About Us
The Drain Company is a family run business servicing the Auckland region since 2014. We are proudly NZ qualified Drainlayers registered with the Plumbers, Gas-fitters and Drainlayers Board.
When you work with us you can be confident the job will be done quickly & efficiently.
We have all the latest, well-maintained equipment and we pride ourselves in providing, good, clear communication, reliable solutions and service with a smile.
Meet Our Team
The Big Drain Kahuna
Built this company from the ground down — literally.
Founder, leader, and certified hand behind the brand, Dan oversees everything from trench to trade fair. He’s the kind of boss who balances paperwork, people, and pipes with equal precision — and he’s never short of ideas.
Known around the yard as The Ideas Man, Dan is always dreaming up weird and wacky ways to make The Drain Company stand out from the crowd. From the now-iconic Drain Company bouncy castle to clever community sponsorships and bold marketing moments, he’s the creative spark that keeps the brand fresh and fun. If there’s an unconventional way to do something, Dan’s already sketching it on the back of a napkin.
When he’s not steering the ship, you’ll find him with his family, out on the boat, playing golf, or sneaking in a gym session. Originally from the UK, his first job washing pots in a local hotel taught him the value of hard work early on.
A natural problem-solver and lifelong learner, Dan’s curiosity runs deep — whether it’s figuring out how to grow asparagus, the next project at home, or planning the next big idea for the business. His chosen superpower? The ability to be in multiple places at once!
Daniel Adams
Director
The Boss of Bosses (and Spreadsheets)
The bridge between chaos and calm.
Sophie runs the show from the top deck — strategy, systems, HR, branding, and keeping the whole crew afloat. With a background in corporate insurance, interior styling & company and brand building, she blends business strategy with creativity and heart.
Passionate about design, innovation, and global geopolitics, Sophie brings a unique mix of structure and soul. Her first job? A paper round at 14. Now she’s leading teams, building brands, and keeping everything flowing smoother than a newly laid line.
Her dream destinations include Morocco, Jordan and Oman — anywhere over 25°C. Her chosen superpower: time manipulation — to pause life’s best moments (and skip the boring bits).
Sophie Riddle
Director
Banana – The Flow Coordinator
The calm in every stormwater.
Lana’s the heartbeat of the business — coordinating bookings, customers, and crews so every job runs like clockwork. Her secret weapon? A cool head and a to-do list that could rival NASA’s.
Outside work, she’s painting, running, swimming, or on mum-duty as the after-school taxi (snacks included). Her first job at BB’s Café paid just $6 an hour, but the lessons stuck — work hard, stay kind, and keep the coffee flowing.
Creative at heart, she’s exploring realism painting and art mediums. Dream destination: England to reconnect with family. Dream power: teleportation — no layovers required.
Lana Jean
Operations & Sales Manager
The Pipe Whisperer
If it doesn’t flow right, Stephen will.
When drains get difficult, Stephen’s the man they call. He leads the crew with precision, patience, and a wicked sense of humour — keeping every site on track and every line on fall.
Off-site, he’s into biking, movies, Lego, music, and family adventures. His motto? “Can’t improve if you’re perfect.” If he had one superpower, it’d be teleportation — mainly to skip Auckland traffic and get to Bunnings faster.
Stephen Adams
Lead Drainlayer
Uber Steve – The Weapon
Nearly registered. Fully legendary.
One exam away from full certification, Steve knows every trench, every tool, and every trick of the trade. Always first to grab the shovel and last to clock off, he sets the pace for the team.
Off-the-clock, you’ll find him at the gym, on the football pitch, or hiking — then undoing it all with a cheeky Macca’s. His first job restocking fridges taught him time management — a skill he now applies to every job.
Japan’s top of his travel list, and if telekinesis were real, he’d be lifting manhole lids with his mind by now.
Stephen Smith
Drainlayer (Almost Registered)
The Flow Pro
Gets pipes so straight they’d pass a military inspection.
Josh is quick-thinking, sharp-working, and always ready with a laugh. He handles installs, repairs, and the occasional rescue mission when someone else’s drains go rogue.
A self-proclaimed Facebook Marketplace Lowballer, he loves a deal and a bit of banter. His first job at a go-kart track sparked his love for mechanics — and a lifelong habit of tinkering.
Favourite spot? Raglan, for the surf and chill vibes. Dream power? Calling in thunderstorms on demand — just for dramatic effect.
Joshua Shaw
Registered Drainlayer
The Fix-It Philosopher
Can smell a blockage from 50 metres.
Jason’s the guy who keeps the hard jobs calm. With years of experience and an engineer’s instinct, he’s the master of diagnostics and quick fixes — getting things flowing again no matter what’s blocking the way.
Outside of work, it’s all about family, fun, and fresh air. From winery shifts to drain repairs, Jason’s never been afraid of a challenge. Known for running on minimal sleep and maximum energy, his dream superpower is teleportation — preferably straight to Hawaii with a surfboard and a margarita.
Jason Hobson
Senior Drain Technician
Dangerous Dennis – The Suction Commander
If it sucks, he’s in charge.
Dennis leads the vacuum division with precision and pride — coordinating trucks, managing bookings, and keeping tanks empty and customers smiling.
A family man through and through, he’s into football, his two dogs, and a good feed. From school canteen shifts to mastering heavy machinery, Dennis has worked his way to the top with determination and grit.
His curiosity drives him — especially when it comes to exploring new food and culture. Dream spot? Thailand. Dream power? Teleportation — to skip the commute and hit the beach.
Dennis Simoes
Division Manager (Vacuum Services)
Big Mike – The Tank Wrangler
Drives the biggest toy in the yard — and knows it.
From septic to stormwater, if it needs sucking, Mike’s your man. He handles the heavy lifting with skill, pride, and just enough cheek to keep the yard laughing.
The resident joker with a heart of gold, Mike’s all about family, laughter, and a good story. His first job at BP taught him that a smile goes a long way.
Dream destination: Samoa — sun, family, and BBQs. If teleportation existed, he’d already be there with tongs in hand.
Mike Maele
Vacuum Truck Operator
Shogun – The Silent Assassin
Quiet trench. Loud results.
Sho’s all precision, no fuss. He turns up, digs in, and gets the job done right — every time. His reliability and attention to detail make him a favourite on any crew.
Off-duty, he’s with his kids at the playground or chatting with locals at the servo — a man of few words but endless good vibes.
Dream trip: Gold Coast for sun and surf. Dream power: time travel, to relive the best family days again and again.
Shoichi Katayama
Drainlayer
The Money Maestro
Keeps the dollars flowing and the chaos under control.
Sandra’s the quiet force behind the operation — calm, organised, and always one step ahead. She keeps the invoices in order, the wages paid, and the whole crew in line (nicely, of course). When things get hectic, she’s the one making sure everything adds up — and that everyone’s got a hot coffee in hand.
When she’s not balancing the books, Sandra’s usually off exploring the world or spending time with her grandchildren. A true modern multitasker, she takes remote working to the next level — having been known to process pay runs from places like Alaska and Vietnam. No matter where she is, Sandra keeps The Drain Company running smoothly — one Wi-Fi signal at a time.
Sandra Bithell
Accounts & Admin