Each year, WQP recognizes numerous water treatment dealers through its Dealer of the Month series. These dealerships are both big and small and range in the services they offer. Take a look back at who was featured in WQP this year.
If you know a dealer that should be recognized for their leadership in the industry, innovative ideas or successful business practices, nominate them to be featured as a WQP Dealer of the Month. Self-nominations are accepted.
Tom Duisterhof
Vice President
Gordon Water Systems
Education: BSME
What did you do before entering the water industry? Technical Sales
What has been your most memorable project and why?
2017 saw our area get thrown into the PFAS spotlight. We were invited by a state engineer to address the water at an armory building in the middle of "Ground Zero" for PFAS contamination. At the time there was little industry information available and very few products "3rd-party approved" for PFAS reduction. After working with both manufacturers and other distributors, like us, we discovered one of our products was great at PFAS reduction. We tested it in a home in "Ground Zero," and it performed very well. Our involvement changed how the corporation, the source of the contamination, and the state addressed contaminated homes and businesses. They were supplying a small carbon filter for drinking water only and then changed to whole home systems. The change gave people peace of mind at a time when emotions and health concerns were very high.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the water industry?
Helping people have clean, safe water in their home or business. Clean, safe water elevates a persons'/family's/business' quality of life.
What advice would you give someone just entering the industry?
Always be open to learning. I have a 30-year veteran that works with us that still learns and shares what he learns with his fellow team members.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?
Every industry has people and businesses that stretch integrity beyond the line of appropriateness. Water treatment is one such industry that if one is inclined to do so you can scare people and paint competitors with falsehoods. I would elevate the integrity of the businesses and people or at least have a better way to monitor, highlight and isolate those people or businesses that take advantage of individuals.
Where do you see yourself in five years? On the edge of retirement.
What are your hobbies? Cycling, time at a family cottage, walking/hiking
What is your hidden talent? I have not found it yet.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I can tear up watching a movie.
In what ways are you involved with the community outside of work? We do so much as part of work that it is not an area I can highlight other than monetary donations to the local charities that treat people with respect and assist them to become independent, productive members in the community.
Who has been your greatest personal or professional influence and why? My parents and brother ( and business partner.) There are also others in the industry that I appreciate, learn from and admire.N<
Daryl Dworkin
Sales Manager
Long Island Clean Water Service, Inc.
Education: Masters Degree Environmental Science, Bachelors in Accounting
Professional Certifications: WQA Water Quality Specialist
What did you do before entering the water industry? Solar Specialist
What has been your most memorable project and why? Well water system for 35 parts iron. We are the third company to attempt to solve the issue, and we were able to successfully treat the water. So many memorable projects that it becomes hard to differentiate. As sales manager we install over 500 systems a day.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the water industry? Being able to help people have clean water for drinking and bathing in.
What advice would you give someone just entering the industry? Find a qualified mentor.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? All sales personnel should be certified and have the ability to provide solutions for every type of water problem.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Continuing to clean and treat problem water for all the Tri-State area.
What are your hobbies? I spend a lot of time with my family, and I love ice hockey and playing my guitar.
What is your hidden talent? Trivia.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I was the production accountant for the first VH1 Fashion music awards.
In what ways are you involved with the community outside of work? I am a master scheduler for Long Island Edge, which is a youth ice hockey organization.
Who has been your greatest personal or professional influence and why? Mark and Madelyn Schmidt are my greatest personal and professional influences. They are by far the most knowledgeable people I have ever known regarding this industry. They are kind, loyal and generous, which is why their company is the company that it is today.
Carter Burks
President
Carter Water
Education: High school/trade school
What did you do before entering the water industry? Water treatment plant operator.
List some of your professional accomplishments. Puronics dealer, talk show host, business owner, Home Depot service provider
What has been your most memorable project and why? Starting the business in 2006.
What is your favorite thing about being part of the water industry? Helping improve water quality and improving way of life.
What advice would you give someone just entering the industry? Never forget why you are doing this.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why? More research on individuals before allowing (them) to enter into the industry to ensure industry standards are followed.
Where do you see yourself in five years? More expansion into other markets.
What are your hobbies? Songwriting and walking.
What is your hidden talent? Great communicator, and I make a good grilled cheese sandwich.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am from a small town of 800 people.
In what ways are you involved with the community outside of work? Charitable donations.
Who has been your greatest personal or professional influence and why? Professionally, Don Hall. We worked together at the water treatment plant. He taught me to follow my gut, which I do every day. Personally, my faith, which guides me every step of the way.
