An Educator and Treatment Specialist on Diverse, Problematic Water
In 2005 Mat-Su Water’s own Ben Winkler was selected as part of Water Technology Magazines “Dream Team” for his work with Alaska’s tough and problematic water problems.
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Ben Winkler has been with Mat-Su Water for just over four years, but in that short time he’s likely already gained a lifetime worth of knowledge regarding the water treatment industry.
Nestled in Wasilla, AK, a bedroom community of Anchorage, the dealership faces some of the worst and most diverse problem water in the nation. Ben Winkler, therefore, has had to learn the ins and outs of the POU/POE business pretty quickly — which he has, with flying colors.
Arsenic, glacial silt, sodium, high concentrations of iron, methane and hydrogen sulfide, and earthquakes are just a few of the issues Winker faces on a daily basis.
“A lot of the problems we deal with are really diverse,” Mark Kitter, general manager of Mat-Su Water told Water Technology. “Yet, every time we send him out there, he comes through for us.”
Educating the Consumer
While other dealers in Wasilla and surrounding areas go in pitching a sale, Winkler takes a different approach with prospects.
For Winkler, educating the customer is a must. After all, if they’re investing money in a product, it’s vital that they understand what it’s supposed to be doing.
“Ben has excellent people skills,” explained Kitter. “We have received numerous accolades from clients for his willingness to teach and explain the diverse and sometimes complicated systems that we design and install.”
In addition to dealing with some of the industry’s harshest water conditions, Winkler volunteers his time frequently to give seminars and help developers and homeowners understand and plan for water treatment in their community.
At press time, Winkler was preparing to speak at this year’s Homebuilders Show. The subject he’ll be tackling? Groundwater in Alaska.
© Copyright 2008 Grand View Media Group. Reprinted with permission from Water Technology® magazine.
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