VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 | DEC 2024 franchise success story born from a passion for cars Also in this issue AQUOS POOLS • CT STATE ASNUNTUCK • RYTECH FRANCHISING DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT Salt Depot Innovation in Salt Pg. 69 Pentair Pool Intelligent Cleaning Solutions Pg. 55 Mid-America Air Museum Kansas’ Largest Air Museum Pg. 233 WHERE THE REDWOODS MEET THE RUNWAY
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Mike Luchetta Ali Ahmed Jillian Hicks Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Director of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
EDITOR’S NOTES Many of our readers may be thinking about Christmas shopping as December marches forward. Lights, decorations, online shopping, and winterthemed activities are also filling up the calendar for most of us. I don’t know how it is in your household, but it feels like my family and I were just getting into the autumn swing of things, and now winter is quite literally on our doorstep, with the holiday season knocking on our door. As fall winds give way to cold and crisp mornings, we consider it a privilege as always to bring our avid business readers an inside view into how municipalities, organizations of different sizes, and the many bustling airports throughout the continent are wrapping up the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024 as they gear up for 2025. For our December issue, we landed at several leading regional US-based airports. We sat down with Airport Directors from Del Conte County Airport, Devils Lake Regional Airport, Lebanon Municipal Airport, and Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport to discuss each of their airport master plans, meeting continued aviation growth and the vital economic link to the community and region these air hubs serve. December’s issue covers a diverse group of municipalities. As our in-depth profiles uncovered, it is clear that continued best practices, bold initiatives, and critical infrastructure upgrades top the agenda at this time of the year. Civic and county officials continue to focus on key policies while adapting to economic challenges and putting residents first. Business View’s pages are filled with fascinating features with city officials from Beaumont, California, Bristol, Virginia, Fulton County, Ohio, Grover Beach, California, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Sharonville, Ohio, and Superior, Arizona among other fast-growing municipalities. Each region embraces the final few weeks of the fiscal quarter of 2024 by providing residents with what is on their wish list. Continued commercial and industrial growth coupled with residential growth propels these municipalities into some of the fastest-growing regions across North America. For our December issue, we also caught up with a cross-section of dynamic and fast-growing companies and organizations including Rytech Inc., Albany Capital Center, Aquas Pools, High Tech Pools, Johnson Pools and Spa, Nutana Machine, and Prairie Capital Advisors among others. As 2025 beacons, all these companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and rev their economic engines towards further growth. As we bring you the very best sector and industryfocused features, we hope that you take time for yourself to enjoy preparing for the very best of the festive season that is just a few short weeks away as we continue to provide you with the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
CONSTRUCTION 21 AQUOS POOLS Frontrunners of Innovation in Pool Construction & Design 31 HIGH TECH POOLS A Legacy of Pristine Pool Design 41 JOHNSON POOLS & SPA The Pool Building Powerhouse of the West 51 POOLS BY DESIGN Building Success, One Pool at a Time 65 PRECISION POOLS & SPAS Redefining Backyard Pool Escapes 75 LUNG ROSE VOSS WAGNILD Exemplifying 38 years of Top-Shelf Legal Expertise EDUCATION 87 CT STATE ASNUNTUCK Building Careers and Breaking Barriers Through Innovative Education 97 FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Bridging Education and Workforce Excellence 107 THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON Setting the Standard for Academic Operations 87 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 COVER DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES CT STATE ASNUNTUCK PRECISION POOLS & SPAS 65 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
LET’S DO IT TOGETHER Own every project, every time. With supplies delivered to your doorstep, personalized inspiration at your fingertips, and the easy convenience of our app, you can be creative and confident enough to bring any project to life. homedepot.com/howto WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON? more storage, less clutter :) Game room upgrade delivered! We Got You! Mastering pizza parties DOG CUBBY LOADING
INDUSTRIAL MINING, AND ENERGY 177 NUTANA MACHINE LTD. Pioneering Precision in a Changing Industry 187 TRITON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Building Relationships and Supporting Environmental Stewardship EMERGENCY SERVICES 119 GREATER NAPLES FIRE DISTRICT Preparing Today to Protect Tomorrow EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PROGRAMS 131 PRAIRIE CAPITAL ADVISORS Driving Growth Through Seamless Ownership Transitions FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 143 THE ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER New York State’s premier meeting and event destination FRANCHISE 155 PARISI SPEED SCHOOL A Holistic Approach to Improving Speed and Empowering Youths 165 RYTECH FRANCHISING A Trusted Leader in Restoration and Mitigation Services VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 TRITON ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS THE ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER 187 143 5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
199 DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT Where the Redwoods Meet the Runway 209 DEVILS LAKE REGIONAL AIRPORT Flying Confidently Through 2024 219 LEBANON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT At the Intersection of Flights and Growth Taking Off 229 LIBERAL MID-AMERICA REGIONAL AIRPORT Charting an Even Course 243 WATERLOO REGIONAL AIRPORT Sets Sights High on Expansion and Community Connection BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL View these features in our newest magazine The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. AVIATION VIEW View these features in our newest magazine CITY VIEW BEAUMONT, CA GROVER BEACH, CA OROVILLE, CA SAN JOAQUIN, CA BERTIE COUNTY, NC BRISTOL, VA CHATTOOGA COUNTY, GA CINCINNATI, OH CLERMONT COUNTY, OH FULTON COUNTY, OH MONROE, OH REYNOLDSBURG, OH SHARONVILLE, OH EBENSBURG, PA KENTVILLE, NS LADYSMITH, WI STRATFORD, WI MINERAL WELLS, TX ROCHESTER, IN SUPERIOR, AZ SMYRNA, TN EDUCATION REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 SCARSDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT DEL NORTE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT 199 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
