About Us
Rice Lake's tank pumping experts
Ken-Way Services was established in 1959 by Alvin Roen as a septic pumping and drain cleaning business that serviced the Rice Lake, WI area. In April 1999, the company was purchased by John and Dianne Bowen. Our business has since expanded its services and service area. We currently service a 40 mile radius of Rice Lake and go outside that service area in certain circumstances.
Management Team
Our management team prides themselves on being the best in the industry. We believe there are many keys to quality service including respect, promptness, pride, hard work, and above all: Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it! We enjoy our jobs and even more, we enjoy all of the relationships we've made and will make in the future.
John Bowen, Vice President
John started in the septic industry in 1984 as the owner of Lake Area Sanitation. He provided sewer cleaning, drain cleaning, and portable toilet rentals at that time. In 1994, he sold that business to take a management position in the solid waste industry. In 1999, John decided to go back into the sewer and drain cleaning business and purchased Ken-Way Services. Since then, he has reacquired Lake Area Septic & Sewer, a portion of his previous company. In January 2023, John decided to take a step back and took on his new role as Vice President of Ken-Way Services of Rice Lake, Inc. John is a past president of the Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association and currently still holds a seat on the board of directors.
Cory Bowen, President
Cheryl Mlejnek, Operations Coordinator
Cory is the son of John and Dianne Bowen. He grew up helping with their septic business and started working for Ken-Way Services in 1999 while attending college at the University of LaCrosse, WI. Cory also gained experience working for another portable restroom company in LaCrosse, WI. Upon graduating in 2003 with a Business Administration degree, he returned to Rice Lake and became a partner in the company. In January 2023, Cory took on the role of President for Ken-Way Services on Rice Lake, Inc. Cory has also served as a board member for the Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association since 2017.
Cheryl became the office manager in 2000. Having helped grow the business over the past two decades, she is valued for her vast knowledge and customer service. In January 2023, Cheryl took on a new role as the Operation's Coordinator. Although this is a more "behind the scenes" position for her the experience she has is extremely valuable to the continued smooth day-to-day operations of Ken-Way Services of Rice Lake, Inc.