By Kaitlyn Longstaff
Water treatment is an exciting and varied industry in which to work. From installers to sales professionals, engineers to inventors, marketing experts to executives, there are a number of ways to get started and thrive in a career in water treatment. Whether you prefer a rural or urban location, working with your hands outside or in a high-tech laboratory, interacting with people or doing complex equations, water treatment jobs can suit many different interests and personalities. Water Conditioning & Purification International magazine spoke with a variety of water treatment professionals to hear the many ways people can find their role in water treatment.
Bret Tangley
President and CEO, Sterling Water, Inc. and Managed Companies
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I got my start in the water treatment industry in the oldest, most traditional way: I was born into it. My family got started in 1949 when my grandparents began their independent Culligan franchise in the garage and basement of the family home. They started with 10 accounts and a dream of supporting their family. My parents subsequently worked in and then ultimately purchased the business from them. I have worked in the business since I was old enough to remember—at age four or five, I was hanging around the office, plant, and trucks. As I grew older, my duties changed, and I spent school breaks and summers helping in and then eventually joined the organization full-time following graduation from university in January 1990. I ended up purchasing the business in 2006 from my parents. - Why did you choose your specific role?
I have performed virtually every aspect of the business in my 40+ year career. Delivery, plant, installation, sales, office management, I have had responsibilities in all of them. I ultimately chose management in hopes of supporting my education as well as my deeply rooted desire to have meaningful responsibilities, worthwhile work, and make a difference in the lives of many others. The chance to be an entrepreneur and own my own business also became a giant motivating factor and influential aspect. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Have a passion for problem solving and helping people. Take the time to learn the “chemistry” and technology concepts of the industry. Understand the water problems chemically so that you can in turn apply science-based technologies to remedy them. Understanding what is in the water and how to get it out is primary and fundamentally critical. Be committed to learning—learning from peers, from your vendors and suppliers, trade associations, competitors, and regulatory agencies. Never stop learning and meeting people that can help you to grow your skills, knowledge, and network to leverage as points of differentiation for your business or career. Evaluate and be prepared to take calculated risks to grow and expand your business/career. Don’t wait for or fear them—anticipate and look for ways to take advantage of opportunities.
Mike Heatwole
Regional Sales Manager, WaterRight
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I started in the plumbing and water treatment business by way of a Saturday night poker game. I was playing cards with some high school friends and their dad owned a plumbing and water systems wholesaler business. The business had lost a salesperson and my friends asked me to speak to their dad because I was selling farm equipment at the time. He hired me for outside sales and told me if I didn’t like it, I had a job till I could find something else. I eventually became a co-owner and worked as sales manager and trainer. I even started a state-certified lab for water testing. I stayed for 36 years until I found something different. - Why did you choose your specific role?
The job chose me. I just liked helping people solve their water well and treatment issues. Understanding water and how to treat it became a passion for me. I started training and teaching and found I had a talent for making the complicated easy for people to understand. I love teaching and training and always like helping people out. Now I speak at state, regional, and national conventions as well as training dealers and contractors on all things water. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
The advice I would give anyone joining the industry today is this: get started early and use all the resources available to you, such as local experts up to national organizations like WQA. Find a mentor who will encourage and push you. Believe in yourself and don’t sell yourself short. Don’t wait until you think you know everything because you will always be learning. You have a unique perspective so share it. Give back often and much more will be returned to you. This is the best time in history to become involved in the water quality improvement industry. Step up and step out, and don’t let anyone or anything hold you back!
Mark McCue
National Sales Director, Nelsen Corp.
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I first started in the water industry when I was working on engineering projects for the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. Highly purified water is an important part of many of their key processes. Additionally, it is critical to ensure that water being released back into the general environment is not damaging. Seeing these processes up close gave me a strong understanding of the importance of clean water. - Why did you choose your specific role?
My background was best suited to help drive organizational efficiency. At Nelsen, we have a great team that has significant expertise in water treatment. My goal is to help streamline our internal processes, so they can do more of what they do best: help improve water quality. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
If you have a passion to improve water quality, there is a role in the water treatment industry to fit your skills. It may be working with end customers, dealers, manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, or water quality organizations. It is a great industry with many opportunities to grow your knowledge and skills. That is the reason there are so many folks that have spent their entire career in this industry.