DESPITE COURT RULING, NBAA RECOMMENDS LLCS CONTINUE TO PREP CTA REPORTS Source: https://nbaa.org/, Editor, First published Dec 09, 2024 Although a federal court has put a hold on requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for certain companies to report specific owner information – including ownership of business aircraft – by Jan. 1, 2025, experts encourage those impacted by the CTA to continue readying for reporting requirements. The U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Texas has determined that reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) may be unconstitutional, issuing a preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of the rule nationwide. The Dec. 3 preliminary injunction temporarily stays a compliance deadline of Jan. 1, 2025. Effectively, this means entities affected by the CTA need not comply with the Jan. 1 reporting deadline while the injunction is in effect. The CTA authorized the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to request limited liability companies (LLC) and other entities to report “ultimate beneficialowner information,” including name, date of birth, current address and more. This would apply to entities that own business aircraft in an LLC, a common structure to establish leases under which Opening Lines 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
FinCEN has indicated that the filing of Beneficial Ownership Information is voluntary until further notice. Reporting companies will not be subject to liability if they fail to file while the preliminary injunction remains in effect, according to FinCEN. Epstein said it’s unlikely a court action changing the status of the injunction will occur before the Jan. 1 deadline, so for now, reporting entities are not required to file a report. Should a higher court reverse this decision, it is likely the stay would be lifted with a future effective date, allowing impacted entities to report before a new compliance date. companies may share aircraft and for a host of other business and tax reasons. Under the CTA, millions of entities formed prior to Jan. 1, 2024, had until Jan. 1, 2025, to file. Jonathan Epstein, partner at Holland & Knight LLP, says that despite the federal court’s action, entities impacted by the CTA are strongly advised to continue preparing for the reporting requirement. “Don’t stop preparing for this report,” Epstein said. “Be ready to file because we don’t know what’s going to happen in a higher court,” adding that, for some companies, the reporting requirement is quite simple, but others will need time to gather data to make the report. 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
OPENING LINES Source: https://nbaa.org/, Editor, First published Dec 09, 2024 Being familiar with specific, timely information about destination airports is essential for safe approaches – and even more so for non-towered fields. In fact, according to the FAA, only 520 of the 5,082 public-use airports across the U.S. have air traffic control towers. So, it stands to reason that flights in and out of uncontrolled airports will more than likely occur at some time for any operator. Issued in 2023, FAA Advisory Circular 90-66C,“Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations,” provides a reliable resource to remind pilots about proper procedures for operating in that environment. “There is no reason to go in blind,” said Julia Harrington, a lead captain and base manager for Axis Jet on a Cessna Citation CJ2 and XLS out of Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). Harrington said at least 50% of her flights are to uncontrolled airports. VISUALLY VERIFY For Harrington, using instrument approaches at unfamiliar uncontrolled airports is standard practice. Around 10-15 minutes prior to landing, she begins to monitor and broadcast on the common traffic advisory frequency at the arrival airport to gauge upcoming traffic conditions. Utilizing additional resources such as the traffic alert and collision avoidance system gives pilots extra time to prepare for traffic, but it’s important to get visual verification upon arrival.“Visually verify what you think to be true,” Harrington said. BLEND INTO THE ENVIRONMENT Keith Wolzinger, who flies a Citation XL out of California’s John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) for Paragon Airways, advises making position reports PILOTS OFFER TIPS FOR SAFELY APPROACHING NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
a 45-degree entry to downwind at pattern altitude. COMMUNICATE TO BE UNDERSTOOD Communicating intentions to be understood by other pilots is essential, as not all pilots will understand locations of approach fixes. Using distance and direction from the airport is more understandable by all pilots. Flexjet Director of Safety Tyler Boring, who’s based at Ohio’s Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF), said pilots can set the tone by reaching out on frequency ahead of time for situational awareness. Communicating intentions along with your approach plan helps others on frequency understand. Flight crews can “help the process along by communicating and modifying course as necessary, depending on what is going on in the pattern,” Boring said. by stating your distance from the destination airport and your intentions upon arrival. If you’re flying an approach, say so, Wolzinger said. About 20%-25% of Wolzinger’s operations are at uncontrolled fields. “Blend into the environment as much as you can,” said Wolzinger, by planning to fly at airspeeds consistent with aircraft in the pattern or modifying your approach to lessen the impact on other aircraft in the vicinity. Flying the traffic pattern when possible, and extending the downwind to follow slower aircraft, were also mentioned as tools when operating at an uncontrolled airport, which are all referred to in AC 90-66C. Chapter 14 of the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” also provides reminders for how to enter a visual traffic pattern. In addition, the book offers guidance about when it’s practical to utilize 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
