Back
Blog
Building a Culture of Care: The Innovative Leadership Philosophy Behind Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service
By ICIC | February 25, 2025
A first-time Inner City (IC100) Award winner, Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, led by CEO David Balkan and President Paul R. Balkan, is recognized as the top choice for sewer and water line services in New York City. With more than 70 years of experience and a proven track record of satisfying more than 100,000 customers, Balkan has established itself as the city’s largest and most dependable service provider.
As ICIC embarks on celebrating the Year of Innovation, we had the opportunity to learn from David about innovation’s role in Balkan’s success. David’s inspiring philosophy on leadership illustrates his emphasis on authenticity, employee care, and a focus on company culture. It also guides the company’s vision for incorporating innovation into the business.
ICIC: Balkan is an established business with over seven decades of experience and growth. Share a little of the company’s origin story and how you became CEO.
David: Balkan is a family-owned business. It was launched by my father, Joseph Balkan, in 1952. Like many entrepreneurs, my dad had a choice between a steady job and an opportunity to start a business doing something he truly enjoyed. He chose the latter, and my brother Paul and I are so glad he did.
We learned the business from the ground up and eventually took over the company’s leadership. We’ve helped it grow from nine employees to more than 100 and become the largest and most trusted sewer and water line service in New York.
ICIC: What led you to ICIC and the IC100 awards?
David: I learned about ICIC in 2015 when I completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program. Not long after that, I attended an ICIC conference. Participating in 10KSB taught me to aim higher and then higher again! It allowed me to climb out of the weeds of being down in my business. Since completing the program, we have doubled our annual revenues and multiplied our profit levels. It only made sense to apply for the IC100 awards after seeing our growth from the program.
ICIC: What does winning the IC100 award mean to you and your company?
David: When a company functions as a true team, its achievements are celebrated and recognized. Our team environment is uplifting and reinforces that a shared commitment to service is not merely an abstract idea but a meaningful goal with tangible benefits. Making the IC100 awards list for the first time is confirmation that we’re exceeding the standard we’ve set for our team culture.
ICIC: In 2025, ICIC is celebrating the Year of Innovation. How do you define innovation, and what impact has innovation had on your company’s growth and success?
David: I have never cared about how others run their businesses or lives. If people are embraced based on their core values and not on different factors, then that can be considered innovative in today’s society. We hire folks for who they are, not what they can do.
We likewise always analyze how things are done and never take comfort in existing processes. We constantly invest in new products and processes and are never afraid to fail, as failure is only temporary.
ICIC: Can you share an example highlighting your company’s innovative spirit?
David: A company’s innovative spirit begins with its leaders. For me, that meant completely pivoting my management style. The person I am now is not the person I was. In short, when something used to go wrong, it meant it was time to get to the bottom of it and punish someone. When things go wrong now, my entire team understands it is an opportunity to make it a one-off and fix something that can be improved. It is not personal. It is a learning moment. So, the major shift was a personal innovation, a pivot, which was more critical than any physical innovation, such as tools, equipment, and processes.
ICIC: In your business journey, how have you overcome obstacles, including challenges from implementing innovative ideas?
David: I’ve learned to follow these five basic rules:
- It’s not business; it’s personal. Your business is always personal. If it’s not, you have a problem.
- Know who you are or are not (whichever is easier): If you want a company culture, base it on who you are or strive to be. If not, you are a fraud; your team will know that (even if you do not).
- Lose your “I”: It becomes more prominent and stressful once you see the world without relating everything to yourself. It will expand your mind. In this case, it’s not personal!
- Lose your self-importance: This sounds similar to the previous point, but there is a difference. Your employees are essential to your company. If you care about your employees, they will care about your customers.
- Hire people because of who they are, not what they can do: You can always teach the right person the right things to fit their skill set and fill a need. Far too often, however, the reverse is true–you hire someone for what they can do and fire them for who they are.
By applying these rules to every obstacle my business encounters, I’ve found a path to overcome any challenge.
ICIC: As you look to the future, what goals do you want to see your business accomplish in the next five years? How do you see innovation helping you to achieve those goals?
David: We are in an incredible age of innovation and increased productivity. I can see sales doubling again in five years. Information gathering programs, dispatching programs, quality assurance programs. etc., provide a unique opportunity for Balkan to raise the bar of service and performance. Additionally, it allows Balkan to take on tasks like customer service, dispatching, accounting, and more for other businesses. It’s an opportunity for us to do them better at a lower cost and enable these other businesses to become more profitable–creating a new revenue stream for them and Balkan.
Embracing Fearless Leadership
The journey of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, under the leadership of David and Paul R. Balkan, exemplifies the power of a strong commitment to company culture. Their innovative focus on authentic leadership and employee welfare has driven internal growth and exceptional client service. Balkan has effectively navigated challenges by prioritizing their team and fostering an environment of continuous improvement, leading to significant accomplishments and recognition within the industry.
Balkan’s story illustrates the impact of valuing people, embracing change, and striving for greatness in a constantly evolving market. David’s final advice to fellow entrepreneurs on their journey toward the type of success that Balkan has achieved is, “Never let fear rule your decisions. Owning and leading a business is never about being comfortable; instead, be excited, nervous, and fearless.”
About the IC100 Awards
Since 1999, ICIC has identified and honored the 100 fastest-growing businesses located in under-resourced communities through the prestigious Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. Throughout this period, ICIC has had the privilege of learning about and highlighting more than 1,000 remarkable business leaders and companies from across the United States. These firms have proven to be catalysts for job growth and promoters of a thriving, inclusive economy, even amidst challenging circumstances. Furthermore, they have actively contributed to the enhancement of their communities by generously donating their time and resources to local organizations and charitable causes.
Learn more about the IC100 Awards and eligibility criteria for this year’s list at icic.org/ic100.
About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skills to take their business to the next level, with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. The program is offered tuition-free and delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country.
Learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at icic.org/10ksb