buzz·word
\ 'bəz-'wərd \ noun
1. A compilation of franchising trends 2. What franchise experts are talking about
Positively Passive This WaterStation Technology investor enjoys spending more time on the slopes than on the job. The Great Recession of 2008 mistreated Steve Holznecht of Seattle, a general contractor who has been building homes for 40 years. “My wife and I were ready for something more stable,” says Holznecht. The couple landed on the solution in March 2018, when they invested in 20 WaterStation Technology machines in Southern California. Holznecht says most of his self-service machines, which dispense ultra-pure drinking water, are located outside stores for convenient customer access. A LOT TO LIKE He and other WaterStation Technology investors like the company’s eco-friendliness, while customers like the contaminant-free water that costs less than off-the-shelf, single-use plastic bottles. They fill their own containers at WaterStations, reducing the number of disposable plastic bottles that pollute the environment, require costly recycling, and clog landfills. Because WaterStation Technology uses natural minerals to create its virtual spring water with electrolytes and an alkaline pH, the purification process has no negative impact on the environment. Thrilled with his investment, Holznecht has turned most of his construction business over to his son. “One great thing is that I’ve been able to start snow skiing again. Ninety-eight percent of
the time, I’m doing something other than WaterStation. It takes about 10 minutes a week. Corporate takes care of everything. They just send me a check every month. It’s the most passive thing,” he says. Currently, WaterStation Technology offers low-cost investment options in incremental amounts. A 10-machine package is available only to veterans. For more information, visit www.waterstation.technology —Mary Vinnedge
May 2019 17