OPENING LINES FAA PUBLISHES RULE REMOVING CFI EXPIRATION DATES Source: https://www.avweb.com/ Amelia Walsh, First published Oct 24th, 2024 The FAA has published a final rule eliminating expiration dates on flight instructor certificates, replacing them with recent experience requirements every 24 calendar months. The agency says that removing the expiration date on certificates will increase efficiency, cut costs and put instructor certificates in line with other airman certificates such as private and commercial, which do not expire. Under the new rule, instructors must still renew their certificates every 24 calendar months by completing a Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC), obtaining an additional instructor certificate or engaging in further instructional activities. Additional activities must include “at least 15 flight activities recognized under the FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program,” during which the flight instructor evaluates at least five different pilots and makes the required endorsements in each pilot’s logbook for every activity.The rule also specifies that CFIs who endorse at least five applicants for a practical test within 24 calendar months and maintain an 80% pass rate can also utilize this provision to renew their certificates. In issuing the rule, the FAA emphasized that general aviation advocates have long pushed for the removal of the expiration date on instructor certificates in favor of a more streamlined process. The final rule is effective Dec. 1. The FAA estimates that the rule will result in $5.6 million in cost savings for both the FAA and the industry over five years. 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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OPENING LINES A VARIETY OF FUNDING SOURCES CAN HELP THE PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOP ITS TECH WORKFORCE Source: americancityandcounty.com, Michael Keating, First published November 27th, 2024 Governments are expanding their IT labor pools. One example is IT security. Public agencies will grow their information security analyst workforces by 23% through 2033, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS). Staffers with this job title plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Across all industries, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2023 to 2033,“much faster than the average for all occupations,” says the BLS. Will governments be up to the challenge and successfully recruit all of those needed professionals? One organization that may be able to aid in finding and certifying top candidates is the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). The organization serves the global IT/tech industry, and is the certifying body of IT professionals. Robert Owens, director, funding research and analysis at CompTIA, explains how his group can help: “CompTIA is always on the lookout for opportunities to provide resources to our customers, including those in federal, state and local governments.” He says several sources can help local governments secure funding to aid in developing a quality IT workforce: “Funding is available from a variety of sources, such as the governor’s office and each state’s department of commerce. CompTIA updates its funding landing page monthly, or whenever a new funding opportunity arises that could benefit our customers, whether at the federal, state or local level.” Owens adds: “For specific questions or requests, individuals can reach out to CompTIA at Funding@CompTIA.org.” Owens says local governments have several options to secure funding that can aid in IT workforce development. These include: FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS Local governments can apply for federal and state grants specifically designed for education and workforce development. Programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provide funding for training programs. Education-specific grants: Agencies should look for and apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Education or other government agencies that focus on STEM and IT education. STEM is an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Public-private partnerships: Owens urges local governments to collaborate with tech companies. He explains: “Partner with technology companies 13 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
(HUD).“These federal funds can be used for a variety of community development purposes, including education and job-training programs.” Nonprofit and foundation support: Owens suggests that local governments consider partnering with foundations. “Agencies should collaborate with nonprofit organizations and foundations that focus on education and workforce development.They may offer grants or funding opportunities.” Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Agencies may want to investigate engaging with corporations that have CSR programs focused on education and workforce development. Through these programs, governments can seek financial or resource contributions that can aid in workforce development. Workforce development boards: Owens urges agencies to engage with workforce boards in their community. He suggests: “Work with local workforce development boards to identify funding opportunities and align IT training programs with regional workforce needs.” GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS Agencies should consider participating in national initiatives. “Engage in national initiatives like the TechHire program, which aims to expand local tech sectors and provide training for tech jobs,” Owens says. Utilize apprenticeship programs: Advice from Owens to local governments: “Leverage governmentsupported apprenticeship programs that offer funding for training in IT and other high-demand fields.” Owens says that the recent elections and the upcoming change in federal leadership have led to a pause in the creation of new federal IT education and training grants programs. “Once the new administration is in place, we anticipate the emergence of new funding opportunities. Please keep an eye on CompTIA’s funding landing page for upcoming funding opportunities.” that have a vested interest in developing a skilled workforce. These companies may provide funding, resources, or expertise.” Industry sponsorships: Owens suggests that agencies seek sponsorships from local businesses and industry leaders who can benefit from a welltrained IT workforce. Community development block grants (CDBG): Owens urges agencies to utilize CDBG funds, a federally funded grant program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 14 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
