Denise and Aaron Biffert embarked on a business adventure that neither of them had really expected. Aaron had a technical aptitude that brought him into the water industry in Alberta in 1988. He spent time with Aquafine, Petwa High Purity Water, Softy Installation, Mr. Softwater and a few other companies which ultimately lead him to the year 2000 where he and Denise, who left her career in childcare, to start their very own business – EcoWater Systems Calgary. Today they are a team of 4 and their business spans across the southern prairies of Alberta. Having a great team and strong support they also acquired AquaSoft Service Calgary from a water legend – Gord Anderson who was one of the first water equipment providers in Western Canada.
Aaron credits his water treatment training very early on in his career while under the employ at Aquafine to another legend, Gord Leggett, but also regrets deciding that a spare in high school was better than chemistry class. He knows now how important chemistry and math are to the water industry. However, the lack of chemistry didn’t shy him away from tackling and learning as he went. Also, the training through the Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA), Certified Technician and then Certified Installer added to his work experience, which created the right recipe for success in water. Aaron doesn’t shy away from tackling all makes and models of water treatment equipment, from the small to the large commercial jobs. He has a wealth of knowledge on just about any system out there.
When asked why they decided to join the CWQA, Aaron said the influences from Ecowater Corporate along with wanting to ensure they showed their customers that they are serious about their business and becoming part of an industry association was the right answer. Today they believe the education that the association offers, along with the government relations and the ability to network with peers in the water industry is still an important way to model their business. Being a member of the CWQA changes the perceptions for consumers and adds the credibility that the business is serious about water treatment and doing it properly. Not only are they members, but Aaron also invested several years to the CWQA through the Board and was one of only two past Presidents that served for 3 years. The many hours of time he spent with the CWQA meant that Denise picked up the extra jobs around the business so Aaron could volunteer with the CWQA. The CWQA is forever grateful for their contributions to make the association better.
The next question was what the CWQA should focus on in 2022 and 2023. Denise jumped in to say the industry needs to do a better job at recycling and waste management. She like many others want to ensure that there is a planet for her grandchildren and their children, and for the industry now to look long and hard at how we can recycle or divert waste from the landfills. As an association this will be key, can we find ways to take our plastics, resins, cartridges and turn them into biogas or some other fuel or recycling method. Can we create a zero footprint?
Aaron added that there needs to be a recognition of installers and technicians through either a standard, specialty trade, sub-trade, or full trade. He has seen way too many installs done incorrectly, and homeowners and businesses are put in harms way as a result. Next, more action needs to happen at the national plumbing code to build in the requirements to have drain stacks mandatory, water treatment bypasses installed, dedicated RO lines set up in all new housing builds. He sees if all of that is installed while building the basement, it will mitigate any challenges with leaks or plumbing nightmares down the road. He would like to see the CWQA lobby to make this happen. Lastly, he wants to see a strong Consumer Protection Act in all provinces that will ensure that consumers do not get duped into signing a 10-year iron-clad rental agreement. How can the association identify the bad apples and rid the industry of them? With a mandatory certification or trade, this will help to go a long way.
The last couple of years with COVID shaking the world, has helped the water industry, as consumers decided it was time to invest in their homes and their health, and companies like EcoWater System Calgary rose to the occasion to provide quality water treatment. The one thing that Aaron suggests in maintaining stability during world catastrophic events like a pandemic is to diversify. Strong commercial and residential sides to a business are key to keep the cash flowing through anything that is thrown their way.
The last question was what your plans are for the next 5 years. Denise quickly said it would be great to retire and move to a private island, but realistically, they want to continue to offer excellent customer experiences for all new and old customers and continue to support the water industry through education and their membership with the CWQA.
In closing Aaron wanted to thank all those pioneers and legends in the water industry in Canada that helped shape and pave the way and give the opportunities that they have experienced. As well it is their hope that they can add just a little to the industry to keep it viable, strong and sustainable for years to come.
