Winter 2023: Issue 13, Central Region
A DYNAMIC TIME IN DALLAS DON MILLER CLOSES THE BOOK ON 49-YEAR RAINSOFT JOURNEY PG. 2
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS PG. 3
2024 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SEE BACK PAGE
RAINSOFT LEGEND
RainSoft founder John Grayson with Don.
RainSoft legend Don Miller announces his retirement
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he definition of effervescent means someone who is lively, entertaining, enthusiastic and exciting. All of those descriptions accurately describe Don Miller, but ask 100 people and you’ll probably get 100 interesting and highly favorable answers. At the Western region convention held in Las Vegas, Don announced his retirement after 49 years with RainSoft. It was a touching and bittersweet moment for the man who was immersed in the RainSoft culture since Richard Nixon was president. In January he will step aside from his role as ambassador and sales leader for the Western region, Mexico and Central America. For now, he and Lea Anna plan to remain in the Denver area but will do some traveling and spend more time at their lake house. “It was wonderful when they showed the tribute video with many dealers and representatives,” he said. “I want to thank regional leaders Alan Kniffen, Dan Pfister, and Antoine Elias, whom I taught a Top Gun school with in Casablanca. Mark Gagnon and Peter Rushmore have been crutches when I needed them and great friends throughout. And Andy Palframan, an outstanding boss and travel buddy who likes an adventure. I
remember when we went off-roading on motorcycles in Cambodia.” Don’s familiarity with South East Asia happened during the Vietnam War before he joined RainSoft. Captain Miller flew over 1,000 missions with UH-1 Huey helicopters, and was awarded the Purple Heart medal and Bronze Star for heroism in 1969 and 1970. “Some North Vietnamese fighters had the great pleasure of shooting over 150 holes in my helicopters. Some of my missions were troop transports in and out of hot landing zones. Many were medevac flights for the wounded. The Huey was a joy to fly, and it had miniguns and rockets for when we had to do business.” Back home, Don discovered the water business in 1974. After working six months for a competitor, he opened RainSoft of Denver. “Lea Anna and I worked from home and business was so good, we started an office with help from regional manager John Edgar, and John Grayson himself. We grew to be no. 1 in the world for 16 of 21 years.” What are some of the highlights he will remember?
“RainSoft allows people to grow into dealerships. Some Denver graduates I’m happy to know and love include Peter and Donna Waelti; Bart, Donna and Joe Holstein; Abe Bahhage; Fernando Castello; and Harold Posey, who recruited Susan Money Curie, Bill McGraw and Richard Brouse. “After selling RainSoft of Denver, I didn’t want to retire so I helped with the international expansion into over 30 countries including Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Asia. Lots of great memories traveling with Scott Harmon, a true technical genius. “The conventions were highlights for us because we got to see so many great friends who were like family, really. From renting Tomorrowland at Disney World, to Chicago and Cancun, and the marching band and floats going through the hotel banquet room in New Orleans, what a kick!” Don had a perfect recap to his career. “I felt happy for such a remarkable ride with RainSoft, and uplifted by knowing the high quality of current and new people and their skills for the future. I’m so thankful to all, and wish the entire team blue skies and tailwinds with enough storms to make it interesting.”
TONY VALENCIA HONORED AS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
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e’s found success on different stages throughout a 30year career in the health and wellness industry. A determined sales pro, a former GM at a local UFC gym, and an accomplished actor in community theater, Tony Valencia now has a new title. He won the Dan Hager and Michael Keck Rookie of the Year Award and was recognized as the #5 RainSoft salesperson in the world. “When Ben Cunningham won this award at the last International Convention, I committed to winning it,” recalled Tony. “The night was special because my wife, Kelley, was there and her dad knew Dan Hager very well. It was very emotional because when I started in this business in October 2021, she told me I had some pretty big shoes to fill following her dad, RainSoft Hall of Famer Paul Grapes.” Tony was quick to point out people responsible for his success.
“I want to recognize my wife and my daughter, Emma-Grace, who support my efforts and encourage me to do my best. And I want to thank all 153 customers who agreed adding a RainSoft system is the right idea to improving their water and lives. “I couldn’t have done this without my boss, Jason Malucci. He never loses sight of our ultimate goal, and he helps me stay outside of the box and constantly look for ways to improve the sales techniques for our team. And I must mention Brian Geer. He inspired me to work harder to dethrone him, even once.” He also has some advice. “Sales is a game where you have to go through the numbers to have success. Always do your best no matter what and never stop learning your craft. Continually study how to improve your presentation, learn how to be a passionate storyteller, and stop trying to sell and start trying to help people.”