Rick Andrew
Director, Global Business Development—Water Systems, National Science Foundation
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I began working for an environmental chemistry, geology, and consulting company as my first job after majoring in chemistry in college. As I learned more and took on more responsibility, I got involved with some of the projects that required treating groundwater contaminated with heavy metals, volatile and semi-volatile organic contaminants, and others. - Why did you choose your specific role (engineering, installation, sales, design, etc.)?
After moving to NSF, I learned about the standards and standards development process while working in customer service. As I advanced to business leadership, I was up for a new challenge and moved into the sales leadership role I have enjoyed for the last 10 years - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Keep in mind that water treatment is no simple endeavor. There is much to learn in terms of chemistry, reactions, technologies, and more. But ultimately, that’s a good thing. The fact that treatment can be complicated means that the industry needs smart people.
Iris Jancik
CEO – Americas, IDE Technologies
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
As a young civil engineer, I started my career in on site construction of water infrastructure, specifically tunneling. From there, my career developed in different directions, including project management, proposal preparation, business development and sales, but the constant was water supply management and development. I have worked in water in developing countries and modern ones, in both production and project development. The need for smart water solutions is universal and has always driven my career. - Why did you choose your specific role?
As an executive manager, being the CEO of IDE Americas allows me to enter new markets, develop and improve the company’s offerings and lead the North American activities to improve our operations as well as promote desalination. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
An engineering degree is a must, but the specific roles should be diverse. A wider point of view of the industry allows an individual to be a well-rounded professional, as well as exposes the individual to other aspects of water that they may enjoy but were not familiar with.
Brooke Meyer
Associate Professor Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering, Marquette University
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I initially started my BS degree in industrial engineering, but after talking to my classmates, I discovered the existence of environmental engineering. I switched majors so that I could work on solutions to the world’s water challenges. I grew up in Wyoming and spent a lot of time outdoors with my family, so being able to apply science and engineering to safeguard the resources that I love was a perfect fit. - Why did you choose your specific role?
When I graduated with my Ph.D., I wasn’t yet sure which professional pathway that I wanted to follow, and I eventually chose the academic route. I have now served in that role for nearly 15 years. I find joy both in teaching future generations of water professionals and in pursuing innovative research ideas contributing to a sustainable water future. I love that I get to interact with new students and collaborators each day, and that there is always something new around the corner. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Always be willing to try new things and be open to unexpected opportunities. Also, no one has all the answers, so don’t be afraid to say when you don’t know something. Then turn it into an opportunity to learn new things and take on new experiences.
Amanda Crangle
Team Leader, Lamplight Digital Media
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
In 2008, while putting the final touches on a new home, the last step was getting the water flowing from the newly drilled well into the house. We immediately knew something was wrong—everything the water touched was bright orange. We had a local water professional come out to help us, and I was enamored by the science and technology as I never knew this industry existed. I began working as a sales representative for the same water treatment company, eventually moving up to general manager. After I had my first child. I began my current role in digital marketing for water treatment dealers. - Why did you choose your specific role?
Fresh out of college in 2008, I was happy to find a position as a sales representative. In an economy that was very tough, I was still able to make a good living and help people. With personal experience of what life was like with terrible water, I was uniquely equipped to empathize with others and help them achieve a better quality of life through quality water. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Water treatment has so many facets to it. I learn of new technologies, businesses, and opportunities within this industry almost daily. Water impacts so much of our lives and the planet that there will always be ways we can help be better stewards of this resource, improve the lives of others, and provide for our families while doing so. It’s incredibly rewarding.
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
Matthew Wirth
General Manager, Pargreen Water Technologies
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I was born into the water business. My father and three of my uncles started a water softener dealership in 1958—the year I was born. Two of my uncles moved on to other professions while my father and his brother stayed and formed Wirth Brothers Distributing. They were active together until my uncle retired in 1989. My much younger brother continues the family water business still today. Water is our legacy. - Why did you choose your specific role?
My father was the company sales manager and not mechanically inclined. I, on the other hand, loved to tear valves apart and figure out how they worked. I went to engineering school and learned advanced math, chemistry, and physics. After roles in commercial and industrial water treatment, I became owner at Wirth Brothers Distributing. I sold my share of the business to other family members to go back to college for a BA degree in organizational management and communications to move into management positions. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
There are many disciplines in our industry. If you want to venture into the advanced technical fields of water, consider an engineering, chemistry, or biology degree. If you are looking to the mechanical side of the industry, consider a technical education in plumbing, electrical, or programmable logic controller programming. If you wish to embark on a sales career, find an organization that wants to invest in your growth and sees you as a long-term member of their team. Be a person of knowledge and a trusted advisor to your customers, and you’ll never be without a job.