OPENING LINES ARE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PREPARED FOR AI? 38% OF IT LEADERS SAY NOT AT ALL Source: americancityandcounty.com, Ryan Kushner, First published November 26th, 2024 A recent survey of local government IT executives found that 53% are gearing up for artificial intelligence (AI)—developing governance policies and frameworks for the new technology. That same survey, conducted by the Public Technology Institute (PTI), also found that 38% of IT leaders felt their local government was “not prepared at all” to safely use AI technology.The main concerns cited by those surveyed included security, privacy issues and a lack of necessary skills. At the same time, 46% of respondents said their organization was “somewhat prepared” for using AI, and 9% said they were “fully prepared.” Another 7% responded that they did not plan on using AI tools. The study was conducted between July and August 2024 and surveyed more than 200 local government IT executives. STEPS BEING TAKEN In terms of what steps local government IT executives were taking to address the emerging technology, 53% said they were developing AI policies and frameworks; 29% said they were collaborating with AI industry experts; 27% said they were investing in AI training and education programs; and 7% were assessing potential job displacement and recruiting strategies. A total of 40% of respondents said they had not taken any steps to address the impact of GenAI on their local government’s workforce. Several major cities, including New York and Boston, have announced AI frameworks in the past few years. The Biden Administration announced plans to begin working on AI safety, security and transparency policies in 2023, and issued guidelines for using AI to administer public benefits programs this past spring. AI’S EXPECTED IMPACT The perception of the impact AI will have on local 15 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
a report in partnership with Google detailing the opportunities AI technology presented local governments. The report breaks down types of AI that are particularly relevant to local government, including predictive AI that can anticipate traffic patterns and maintenance requirements; generative AI that can translate public meetings, operate chatbot assistants or create visualizations for urban planning projects; and perceptive AI that’s designed for traffic monitoring management, public safety and surveillance systems and more. “Technology has always been an essential tool to help local governments respond to the changing needs of their residents,”NLC CEO Clarence E.Anthony said in a statement. “Our AI report is a collection of both the potential pitfalls and the overwhelming opportunities that exist for our local communities with AI.” PTI also asked IT executives in its survey whether a single individual had been assigned responsibility for coordinating AI development. Eleven percent answered “Yes,” while 63% said, “No,” with 26% indicating that the responsibility fell on more than one individual. CYBERSECURITY CONCERNS While security was a top issue of concern for IT leaders for incorporating AI, a separate survey conducted by PTI showed a leveling of cybersecurity concerns among IT executives compared with 2023. The number of IT executives who described elected officials as “very engaged” regarding cybersecurity efforts grew from 23% to 30% in 2024. When it came to budgeting, 72% of IT leaders said cybersecurity budgets were adequate, compared with 64% last year. Regarding confidence in cloud services utilized by local governments and the security measures of those services or providers, 17% of IT leaders said they were “very confident,” 67% said they were “somewhat confident” and 13% said they were “not so confident.” government operations has shifted since 2023. In 2023, 58% of IT professionals expected AI to introduce a “dramatic change” over the next three years. This year, that number fell to 53%. Likewise, the perception that AI tools will have “little change” over the next three years increased from 42% to 47%. PLANS FOR HOW AI WILL BE USED The PTI survey also asked IT leaders how they plan to use AI in local government operations. Plans to use AI as a virtual customer service co-pilot/chatbot was cited by 70% of respondents, followed by automation of document generation (48%) and automated or enhanced data management (48%). Earlier this year, Nevada announced plans to begin using AI to analyze a backlog of transcripts from unemployment appeals hearings and generate recommendations. Another 42% of IT executives cited plans to use AI as a query assistant and 42% also planned to incorporate the technology into workforce training and learning. On Nov. 13, the National League of Cities released 16 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
OPENING LINES AI IN PROCUREMENT: SECOND WAVE APPLICATIONS Source: americancityandcounty.com, Steve Isaac, First published December 09th, 2024 Early document authoring applications offered only a glimpse of AI’s potential for process automation and data insight discovery. Today, we are witnessing a second wave of AI applications for government procurement—not just speeding up how our industry works but fundamentally changing it. Just two years ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was largely spoken of aspirationally—confined to venture capital pitches and the secretive engineering bullpens of the world’s biggest tech companies or young upstarts like the now-famous OpenAI. ChatGPT launched in November 2022 and was followed by an avalanche of AI innovations. If you want a sense of the overall business impact of AI, look at Nvidia—historically a graphics processing company for video gaming. It turns out their GPUs are well-suited for AI applications. In November 2022, their market cap was $406 billion. Two years later, they are the second-largest company in the world with a market cap of $3.43 trillion, hot on Apple’s trail. The initial wave of excitement about AI in procurement saw professionals imagining automated bid creation for agencies, while suppliers dreamed of simplifying the expensive and time-consuming bid response process. However, these early applications were limited in utility. Early document authoring applications offered only a glimpse of AI’s potential for process automation and