In this powerful episode, Suzan continues her conversation with industry veteran Mike Hoffmaster to shed light on one of infrastructure’s most overlooked problems: stormwater systems. As aging storm drains struggle to withstand today’s extreme weather, Mike explains why municipalities must take proactive steps to avoid catastrophic failures.
Learn about trenchless rehab options that don’t require breaking the bank, including OBIC’s structural and semi-structural liners, and how to prep pipes the right way for long-term performance. Mike also shares insights on navigating environmentally sensitive areas, proper product specification, and the growing adoption of stormwater taxes to fund necessary upgrades.
Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Mike Hoffmaster
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🧠 Key Takeaways:
- Stormwater pipes are failing due to age, rust, and overuse—especially in areas with heavy salt exposure and new construction.
- Dig-and-replace is no longer the only option—spray-applied polymerics and trenchless technologies like CIPP and slip lining offer cost-effective alternatives.
- OBIC’s liners are ideal for larger diameter, human-entry pipes, offering structural reinforcement where traditional methods fall short.
- Proper prep is everything—from sandblasting corrugated metal to reinforcing the base before coating.
- Environmental care matters—especially in protected watersheds. Know your product, understand the risks, and follow best practices.
- Stormwater affects wastewater—everything is interconnected. It’s all “One Water.”
- Municipalities must fund stormwater repairs, whether through rain taxes, development fees, or long-term asset management plans.
🗣️ Memorable Quotes:
- “You can’t fix what you can’t fund—but you also can’t afford to wait until disaster hits.”
- “Stormwater becomes drinking water. It’s one big circle.”
- “It’s okay to say no if your product isn’t the right solution—it builds trust.”
Contact Information:
Mike Hoffmaster – VP, OBIC Products
Websites: obicproducts.com
Email: mike@obicproducts.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hoffmaster-29233415/
Conclusion:
Stormwater infrastructure may be out of sight, but it can no longer be out of mind. As Mike Hoffmaster emphasized throughout this episode, aging systems are under immense pressure—and proactive, cost-effective solutions are available. Whether through OBIC’s advanced liners, proper prep techniques, or smart funding strategies, the tools to protect our communities already exist. But it takes awareness, collaboration, and the willingness to act before failure strikes. Remember: it’s all “One Water.” What impacts stormwater ultimately impacts us all.
If you found value in this discussion, be sure to subscribe and share. Let’s keep the conversation—and the water—flowing.
Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧
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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:
Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/
Email: raven@creativeraven.com
Telephone: +1 760-217-8010
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