In 1965, Frederick Cook worked in sales for an oil burner manufacturer in Buffalo, New York, which also produced sump pumps on the side. When the company decided to sell off its sump pump business, Cook saw an opportunity. Convinced of the market’s potential, he invested his life savings, struck a deal and launched his own company, naming it Liberty Pumps as a nod to the independence of working for himself.

At the start, Liberty was truly a one-man operation. Cook assembled pumps from the inventory he had acquired and sold them directly — sometimes over the phone, other times out of the back of his truck to plumbing wholesalers. Before long, he partnered with independent manufacturers’ representatives to expand distribution, a model the company still follows today. Early growth was concentrated in the Northeast, with Cook eventually hiring part-time help before bringing on his first full-time employee in 1968.

In 1972, Hurricane Agnes devastated the Northeast, creating both demand for pumps and the need for more hands at Liberty. That same year, Cook’s nephew, Charlie Cook, joined the company, initially focusing on engineering before taking on broader responsibilities. When Fred Cook retired in 1975, Charlie purchased the business. Under his leadership, Liberty introduced innovations such as packaged sewage ejector systems, plastic tank designs, CNC machining and CAD software, while also adopting lean manufacturing practices. 

I asked Charlie Cook, now chairman, about the company’s early years. “With sump pumps, if it’s wet, you’re busy; if it’s not, you’re not,” he explains. “It was difficult to maintain a steady workforce or sustainable cash flow, and Fred’s solution was to modify certain submersible sump pumps to be able to pump sewage — products that would sell all year, regardless of weather.” 

Fred Cook assembled them into basins so contractors would save time and effort during installation, beginning  a history of innovation lasting 60 years. “Product development ever since has focused on the plumbing contractor — implementing features that improve quality, ease installation or facilitate service,” Charlie Cook says. 

Growth and expansion would soon follow, and the company’s reputation as a leader in sump, sewage, and wastewater solutions was firmly established — built on innovation, resilience and a strong commitment to customers and employees alike.

Headquartered in Bergen, New York, Liberty Pumps remains family- and employee-owned, led by President and CEO Robyn Brookhart, daughter of Charlie Cook. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary, we sat down to discuss the manufacturer’s legacy, ongoing investment and innovations in its line of sump, sewage, effluent, drain and grinder pumps—  along with preassembled sewage packages and accessories.

The Wholesaler: What are some of the biggest challenges Liberty Pumps has faced over the past 60 years, and how did those moments shape the company’s resilience and values? 

Robyn Brookhart: We’ve certainly faced our share of challenges over the years. Beyond challenges associated with growth, three stand out. Several years ago, a devastating fire at one of our primary vendors severely impacted production, teaching us valuable lessons and reshaping our sourcing strategy. 

The following year brought a cyberattack — an unnerving experience, but one with minimal impact thanks to quick action. It ultimately became the catalyst for robust cybersecurity measures and comprehensive training, led by our outstanding IT team. 

And then, of course, the pandemic tested every part of our operation. Facing these back-to-back challenges strengthened our resilience, reinforced our commitment to adaptability and underscored the importance of preparedness. No matter what comes our way, our mindset remains: “We’ve got this.”

Charlie Cook: We’ve enjoyed steady growth since the beginning. Along with it have come several expansions, many innovative product introductions and the welcoming of increasingly capable and dedicated people. Each has been a turning point in its own way. Each has helped to build our performance, credibility and brand strength in the market — and the pride and excitement within our walls.  Every change has been a step forward.

The Wholesaler: Robyn, how has the company’s mission or core philosophy evolved from your father’s leadership to yours, and what key values have remained unchanged through the generations?

Brookhart: For as long as I can remember, our mission has remained remarkably consistent. We’re customer-focused, committed to delivering high-quality products, quick turnaround on manufacturing and shipping, continuous improvement in everything we do and deep appreciation for our “members” — our term for employees. Two values have anchored us across generations: respect for everyone we work with and unwavering integrity. 

In the early days, when just a handful of folks kept the business running and revenue could be unpredictable, every dollar spent was carefully considered. I recall our office manager, who later became our vice president of operations, questioning the cost of office pens. While we’ve grown to a place where we no longer need to monitor pens and Post-its, that conscientious approach to spending remains. It’s simply shifted focus — today, it guides our investments in robotics, innovation and the future of Liberty Pumps.

The Wholesaler: Liberty Pumps has been recognized for its innovation over the years. Can you share a few milestone products or technologies that you feel best represent the company’s spirit of ingenuity? 

Cook: In the 1960s, Liberty Pumps made a groundbreaking impact on the wastewater industry by being the first company to introduce preassembled sewage packages. This innovation simplified installation, reduced labor costs and set a new standard for efficiency and reliability in residential and commercial applications. 