data insight discovery. Today, we are witnessing a second wave of AI applications for government procurement—not just speeding up how our industry works but fundamentally changing it. AI-DRIVEN SCOPE DRAFTING AND SUPPLIER RESEARCH The first step beyond simple prompting within an app like ChatGPT has been the integration of AI into existing products and workflows. Several eProcurement companies have launched tools to support scope drafting directly in-app. For example, OpenGov has introduced its AI-Powered Scope Drafting tool.This tool can take a brief prompt like “Community Engagement Consulting Services for the Department of Public Works” and generate a draft set of project requirements. This empowers buyers to harness AI within their existing procurement technology stack. OpenGov has also launched an AI supplier search feature. It takes an agency’s scope of work and matches it to supplier offerings detailed on websites, generating both local and national supplier lists. This tool, when combined with Procurated’s supplier scores (displayed directly in OpenGov Procurement), marks a significant leap forward in supplier discovery and vetting. AI-DRIVEN PROACTIVE CONTRACT PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Another area where AI is transforming the status quo is proactive contract performance management. Traditionally, contract managers relied on periodic 17 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
automate processes, and ensure compliance. AI IN PRE-RFP OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFICATION AI also is unlocking new opportunities for identifying contracting possibilities during the pre-award stage, giving proactive suppliers a competitive edge. Just this month, Cloverleaf AI announced its seed funding round as it launched a new AI platform that alerts government contractors to opportunities before RFPs are even released. Major government projects are often preceded by public meetings, hearings, and forums. Cloverleaf’s Vocal Fingerprinting tool monitors these meetings, tracking the positions of key government officials on specific projects. The company also uses this data to build its Opportunity Database, which it claims captures more than 100,000 monthly government opportunities before they reach the RFP stage. A similar feature set has been rolled out by GovSpend in the form of their new Meeting Intelligence tools. Competition in this space will serve to drive greater functionality as government suppliers get used to introducing AI into their workflows. supplier meetings, anecdotal end-user feedback and scorecards (sometimes hand-written on index cards) to monitor supplier performance. These manual processes often led to performance issues going unaddressed—or worse, unnoticed. AI-powered platforms like Procurated’s Canary are revolutionizing contract performance management. Canary collects and consolidates feedback from agency end-users, leveraging AI to produce digestible summaries of performance metrics down to the agency level for contract managers. Launched less than a year ago, Canary is now used to manage supplier performance in more than 25% of U.S. states. Procurated also is experimenting with AI to standardize performance data from scorecards and other information silos, enabling contract managers to access historic performance trends seamlessly within their workflows. Addition forthcoming AI functionality includes using AI to identify contract issues proactively and automatically and flag them directly to contract managers. Other notable solutions in this space include Appian Contract Management and Icertis Contract Intelligence, both of which use AI to analyze contracts, 18 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
construction 19 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
AQUOS POOLS FRONTRUNNERS OF INNOVATION IN POOL CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN JOHNSON POOLS & SPA THE POOL BUILDING POWERHOUSE OF THE WEST PRECISION POOLS & SPAS REDEFINING BACKYARD POOL ESCAPES LUNG ROSE VOSS WAGNILD EXEMPLIFYING 38 YEARS OF TOPSHELF LEGAL EXPERTISE HIGH TECH POOLS A LEGACY OF PRISTINE POOL DESIGN POOLS BY DESIGN BUILDING SUCCESS, ONE POOL AT A TIME THE POOL & HOT TUB ALLIANCE ONLINE ARTICLE MASTER POOLS GUILD ONLINE ARTICLE 20 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
AQUOS POOLS FRONTRUNNERS OF POOL CONSTRUCTI AT A GLANCE AQUOS POOLS WHAT: A Northern California-based family business with a proud legacy in pool construction and design. WHERE: Aquos Pools is located in Manteca, California, and serves the Central Valley and Tri-Valley region, including Pleasanton, Livermore, Brentwood, and Oakley. WEBSITE: www.aquospools.com 21 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
F INNOVATION IN ION & DESIGN SUSTAINING A LONG-STANDING LEGACY THROUGH TECHNOLOGYBASED OPERATIONS AND TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS Aquos Pools, a family-founded and run company in Northern California, stands as a beacon of performance in pool construction and sustainable innovation. With a proud legacy stretching back to the 1960s, Aquos Pools was established by Bob Tapley, who, over time, transitioned from subcontracting in pool concrete work to pioneering as a full-fledged pool builder. The company has survived & thrived for over five decades, crafting exquisite aquatic features while staying deeply connected to its roots and clientele. That longevity can certainly be attributed to the way Aquos prioritizes its long-term partnerships with suppliers and local organizations. These partnerships have helped streamline operations, reduce material costs, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. 22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
