Desperate for more business and the growth, they agreed to help a local contractor who had a contract with a municipality to pump out a city lagoon. The municipal (city) market provided some great opportunities for Merrell Bros., Inc. to expand, but both brothers were young “kids” fresh out of school. They needed a competitive advantage and consequently slashed their bid prices. Ted & Terry were willing to haul and land apply for about $10.00 per load, in hopes of getting their foot in the door with new municipal customers.