Over the decades, Liberty continued to build on this pioneering spirit, developing solutions that combine durability, performance and user-friendly design. Today, the Pro380 system stands as one of the best-selling residential sewage packages in North America. In the early 2000s, Liberty further strengthened its position in the market with the launch of the Omnivore grinder pump series. Our history of innovation reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, reliability and industry leadership.

The Wholesaler: Becoming an ESOP was a major step for Liberty Pumps. How has employee ownership shaped your company culture and contributed to your success? 

Brookhart: The move to employee ownership was rooted in the culture that has long defined Liberty Pumps. When we decided to become an ESOP, the driving force was our desire to show genuine appreciation for our talented and dedicated workforce. The transition didn’t change our culture, nor did it alter the values and motivations that inspire our members to give their best every day. 

What it did was add a tangible layer of recognition. There’s a buzz when annual statements are released, and it’s gratifying to see that excitement. More than just numbers on a page, those statements affirm what our members already know — that their contributions are meaningful, their efforts have impact and, together, we are building something of lasting value.

The Wholesaler: Members are a key part of the company’s achievements. How do you foster engagement, growth and pride among your team members? 

Brookhart: At Liberty Pumps, all members’ contributions make a difference — from the work they do to the conversations they have and the decisions they help shape. Our collaborative, relatively “flat” organizational structure gives people genuine opportunities to feel empowered without the layers of management that can slow communication and decision-making. 

One example of how we foster engagement is our monthly cross-functional meetings. Each leadership team member takes a turn facilitating discussions with up to 10 people from different areas of the company. We bring topics for input and listen to a range of perspectives, ensuring every voice can be heard. For personal growth, we aim to provide the right level of challenge, encourage learning new skills and support development both personally and professionally. This blend of open dialogue, shared decision-making and continual learning fuels engagement, growth and pride across our team.

The Wholesaler: Liberty Pumps’ history is woven with continued growth in facility and manufacturing capabilities. How has it evolved to meet market demand and support innovation? 

Brookhart: It’s incredible to look back and see how far our facility and manufacturing capabilities have come since the early days. We’ve always been — and continue to be — in a constant state of transformation to meet customer needs and drive efficiency. As demand grows, we reach natural tipping points where it becomes clear we need to add a manufacturing cell, reorganize workflow or introduce new automation. 

Over the past 60 years, we’ve operated in three different facilities, each larger than the last. At our current location, we’ve expanded three times, each addition designed to support both capacity and innovation. These investments have not only increased output but have also enhanced our ability to respond quickly to market changes, integrate advanced technologies and continue delivering the quality and service our customers expect.

The Wholesaler: As you celebrate this milestone anniversary, what’s your vision for the next chapter of Liberty Pumps, both in terms of innovation and your people? 

Brookhart: My vision is always evolving. There are product categories and markets I fully expect us to grow into, as well as clear opportunities we’re already targeting. At the same time, new technologies emerge that I never would have imagined five years ago — and that’s exciting. The possibility of integrating these innovations to enhance our processes, improve efficiency and create even better products keeps our future wide open. 

While I can picture many aspects of Liberty Pumps in the years ahead, I also know there will be opportunities we can’t yet foresee. That’s part of the thrill — remaining agile, curious and ready to embrace whatever comes next, all while continuing to invest in our people and ensure they have the tools, skills and environment to thrive.

The Wholesaler: How has Liberty Pumps’ relationship with its customers — whether distributors, contractors, or end users — influenced your approach to innovation and product development over the years? 

Brookhart: At Liberty Pumps, our appreciation for customers runs deep — it’s shared by every member of our team. We value the strong relationships we’ve built with the people who purchase, install and use our products, but it goes beyond that. Across the organization, we’re driven by a shared commitment to serve our customers in the best way possible. 

That mindset is central to innovation. In working-level meetings, discussions about new designs always focus on how they will benefit the customer — whether by making installation easier, adding features that end users will find valuable or creating packaging that is both visually appealing on the shelf and durable enough to withstand shipping. Every product we develop is shaped by this perspective, ensuring that our innovation is always rooted in real-world needs and experiences. 

The Wholesaler: Charlie, as a family and employee-owned company, with the next generation at the helm and celebrating six decades is impressive! Did you ever imagine celebrating 60 years of success?

Cook: I had no idea what Liberty would become. I was not a visionary. I was simply a hard worker who was determined to succeed. I reacted to whatever we were faced with as best I could — always with the survival of the company and the well-being of our members the driving forces. If we needed more space, we found it or built it; if we needed more talent, we hired it. 

When I joined the company in 1972, there were seven of us; now there are 330. We’ve gone from 4,800 square feet to 350,000 square feet. Today, it gives me immense satisfaction to see how our management and leadership teams function together, always mindful of the values and culture we strive to maintain.