The company’s strategic marketing campaigns showcase Aquos’ unique eco-friendly construction methods and customized 3D luxury pool designs, which are both essential to capturing interest and sustaining brand visibility. At its core, Aquos relies on its skilled, motivated workforce and robust project management practices. Employees are provided access to training programs that keep them updated with the latest construction techniques and safety protocols, ensuring quality and consistency. The company’s onsite management is meticulous, emphasizing efficiency without compromising on craftsmanship.The result is a resilient and adaptive work environment and transparent culture where teams communicate openly and learn from challenges. In this environment, customer service is personalized and proactive, providing homeowners with detailed guidance from design to postconstruction maintenance. Today, Aquos is marked by a portfolio of stunning, durable projects that set industry benchmarks. Its satisfied customers often become loyal advocates, which has led to a reputation for excellence that attracts high-value contracts. This is truly a growing team of professionals passionate about transforming backyard dreams into realities. When all elements align, the company is set to expand and stand as a trusted leader in luxury and residential pool construction. EXPANDING OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE TRI-VALLEY REGION Based in Manteca, California, Aquos Pools serves the Central Valley and the Tri-Valley region, which includes Pleasanton, Livermore, Brentwood, and Oakley. Over the years, its strategic operations have evolved to master the distinct terrain and seasonal demands of these regions. The company uses advanced management systems to ensure projects run smoothly across a wide geographic spread, 23 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 AQUOS POOLS
minimizing inefficiencies and optimizing resource use. “Technology has become integral to our operations,” says Owner and President Harold Tapley, elaborating on how Aquos Pools uses a management program with integrated video systems to keep everything controlled and accounted for on each job site. “This helps us track crew arrivals, adjust to traffic conditions, and deliver timely updates to our clients. It allows us to respond proactively and ensure our teams are where they need to be, even if it’s just verifying safety and efficiency through our camera systems.” Aquos Pools’ commitment to technological advancement is evident in its use of innovations to improve client satisfaction and environmental impact. A prime example of this is the company’s cornerstone e3POD system, designed for efficiency and sustainability, combines easy-to-maintain filtration technology with environmentally friendly equipment. Clients benefit from significantly reduced maintenance time and costs, and because the systems are designed with sustainability in mind, they help preserve water, chemicals and energy resources. “Our goal is to provide customers with the most advanced, eco-friendly systems without compromising on performance,” Tapley explains, mentioning that in addition to this innovative filtration system method, the company also leverages robotics to ensure energy savings. Fortunately, these robotic cleaners operate independently of the E3 pool filtration method, significantly reducing energy consumption. Their systems, powered by low-voltage motors, are very cost-effective, costing only $3 – $5 per month as an energy-saving solution that maintains pristine pools year-round. Additionally, Aquos Pools also provides integrated technologies like pH adjustment injection systems and ozone or saltwater systems that can be added or swapped in to reduce chlorine needs as purification 24 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
for clients with sensitive skin allergies. The best part is that all of these functionalities are remotely accessible and controllable from a mobile device or similar electronic device. PARTNERSHIPS, VALUES, AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE Quality and reliability are paramount to Aquos Pools, so the company doesn’t cut corners when selecting subcontractors and suppliers. Its carefully curated partnerships facilitate adherence to California’s strict construction regulations and environmental guidelines. “We don’t go to the cheapest guys; we want the efficient ones who do it right. We’ve built longterm relationships with skilled, insured, and licensed contractors to ensure every project exceeds expectations,” Tapley states, asserting that the company does not focus on cutting costs to ensure that its pool quality is preserved. As a generational family-oriented business, Aquos Pools also seeks to ensure the quality of its internal culture so that it proudly stands as a company built on family values. Simply put, Aquos Pools fosters a culture of inclusivity, flexibility, and mutual respect. “We treat our team like family, and a lot of them are,” Tapley says. “We understand that people have lives beyond work, and we support them, whether it’s attending their children’s events or accommodating personal needs. At the same time, we uphold high standards, ensuring that our employees reflect our commitment to quality and customer care.” This nurturing environment extends to the client experience as well. Employees are trained to treat clients with the same familial care, ensuring that each interaction is personalized and respectful. This philosophy has been pivotal in setting Aquos Pools apart in a competitive industry. Its commitment to quality assurance and the customer experience extends to its building practices as well. Aquos Pools is a proud member of the Master Pools Guild, an international organization that champions excellence and innovation.Through this partnership, it has increased its focus on sustainability through its initiatives. Currently, Tapley is nearing the completion of NSF/ ANSI/CAN 50 std. certification for the groundbreaking Best Clear System e3POD. This patented water recycling ReUse unit captures and clarifies 25 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 AQUOS POOLS
wastewater from filtration service, allowing it to be safely reintroduced into the pool it came from. The product is currently in the lab at NSF, with highly encouraging preliminary data, and we anticipate certification results soon. Looking toward 2025 for the availability of NSF 50-certified units, this innovative solution underscores our dedication to water conservation, sustainable pool maintenance, and advancing industry standards.” This innovative approach promises substantial water savings and minimizes chemical waste, aligning seamlessly with Aquos Pools’ eco-conscious ethos. “Water conservation is vital, especially in the Southwest,” Tapley explains. “Nationwide, concerns extend beyond water scarcity to include the soil and waterways caused by wasted pool water 26 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
