In a day and age where businesses come and go, it is always extraordinary to hear of a company, who not only has stood the test of time, but has bridged generational gaps. In fact, they are as solid as the Rock they stand on.
Master Made Tanks was founded in 1976 by owner and operators Johnny and Judy Culver. The business was born out of a drive to formulate success through hard work and dedication, and throughout the years, they have done just that.
Building septic tanks was Johnny’s dream. “We sure didn’t start out big,” shared wife, Judy. “We had very humble beginnings with a loan to purchase three septic tank forms and a truck to deliver them with. We built up over the years, doing whatever God sent our way to do.”
Seeking God’s guidance from the beginning, the Culvers would decide on the name “Master Made” for their new business. “We knew if did made it, it would be because of our Lord Jesus Christ,” explained Judy Culver. “We searched the scriptures for a company motto and decided on Ephesians 3:20, ‘Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,’ GOD IS ABLE.”
The couple, who were married April 6, 1957, have three children, Johnny “Bullett” Jr., Kristi Culver Pfeiffer, and William “Bill” Culver. Mom, Judy, recalled Bullet being an only child for 11 years as they prayed for a little girl with long fingers who would play the piano. “Bullett was adamant that Kristi not grow up alone like he had to, so we just let the Lord have His way, and Bill was born 14 months later.
The Culver family also credits their success to many friends and family along the way. One in particular, an uncle, Louis Koch. Judy Culver described Koch as a “fine man with many talents and a lot of love for them.” With tremendous fortitude he labored helping them get their start, all while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
“We had three customers when we first started, James Gilbreath, Lynn Day, and Francis Thacker,” continued Judy Culver. “God used those people, and we still pray that God continues to bless them.”
The family also draws strength congregating at their home church, Southside Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Larry Horne. Judy serves as a Bible teacher, training children in the importance of memorizing and reciting the scripture.
The family is quick to attribute any success they have seen over the years to God’s sufficient grace.
Today, the company employees 44, all of which, according to Judy Culver, “are family to our family.” They service the area with ready-mix concrete, pre-cast septic tanks and installation, and material hauling.
Son, Bill Culver, oversees the fleet of trucks hauling chicken feed for O.K. Foods. Daughter, Kristi Pfeiffer, manages the ready-mix operations, and oversees the business. Founder, Johnny Culver, at age 85, still gets up every morning and works a nine-hour day dispatching the sand and gravel trucks. Son-in-law, Steve Pfeiffer, drives a dump truck, and son, “Bullett” chases parts.
“We join hands and pray about our business decisions,” Judy Culver shared. “John begins our prayer with Romans 8:26 ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’ Then we call the names of our family, the Master Made family, friends, and loved ones, knowing our loving Father hears and answers…We thank God for the friends he has placed in our lives, and for the blessings along the way…”
Master Made looks steadfast into the future, led by the Light–strong in faith, with the support of family and friends. As Judy Culver summed up the business, stating, “It’s not our company, it’s God’s.”
