Our next member spotlight ACi Distributing Inc. has been a Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA) member since 2009. The business started in 1999, but new owner Jason Habib has been at the helm since 2020.
ACi Distributing Inc. is a Canadian company headquartered in Calgary, AB. They are the exclusive master distributor and marketer of Hague Quality Water International products. ACi distributes water treatment systems from reputable brands such as Hague®, AquaMaster®, WaterBoss® and their newest line AO Smith PRO®. All water treatment systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA by Hague Quality Water International. Hague has been and continues to be a leading manufacturer of water softeners since 1956.
ACi distributes across Canada and has four distribution centres with major hubs in Calgary and Guelph. The focus is on residential water treatment systems and distribute through water specialists, wholesalers, plumbers and retailers.
ACi’s product lines include proprietary water softeners, reverse-osmosis systems, air injection filtration systems and main faucet water filters. They focus on bringing to market patented technologies that are certified (NSA or WQA Gold Seal certified, meeting NSF/ANSI and CSA standards) efficient and dealer/consumer friendly.
Jason purchased ACi Distributing Inc. in 2020 from the founding owners just as the global pandemic was declared. Jason’s background was formed with leadership roles at plumbing wholesale and as a manufacturer’s agent. He took an interest in ACi and their products when he bought and installed a unit in his home that continues to work well, operate efficiently, and look good.
Jason joined ACi as COVID became the key focus of the world, making it challenging for him to get out to meet his customers, and grow the business with new prospects. Jason focused instead on providing excellent customer support, managing a steady supply of equipment from the USA, and connecting with customers safely over the last two years. Now with restrictions lifting he is looking forward to meeting customers face to face while launching a new product line uniquely for the Canadian marketplace.
As an entrepreneur, managing business expenses is important, and Jason feels continuing with the CWQA membership makes good business sense. Jason believes that the training offered by the CWQA is a valuable part of the structure but would like to see more focus on consumer awareness of the key features of quality water treatment equipment. Questions like: is it certified and to what standard, does it have efficiency ratings, does it conserve water and use minimal regenerants are just a few topics that he believes the CWQA can help to highlight and promote.
As a young professional, Jason and his team have a unique view on how they are going to build and grow over the next few years and partnering with quality water treatment professionals is a key component. Add to that efficient American made products, excellent customer support, certified equipment, and strong inventory creating ACi’s recipe for success.