The Best Clear e3POD from Azure Fluidity Systems LLC is an innovative solution for pool filtration management, designed to address the environmental challenges of backwashing and cleaning pool filtration systems. Traditional pool filtration methods discard large volumes of turbid, chemically pretreated water during cleaning, leading to a significant loss of chemicals and requiring the addition of fresh water, which further increases chemical usage. The Best Clear e3POD doesn’t eliminate the need for filtration cleaning—it manages it. This groundbreaking system captures and clears pool wastewater by separating sediment precipitates, then returns the cleared, pretreated water to the existing filtration and treatment system. This process minimizes water waste, prevents contaminants and pool chemicals from entering waterways and soils, and reduces the need for additional chemicals. It allows pool operators and owners to reuse pretreated water instead of continually adding untreated water. With global water scarcity becoming an ever-pressing issue, adopting sustainable practices is no longer optional for the pool industry. The Best Clear e3POD positions both new and existing pools as responsible, environmentally sustainable systems while maintaining their filtration needs. Azure Fluidity Systems LLC embraces the philosophy: “Don’t lose it—reuse it!” Now is the time to save water, save chemicals, and protect our environment with the Best Clear e3POD. ėǻdž҂%džʔʢ҂-ȮdžŽʆ҂džпöÌ8҂ Ȉʔ҂Ž҂ʔȈȿɾȮdž҂ʔɔȮʰʢȈɔɅ҂ʢɔ҂Ž҂ƫɔȿɾȮdž˟҂ɾʆɔƢȮdžȿҍ҂҂ ½ɔ˖҂ɔɾʢȈȿȈ˰dž҂ɾɔɔȮ҂̆ ȮʢʆŽʢȈɔɅ҂ȿŽȈɅʢdžɅŽɅƫdž҂ ˖ǻȈȮdž҂ɾʆɔʢdžƫʢȈɅǬ҂ʢǻdž҂džɅˑȈʆɔɅȿdžɅʢҍ҂҂ ҂ƢdžʔʢƫȮdžŽʆʔˢʔʢdžȿҍƫɔȿ҂ :HOFRPH WR WKH IXWXUH RI SRRO ZDWHU VXVWDLQDELOLW\ ZLWK WKH LQQRYDWLYH %H67 &OHDU H 3RG 'HVLJQHG WR VDYH ZDWHU DQG SURWHFW WKH HQYLURQPHQW WKH H 3RG SURFHVVHV FOHDQLQJ ZDVWHZDWHU IURP SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ V\VWHPV UHWXUQLQJ FOHDUHG SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IRU UHXVH %\ VHDPOHVVO\ LQWHJUDWLQJ ZLWK \RXU QHZ RU H[LVWLQJ SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ WKH H 3RG SUHYHQWV FKHPLFDOO\ SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IURP EHLQJ ZDVWHG RU LPSURSHUO\ GLVSRVHG RI²DOLJQLQJ ZLWK EHVW PDQDJHPHQW SUDFWLFHV DQG SUHVHUYLQJ RXU SODQHW¶V SUHFLRXV UHVRXUFHV ½Hŋ҂ öþÌ8Ĥ-ėҒ kĊ҂§§-҂҂҂ҥомхҦ҂тохҞфрфс҂ нтпон҂Ċҍ҂ ʰʔʢȈɅ҂þɔŽƷ҂·ŽɅʢdžƫŽҎ҂- ҂хсппт҂ ( VD\V '21¶7 /26( ,7 5(86( ,7 ėǻdž҂%džʔʢ҂-ȮdžŽʆ҂džпöÌ8҂ Ȉʔ҂Ž҂ʔȈȿɾȮdž҂ʔɔȮʰʢȈɔɅ҂ʢɔ҂Ž҂ƫɔȿɾȮdž˟҂ɾʆɔƢȮdžȿҍ҂҂ ½ɔ˖҂ɔɾʢȈȿȈ˰dž҂ɾɔɔȮ҂̆ ȮʢʆŽʢȈɔɅ҂ȿŽȈɅʢdžɅŽɅƫdž҂ ˖ǻȈȮdž҂ɾʆɔʢdžƫʢȈɅǬ҂ʢǻdž҂džɅˑȈʆɔɅȿdžɅʢҍ҂҂ ҂ƢdžʔʢƫȮdžŽʆʔˢʔʢdžȿҍƫɔȿ҂ :HOFRPH WR WKH IXWXUH RI SRRO ZDWHU VXVWDLQDELOLW\ ZLWK WKH LQQRYDWLYH %H67 &OHDU H 3RG 'HVLJQHG WR VDYH ZDWHU DQG SURWHFW WKH HQYLURQPHQW WKH H 3RG SURFHVVHV FOHDQLQJ ZDVWHZDWHU IURP SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ V\VWHPV UHWXUQLQJ FOHDUHG SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IRU UHXVH %\ VHDPOHVVO\ LQWHJUDWLQJ ZLWK \RXU QHZ RU H[LVWLQJ SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ WKH H 3RG SUHYHQWV FKHPLFDOO\ SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IURP EHLQJ ZDVWHG RU LPSURSHUO\ GLVSRVHG RI²DOLJQLQJ ZLWK EHVW PDQDJHPHQW SUDFWLFHV DQG SUHVHUYLQJ RXU SODQHW¶V SUHFLRXV UHVRXUFHV ½Hŋ҂ öþÌ8Ĥ-ėҒ kĊ҂§§-҂҂҂ҥомхҦ҂тохҞфрфс҂ нтпон҂Ċҍ҂ ʰʔʢȈɅ҂þɔŽƷ҂·ŽɅʢdžƫŽҎ҂- ҂хсппт҂ ( VD\V '21¶7 /26( ,7 5(86( ,7 ėǻdž҂%džʔʢ҂-ȮdžŽʆ҂džпöÌ8҂ Ȉʔ҂Ž҂ʔȈȿɾȮdž҂ʔɔȮʰʢȈɔɅ҂ʢɔ҂Ž҂ƫɔȿɾȮdž˟҂ɾʆɔƢȮdžȿҍ҂҂ ½ɔ˖҂ɔɾʢȈȿȈ˰dž҂ɾɔɔȮ҂̆ ȮʢʆŽʢȈɔɅ҂ȿŽȈɅʢdžɅŽɅƫdž҂ ˖ǻȈȮdž҂ɾʆɔʢdžƫʢȈɅǬ҂ʢǻdž҂džɅˑȈʆɔɅȿdžɅʢҍ҂҂ ҂ƢdžʔʢƫȮdžŽʆʔˢʔʢdžȿҍƫɔȿ҂ :HOFRPH WR WKH IXWXUH RI SRRO ZDWHU VXVWDLQDELOLW\ ZLWK WKH LQQRYDWLYH %H67 &OHDU H 3RG 'HVLJQHG WR VDYH ZDWHU DQG SURWHFW WKH HQYLURQPHQW WKH H 3RG SURFHVVHV FOHDQLQJ ZDVWHZDWHU IURP SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ V\VWHPV UHWXUQLQJ FOHDUHG SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IRU UHXVH %\ VHDPOHVVO\ LQWHJUDWLQJ ZLWK \RXU QHZ RU H[LVWLQJ SRRO ILOWUDWLRQ WKH H 3RG SUHYHQWV FKHPLFDOO\ SUHWUHDWHG ZDWHU IURP EHLQJ ZDVWHG RU LPSURSHUO\ GLVSRVHG RI²DOLJQLQJ ZLWK EHVW PDQDJHPHQW SUDFWLFHV DQG SUHVHUYLQJ RXU SODQHW¶V SUHFLRXV UHVRXUFHV ½Hŋ҂ öþÌ8Ĥ-ėҒ kĊ҂§§-҂҂҂ҥомхҦ҂тохҞфрфс҂ нтпон҂Ċҍ҂ ʰʔʢȈɅ҂þɔŽƷ҂·ŽɅʢdžƫŽҎ҂- ҂хсппт҂ ( VD\V '21¶7 /26( ,7 5(86( ,7 AQUOS POOLS
we protect the environment,” explains Vice President and Manager of Sales Joni Lewis (Harold’s oldest daughter). The company’s forward-thinking marketing campaigns also address rising concerns, such as the skyrocketing cost/availability of chlorine and the environmental impact of traditional pool maintenance. With its focus on sustainability, Aquos Pools stays responsive to market shifts, offering alternatives like saltwater systems and mineral-based sanitizers. Aquos Pools’ solutions are always carefully designed to meet diverse client needs, from allergy concerns to budgetary considerations, so it’s safe to say that the company’s future is bright. “We’re continually exploring ways to improve efficiency and minimize our carbon footprint, from job site monitoring to embracing new water-saving contaminants and chemicals. We’re committed to creating a more sustainable pool environment.” Once NSF certification is achieved, this patented system will be applicable to any commercial swimming pool in the United States, setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry. FUTURE GOALS AND LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS With all of these great technological leaps and advances, Aquos Pools is putting a lot of energy into highlighting the value of this innovation, using education and differentiation as a core marketing strategy. “We inform potential clients about the long-term value of our e3 Pool systems, robotic cleaners, and other eco-friendly features. We emphasize the unique benefits of our offerings, like reduced maintenance and operational costs, while also showcasing how 28 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
29 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 AQUOS POOLS
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Azure Fluidity Systems LLC www.bestclearsystem.com technologies,”Tapley shares, stating that the company aims to remain at the forefront of green technology advancements. Ongoing collaborations with organizations like the California Water Efficiency Partnership and Arizona State University’s Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine underscore the company’s dedication to industry leadership. “Our goal is not only to grow our business,” Tapley says, “but to advance our industry in a way that is environmentally responsible and beneficial for everyone.” A significant milestone on the horizon is the transition of leadership to Joni Lewis (Harold’s Daughter), who will become the Corp. president in 2025, marking Aquos Pools as a woman-owned business. Harold’s grandchildren, Logan and Emma, are also learning the ropes, ensuring that the family legacy will continue for generations. With strong leadership in place and set to take over in the future, Aquos Pools will continue to bring personalized, sustainable pool building to residents and companies alike. The company continues to exemplify what it means to blend tradition with forward-thinking innovation, setting a new standard for sustainable, high-quality pool construction in Northern California and beyond. 30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