Larry Zinser
Sales Engineer, Master Water Conditioning Corp.
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
When I retired from the Marines, MarCor Services was specifically hiring retiring Marines. MarCor Services manufactured water treatment systems for dialysis and for industrial applications. Before I was drafted, I had been educated in chemistry so it was a natural fit. - Why did you choose your specific role?
My role has been in designing custom commercial and industrial systems and components. Most memorable is my participation in the development of two membrane-based retail devices, and most recently, designing two critical new components on a commercial ion exchange system. My on-site, hands on experience with troubleshooting commercial systems over the past 20 years provides me with the knowledge base to design and specify systems. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Educate yourself continuously. Learn the “why” and “how” of water treatment to the point that you can teach others. Get your hands dirty with installations and troubleshooting.
Mike Czerski
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Aquagga
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
After working on consumer products for six years, I was looking to make a broader impact through my career. When a contact of mine reached out about potential job opportunities with this water treatment startup, Aquagga, I was immediately intrigued. Upon meeting with the founders and learning more about PFAS and Aquagga’s PFAS destruction technology, I was sold. I joined the team shortly after and have not looked back since. I can’t think of a much broader impact than helping restore a resource required by all living beings! - Why did you choose your specific role?
Having a technical background in mechanical engineering, it was only natural to assume an engineering role in a new industry. Additionally, I have always enjoyed learning how things work and trying to make them better. I get to do this daily at Aquagga, contributing to the greater goals of the company. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
Just like many others, the water industry requires all sorts of different roles and areas of expertise. Don’t assume that just because you have a background in computer science or marketing that you don’t belong here. Reach out to a company you are interested in and inquire about available roles. The water industry needs you!
Brian Oram
CEO, BF Environmental Consultants and KnowYourH2O
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?My first experience with the water industry occurred while I was still an undergraduate at Wilkes College. In my junior year, I worked on two projects: (1) the documentation of Giardia cysts in the watershed that serviced a local community water system and (2) understanding how and why the bath towels used at local company where being destroyed by the clothes washing process. For each project, I learned something new, asked questions of others, completed some level of research, developed a hypothesis, tested my hypothesis, and then developed a report of what I was able to find and confirm. I also noted what I did not yet understand or got wrong. All of this was a great learning experience, plus I got paid as a
consultant. - Why did you choose your specific role?
I see myself as a scientist and an educator that attempts to understand a problem or condition. Which means I might help an engineer to design a system or correct a deficiency or I might help a company to sell and install the proper product or implement a service. In each case, I learned something new, I helped fix a problem, and I obtained another case study and professional/business contact. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
The first piece of advice is to learn and find good mentors or let them find you. Second, focus on what you do not do well, not just what you do best. Be willing to go the extra mile. Do not always look for a check or what someone can do for you. Service to our fellow humans and community comes with many opportunities to learn and experience how to work and communicate with the public, users, regulators, and other professionals. For the most part, the professionals that love their job are open and willing to discuss their experiences and guide you along your professional path. Be willing and eager to learn. Practice being of service. And do not forget you are a scientist!
Isabel Neduchal
Head of Sales and Marketing, ColiMinder
- How did you get started working in the water treatment industry?
I worked with the founder and CEO of VWMS in the early development phase of the ColiMinder for Online Bacterial Monitoring technology but founded my own business in the meantime. After selling this business and planning a job change a few years later, the founder invited me to take on the role responsible for international sales and marketing of this unique measurement technology. That’s how I ended up permanently in the water industry, which has become a passion of mine. - Why did you choose your specific role?
With the experience of over 20 years in international marketing and sales of products in need of explanation, my current role as head of sales and marketing is a perfect match. I am passionate about driving innovation through diversity and communication, and bringing people and ideas together is my strength, as well as initiating, developing, and enabling business. - What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the water treatment industry?
In our industry, technical knowledge and/or a corresponding degree is very important. Go for a technical education first. Also, find a mentor who helps you navigate through the requirements of our industry. Visibility is also important: attend conferences, present (scientific) abstracts, and participate in the lively discussions in our industry. Membership in one of the national or international water associations is also helpful, for example, getting involved in a regional chapter connects you to relevant people.
About the author
Kaitlyn R. Longstaff is associate editor at Water Conditioning & Purification International Magazine. She studied English at Southern New Hampshire University and publishing at The George Washington University. She can be reached at [email protected].