WQA: What technical and business sessions are you most looking forward to taking part in, and why did you choose these?

Michael Kinney (MK): There are several.

1.    State of the Industry – This informative session is essential in evaluating the current and projected economic, legislative and technological landscapes that impact my business. This helps in determining how to best allocate our resources to position our business to sustain a local competitive advantage.

2.    How to Effectively Market the 2009 Water Softener Benefit Study – With all the attention given to water softener discharge issues, I think it that is vital to refocus and re-educate both the public and legislators on the “green” benefits of ion-exchange.

3.    Ultrafiltration Membranes for Improved Sustainability – In a problem water market, colloidal clays and colloidal iron can be a difficult treatment challenge. I see ultrafiltration as a potential solution to these challenges, and would like to learn more about how to apply this technology from a POU and POE standpoint.

4.    Problem prevention in Industrial Systems: Sampling, Monitoring and Trending. – I am interested in applying this information to public community and non-community water systems. With the groundwater rule in effect, it is even more critical that we as dealers work proactively with our public water system clients and operators to ensure their systems are maintained to avoid violations that may trigger additional monitoring.

5.    Succeeding in the Water Business – Though we have succeeded for over thirty years, I always enjoy gaining the insights of others who have succeeded to see if we can incorporate any of their thoughts, ideas, visions, attitudes, or strategies.

6.    Green Chemistry for C/I Water Treatment - The words “green” and “C/I” are what attract me to this session. It is our desire to grow both the commercial customer base while employing green technologies.

7.    Corrosion: Causes and Control - In a well water area, corrosion is always a challenge. I am always interested in hearing from others about which water chemistry parameters they use to diagnose corrosion, methods of inspecting and measuring a home for plumbing and or electrical related causes, flow and pressure related causes, and treatment strategies.

8.    Hidden Dangers of Residential Plumbing – Often, what is blamed on water chemistry can in reality be a plumbing related problem.  This course can supplement our expertise in water chemistry by helping us to identify plumbing specific issues in our customer’s homes and businesses.

9.    Chat with the Experts – Treatment Challenges – It’s rare to have an opportunity to ask specific questions of experts with years of education and experience in the water treatment industry in one setting.  This class provides such an opportunity and is a real opportunity for dealers to converse with the experts on current treatment challenges they may face. This is a must attend.

10. Commercial Sizing Calculations Workshop – Commercial growth opportunities continue to present themselves for water treatment dealers. Sizing is critical in commercial applications. While I took this course at WQA Aquatech USA in Chicago 2009, I will return to review and refine my skills in accurately sizing commercial systems. 

WQA: Having participated in sessions in the past, can you think of some specific improvements to your operation you’ve made because of what you learned?

MK: Yes.

Our commercial business has gown as a result of WQA’s emphasis on commercial training. This training has equipped us with the tools we need to size, quote, and operate commercial systems. 

 Joe Harrison’s Water Treatment Fundaments has been invaluable in allowing our techs to become CWS certified. This has made us more professional in diagnosing and mitigating a host of water treatment problems. I would strongly recommend to anyone new to the industry that they take Joe’s Harrison’s course and take the CWS exam. The payoff in terms of knowledge, confidence, and competency will translate into a more professional and profitable business.

Richard Mest’s training on iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and problem water significantly helped our business, as we are in a problem water area. Richard is a clear, articulate, experienced and effective communicator, and the information Richard presents typically provides a solid foundation of principles that a business can practically apply.

WQA: What two or three specific pieces of information are you hoping to take back home with you from the sessions you are participating in?

MK: Due to our growing work with public water systems, I would like to take back strategies and information that will help us to better serve and advise our public water customers, particularly given the new groundwater rule.

I would like to specifically learn how we can incorporate UF technology in our business as there seems to be a current treatment “hole” this technology can fill. 

I would like to evaluate how to most effectively use our resources in light of the current “state of the industry.”  I would like to “ask the experts” for direction in advising customers on potential non-water chemistry related causes of two common problems customers often associate with water chemistry: dry skin and silverware/glassware related problems. Often, these problems can have more to do with temperature, detergent, environmental and other factors than the water chemistry. To hear from the experts would lend credibility to our explanations when the “water tests good but the skin is dry and the silverware is being destroyed.”

WQA: How do the atmosphere and the format of the sessions – the back-and-forth and interaction – help make them more practical?

MK: I have found that panel and or roundtable discussions are often much more practical than the classroom/teacher setting. This is because the practical experience of the participants can be shared. While this does not discount the need for the theoretical concepts presented in a classroom setting, the practical aspects of a roundtable or panel discussion serve to compliment theoretical teaching.

WQA: If someone asked you whether they should take part in a session or meeting, what would you say to encourage them?

MK: The state of our industry is constantly changing, and attending sessions can help one stay on the cutting edge of information and technology. This is vital to remain viable and competitive in ones local market.

WQA: How does getting this information/attending these classes in person at WQA Aquatech USA compare with reading about the same topics on your own?

MK: Reading, while essential, is not interactive. You cannot ask a book to clarify a point you do not understand or answer a specific question that may come to mind. The ability to interact with the speakers, manufacturers, trade association representatives, and other dealers is invaluable.

WQA speaks with Robin Barna, CWS-II, General Manager of Pro Products, LLC (Booth #312) in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Pro Products, LLC manufactures and distributes a complete line of water treatment chemicals, soaps, and test kits.

WQA: What do you try to take back from the show?

Robin Barna (RB): I’ve been going for fifteen years now.  From a manufacturing point of view, the State of the Industry and other first day opportunities are very interesting.  Talking with dealers is also so important.  We are always bringing back ideas on what they need. 

It is a fast way to see new products too.  I’m especially interested in the international booth.  The sessions and show keep us on the cutting edge of product development.

WQA: What are some of the sessions that you are looking forward to attending this year?

RB: We’re looking into getting into the commercial side of the industry, so anything starred as “commercial” is something we’re going to do.  In addition, this year, I’m especially interested in industrial system sizing and water testing.

WQA: What advantages do you get from attending the sessions in person, as opposed to trying to learn information from reading and the Internet?

RB: You get so much more in-depth in person than reading.  The personal contact is so important.  One aspect that is especially helpful is just to get to the root cause of any problems dealers might be having, right there on the floor.  You also get to meet the tech guys behind a lot of the products. 

Bio: Robin is the Senior Project Manager with Pro Products, LLC in charge of new product development. He served as the company’s general manager for over 10 years had been in sales for 5 years prior to that.