ACREE, MCANELLY AND MILLS HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
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here are always many highlights at any Regional Convention, and this year’s Central event was no exception. The well attended gathering was held August 12-14 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park in Texas. Gina Acree and Shawn McAnelly from Sweetwater Home Services made the trip north from San Antonio and were recognized by the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) for their outstanding Sales achievements. A special tribute also took place when Steve Mills of Quality Water Systems in Houston was honored with the Norman Hurt Courage award. Shawn was rewarded with a Rolex watch for attaining PAC Level 10. For Gina, it culminates 31 years of working for Richard Brouse and admitted there was a surprise when she learned about reaching PAC Level 25. “Achieving PAC Level 10 was a huge goal for me. When Peter Rushmore called to make sure I was going
to attend, he told me I was being recognized and had a choice of upgrading my Rolex or receiving a $10,000 award. My Rolex had recently been cleaned and serviced as a special gift by my husband, Bobby, so I decided the $10,000 would be better!” The Water Treatment Specialist once served as an Assistant Sales Manager for a few years. While Gina enjoyed the training aspect, she found her passion is with helping clients in the home. “The opportunity Richard gave me with no prior experience in outside sales has allowed me to have a wonderful career and family life. I pride myself on being a self-starter and work hard to supplement my income by doing some of my own marketing. Everyone at Sweetwater has been supportive, and the Sweetwater marketing team led by Gina Rigutto makes sure I have daily opportunities for success.” When he presented the Norman Hurt
Courage award to Steve Mills, Peter Rushmore mentioned how Steve’s dedication and commitment to his team embodied the true essence of the award. Mr. Hurt was one of Bill McGraw’s first sales managers at Quality Water Systems. Peter recalled the Texas legend was gregarious, a great people person, and how innovative he was before Norman died in 2011. A year earlier, Peter received a call from Steve about opening a RainSoft dealership. An exclusive agreement prohibited it but he interviewed for a sales rep position, became a leader and was promoted to sales manager and helped the business experience doubledigit growth. Steve learned two years ago he had a brain tumor. Despite multiple surgeries and treatment sessions, he continues to manage doing the job and coming into the office and serving as a true inspiration.
CRACK THE VAULT GRAND PRIZE WINNERS FIRST PLACE — $15,000: ANTHONY CASSELL, ENVIROTECH INTERNATIONAL SECOND PLACE — $10,000: JARROD STEVENS, QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS THIRD PLACE — $5,000: MARK NAJAR, QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS
TOP INSIDE SALES PEOPLE
TOP OUTSIDE SALES PEOPLE
1. Yolanda Davis – Sweetwater Home Services 2. Kim Johnson – Envirotech International 3. Leticia Caldwell – Sweetwater Home Services
1. Frank Gonzales – Sweetwater Home Services 1. Terry Bonik – RainSoft of Northeast Iowa 2. Drake Chinn – Quality Water Systems 2. Chris Coiner - Aquasani 3. John Birchfield – Quality Water Systems 3. Tim Mitchell – Green County Water and Air
TOP OFFICES
TOP DEALERS
TOP INSTALLERS
1. Quality Water Systems – Houston, TX 2. Envirotech International – Grand Prairie, TX 3. Sweetwater Home Services – Austin, TX
1. Quality Home Services – Houston, TX 2. Sweetwater Home Services – Austin, TX 3. Envirotech International – Grand Prairie, TX
1. Mike Foster – Quality Water Systems 2. James Britton – Quality Water Systems 3. Christopher McDonald – Sweetwater Home Services
TOP DEALER SALES PEOPLE
NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS TOP DEALER POINTS: FLORIDA ENERGY WATER & AIR TOP DEALER/INTERNATIONAL: PRESERVATION DU PATRIMOINE FRANCAIS WATER TREATMENT TOP DEALER/ THE HOME DEPOT SALES (UNDER 10): PURE WATER (Not Pictured)
TOP INSIDE SALES MANAGERS
TOP OUTSIDE SALES MANAGERS
1. Monica Yaacoubi – Quality Water Systems 2. Gina Rigutto – Sweetwater Home Services 3. James Harris – Envirotech International
1. James Wagley – Quality Water Systems 2. Chuck Kelly – Envirotech International 3. John Anello – Tri-State Water, Power & Air
TOP DEALER/THE HOME DEPOT SALES (11-29): AMERICAN HOME DESIGN TOP DEALER/THE HOME DEPOT SALES (OVER 30): LIFETIME SOLUTIONS TOP DEALER-THE HOME DEPOT INSIDE SALES: Stacie Winston – PUREH2O TOP DEALER - THE HOME DEPOT OUTSIDE SALES: Raheem Bahadur – LIFETIME WATER SYSTEMS TOP DEALER-ALPHA: QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS TOP DEALER-BETA: COASTAL ENERGY, WATER AND AIR TOP DEALER-CHI: TRI-STATE WATER, POWER & AIR TOP DEALER-DELTA: CHARLOTTE COUNTY WATER, INC. TOP SMU DEALER: FLORIDA ENERGY, WATER & AIR TOP SMU SERVICE PEOPLE: Patricia Cruz QUALITY HOME SERVICES DAN HAGER/MIKE KECK AWARD: Tony Valencia, HAMPTON ROADS WATER SERVICES
SERVICE AWARDS 35 YEARS: SWEETWATER HOME SERVICES 30 YEARS: ALL AMERICAN WATER TREATMENT and TRI-STATE WATER, POWER & AIR
TOP SMU SERVICE PEOPLE
TOP SMU OFFICES
1. Robert Hughes – Quality Water Systems 2. Dawson Franklin – Quality Water Systems 3. Angel Ayala – Sweetwater Home Services
1. Quality Water Systems – Houston, TX 2. Sweetwater Home Services – Austin, TX 3. Envirotech International – Grand Prairie, TX
25 YEARS: CAROLINA WATER SYSTEMS, INC., CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER SYSTEMS, INC., LIFETIME WATER SYSTEMS, INC. and THE PURE WATER PEOPLE 15 YEARS: CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER TREATMENT, INC.
2024 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SET FOR CALIFORNIA
For the first time ever, California will host our bi-annual event. It will be held August 15-18 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and promises to be an exciting and memorable time. This magnificent convention resort is situated alongside San Diego Bay and is a short walk from the famous Gaslamp Quarter entertainment district. More information will be coming your way after the new year.
AUGUST 15-18 IN SAN DIEGO