A LEGACY OF P POOL DESIGN HIGH TECH POOLS AT A GLANCE HIGH TECH POOLS WHAT: A family-owned, leading pool construction and maintenance company specializing in residential, commercial, and community-based projects. WHERE: Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, High Tech Pools serves clients across North America WEBSITE: www.hightechpools.com 31 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
PRISTINE SOLIDIFYING 66 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE WITH TURNKEY TECHNOLOGY Out of the many players in the highly competitive pool construction sector, one company, High Tech Pools, certainly deserves recognition because it has not only outpaced its competitors but has been doing so for decades! Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, by the Hammerschmidt family, this company has been a trusted name since 1958. What started as a small residential pool-building operation quickly expanded into a family business quickly expanded in size, scope, and reputation. 32 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
Today, just like back then, regardless of industry conditions, the company’s adaptable performance never falters. The company employs an excellent blend of operational efficiency and carefully nurtured partnerships. The company’s leaders ensure that relationships with key suppliers, local businesses, and industry networks remain strong, viewing it as the key to stable operations. So, the focus is always on collaboration and quality, which allows High Tech Pools to secure better pricing and more efficient service and strengthen its presence as an industry frontrunner. Practices like investing in ongoing training programs for employees, particularly in the latest technologies and pool maintenance techniques, have been crucial to delivering exceptional service. All of these methods combined have resulted in streamlined internal processes — from project management to customer service — improved efficiency and client satisfaction and a consistent flow of referrals that drive repeat business. High Tech Pools is a well-rounded captain of its industry, recognized for its innovation, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer relationships.As the company continues to expand, it will undoubtedly become the go-to name for pool construction and maintenance in North America. A FAMILY COMPANY BOLSTERED BY STRONG IN-HOUSE SERVICE High Tech Pools’ legacy has been handed down from father to son to grandson. “During my dad’s era, he basically doubled the size of the business in terms of revenue, as well as employees. He was making about five to eight million dollars a year,” says President, Operations Manager, and Owner Jerry Hammerschmidt, who joined the company in 2010, working his way up from a warehouse manager to an operations manager, eventually earning his current role as a majority owner in 2024. Under his leadership, the company has seen exponential growth relative to even his father’s time running the company. “We have about 65 to 75 employees depending on the time of year, and I have subsequently doubled the size of the business from when I started in 2010. We’re solidly in the mid-teens doing millions in revenue,” Hammerschmidt comments. The company’s services primarily encompass large commercial sites, water parks, YMCAs, universities, high-end residential pools, spas, and fountains. The majority of the construction process is handled in-house, which includes everything from digging 33 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 HIGH TECH POOLS
our residential projects,” Hammerschmidt explains, referring to how High Tech’s residential usually have better hydraulics and pool systems that other pool builders on that same scale due to the difference in engineering knowledge. Other companies are either unaware of or unaccustomed to that scale of complexity when it comes to smaller residential projects, so High Tech can effectively swim in its competitors’ lanes while preserving some exclusive space for itself. This dynamic has created critically acclaimed results for the company, earning awards and recognition within the industry while giving it access to more community-integrated building opportunities. Some great examples of this would be High Tech winning the International Pool Awards with the PHTA, Luxury Magazine’s pinnacle awards, and even getting the current opportunity to build a new pool for a high school in Sandusky, Ohio. COMMUNITY AND SUPPLIER-BASED PARTNERSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL TIES High Tech Pools has built its reputation as one of North America’s top pool builders. Its commitment to excellence is driven not only by the products it offers but also by the relationships it nurtures with suppliers and within local communities. “We’re a part of the Master Pools Guild, the Pool and Hot Tub Association (PHTA), and I’m accredited as a certified Master Pool Builder by the PHTA… on top of that, we’re also a MYRTHA Pool distributor,” Hammerschmidt explains. The MYRTHA Pool partnership is particularly interesting because these stainless steel, panelized PVC membrane pools are the same ones used in Olympic swimming competitions. High Tech Pools also has a philosophy of forging strong, long-term partnerships with manufacturers and distributors. “We don’t just buy from anyone. We build relationships with manufacturers that align with our values of quality and reliability,” Hammerschmidt says. and framing the pool to rebarring and plumbing to shotcrete, tile, plaster, and even filtration. The company even has a maintenance division that exclusively maintains pools built by the company, which is vital to its success because approximately half of its business comes from commercial work. This business split lies at the core of High Tech’s competitive advantage. Commercial projects are big and usually require a greater degree of customization, filtration control, and technological integration. “Having experience with the complicated engineering that comes with these large commercial projects gives us expertise that we can then implement into 34 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12
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