Workspaces spotlight: Solid Blend Technologies treats water

By Staff
Dec 21, 2015
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Ken Elrich is the owner of Solid Blend Technologies in Dayton

Describe your company: Solid Blend Technologies is a service company that treats the water used by commercial, industrial, and educational facilities in building air conditioning and heating systems as well as in manufacturing processes, food manufacturing and storage, hospital sterilization procedures, laundry services, etc. Without consistent and high quality treatment, water damages the systems it works in resulting in high energy use and energy costs and/or system breakdowns. We help our customers prevent that damage and those high energy bills! Companies that really rely on their water-driven systems are Solid Blend's best customers because they appreciate the level of treatment and support we provide as well as our ability to provide solid chemical, liquid chemical, and eco-friendly solutions from a variety of quality vendors. A newer service focus is on the control of Legionella bacteria in all types of water systems – industrial and potable. Legionella is natural in the environment but can cause the deadly Legionnaires' disease (like a really severe pneumonia) when concentrations get too high. Solid Blend has offered two public training sessions to educate the local community about the control of Legionella and created the LegionnairesControl.com website to share additional information.

When was the company founded and how did it get started? Solid Blend Technologies was started in 1999. While working at a local hospital, I saw the need for a water treatment company that focused more on preventing service issues and optimizing energy usage than on selling chemicals. I wanted to be a water treatment service provider that would resolve the problem – not just slap a band-aid on it. .

How many employees? We currently have eleven team members. We added 2 new employees in 2014.

How has the company grown?

Our growth has come several different ways:

1. Working with local mechanical contractors and engineers to resolve water related issues for their clients and then being asked to provide the ongoing water treatment services.

2. Thinking outside the box and looking at new technology and strategies to find the best solutions for our clients.

3. Providing different kinds of training for clients, mechanical contractors, engineering firms, HVAC classes, and partners to help them understand how to get the most out of their water systems and why effective water treatment matters.

4. looking for new and improved treatment technologies that are also environmentally friendly

5. Word of mouth (Reputation).

Describe your job: I work on providing strategic vision and leadership for the organization while at the same time I strive to provide a great place to work that includes awesome career opportunities.

What's unique about your workspace? Our company culture and core values make our work place unique. Our core values are literally painted on the wall for everyone to see and think about each time they walk through. There is a positive family atmosphere where each person feels at home and respected for the important role they have. We have ping-pong games from time to time in our service lounge, we participate in events such as The Wounded Warriors Tough Mudder and The Mud Ninja; we have a team in the annual KIND (Kids in New Directions) Bowling Event, and we adopt a family for Christmas through South Community. Chester, our four-legged chief of security beagle mix, also contributes to make our work place unique.

What is the one thing in your workspace I can't work without? I can't work without my team.

What's your secret to success? Challenge the status quo, never settle for mediocre, and learn from our mistakes. Exceed the expectations of our team, clients and vendors.

About the Author

Staff