindset is the same. We build for the folks who show up and do the work.”
Jim’s wife, Lori, is also part of the Imperial family, now in Purchasing after starting in Accounting. “She knows our vendor network better than anyone,” Jim says. “And she’s been here 15 years.”
Leadership is evolving, too. Imperial’s recent rebrand—led by President Laura Strek and the broader team—reflects its commitment to growth and inclusivity. “Laura’s incredible. She recently won the 2025 Athena Leadership Award, which recognizes women who demonstrate outstanding professional excellence, uplift their communities, and mentor and empower other women in their fields. We’re all proud of that achievement — and what it means for Imperial’s future.”
Growth Fueled by Strategy, Not Hype
In recent years, Imperial made a bold shift—purchasing truck chassis in volume. The result? Greater control over timelines, pricing, and availability. “Once we started buying direct, our growth took off,” Jim explains.
That strategic move, combined with expanded manufacturing capacity and a sharper market presence, has solidified Imperial’s status as a national leader in commercial sanitation equipment.
“We’re not just building trucks—we’re solving problems,” Jim says. “And that’s what makes customers come back.”
Let’s Talk at WWETT. Or Anytime.
See what Imperial’s all about—up close—at the 2026 WWETT Show. Have a spec in mind already? Let’s talk.
Visit imperialind.com or call (800) 558-2945 to connect with the team.