Surprisingly, Rowell’s Services began with the word "no". That "no" was delivered to Dickie Rowell by his boss in the electrical industry back in 1983.

“Dad wanted the opening day of rifle season off from work,” explains Dickie’s daughter, Mandie. “But his boss declined, saying the business was too busy to allow time off.”

For many, that answer would have been the end of the story. But not for Dickie. A passionate man with a big heart, he loved many things, especially hunting season.

“Dad said, ‘Well, I haven’t missed the opening day of rifle season since I was a kid. If I can’t have that day off, then I quit!’” recalls Mandie.

He walked out of his job and started his own septic pumping company, Rowell’s Septic, with his wife Debbie. Within weeks, the business was up and running. Soon after, they expanded to Rowell’s Sewer & Drain, adding drain cleaning services and building a thriving family business that served the Lakes Region and surrounding communities.

In 2001, tragedy struck when Dickie passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. Overwhelmed with community support, Debbie continued the business with the help of Mandie and her husband, Ian. Together, they guided Rowell’s through significant growth while raising their daughters, Olivia and Molly. In 2017, the company added plumbing, heating, and cooling services, responding to the community’s need for a versatile home services provider. They also expanded their excavation offerings to include modern trenchless solutions like pipe relining and pipe bursting.

Back in 2016, Rowell’s had just 12 employees. Today, the company employs over 80 people and serves much of Windham while maintaining the same core values Dickie instilled over 40 years ago.

In 2024, the company rebranded as “Rowell’s” to honor its founder and showcase its legacy as a locally owned, family-run business. The mascot, featuring Dickie’s signature smile, reflects his lasting influence. The blue and gold represent Franklin’s school colors, where the Rowell family lived, and the wedding band symbolizes the bond between Dickie and Debbie, as well as Mandie and Ian, highlighting the commitment Rowell’s has made to its local customers.