In a world where pollution has become an extremely big problem, finding safe water for drinking and irrigation is becoming harder than ever. Studies show that irrigation with unclean and untreated water has become an alarming issue. Clean water is also becoming scarce. Amidst all of this, CH2O, INC. is fully dedicated to providing the world with clean water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. Their slogan is “Making Water Work for You,” and they take it very seriously. We are honored to interview Carl Iverson, the current CEO of the company.
Interviewer:
Your company is playing a real heroic role in making the world a better place. For decades CH2O has been helping people make their water safe. Tell us about your company, its goals, how it works, and everything.
Carl Iverson:
CH2O, INC. was founded by my father, Tom Iverson Senior, in 1977 and then transitioned to the second generation of Iverson ownership in 1993. Our main goal was to offer people customized water treatment solutions based on the needs of our clients. We serve both the commercial and industrial water treatment markets. We have a diverse team of engineers, chemists, and our own extensive laboratory. We offer a wide range of water treatment services, such as water treatment services for horticulture and irrigation.
Interviewer:
Greenhouse growers face a lot of issues that vex them. From biofilms to the spread of disease and the formation of mineral deposits in irrigation emitters, they have to take care of a lot of things. How does CH2O help greenhouse owners in this regard?
I am glad you asked. Let me tell you how we solved exactly the same issues for Smith Gardens. Smith Gardens is a century-old company that grows poinsettia. They had to deal with the issues that you mentioned. In the 2005 growing season, they came to us for help. We offered them our water treatment service, which we call Sure Flow. We were able to significantly reduce root rot and other diseases like Pythium and Rhizoctonia on their poinsettias. They were also facing the issue of plugged emitters, and Sure Flow solved that problem for them too.
Interviewer:
You mentioned Sure Flow, a system that you invented. Tell us more about it and how it works.
The Sure Flow treatment system basically involves the on-site generation of a patented chelant- disinfectant. This system inhibits bacteria from contaminating the water. It also helps prevents minerals in irrigation water from blocking the nozzles of irrigation emitters. Crystalline minerals plug irrigation emitters, and that’s a big problem. Sure Flow puts an end to that, which enhances plant health and quality. It also makes micro-minerals available to plants instead of becoming food for bio-films.
What makes Sure flow really interesting is that it has minimal effect on fertilizers. So, it will kill bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms for you but without compromising the quality of your fertilizers. We also generate Sure Flow on-site, which is very, very cost-effective as compared to alternative products.
Interviewer:
Your company has been here for a long time. It takes a lot for any company to survive decades. What’s CH2O’s secret?
When you put your clients’ needs first, I believe you can survive for as long as you want. Our secret is simple. We innovate and solve problems for our customers. We do not sell “me to” products. We provide innovative solutions for our clients. We strictly follow the ISO 9001 International Quality Standards to ensure the best products for our customers. We have been awarded numerous domestic and international patents for our product solutions. We create a common vision with our clients and become their partner to help them succeed.
Interviewer:
As the CEO of the company, what are your plans for the future?
I am trying to take CH2O, INC. to a whole new level. I personally engage in all facets of the water treatment industry and keep an eye on every operation within our company in order to ensure quality. We have expanded across US borders into Europe, Mexico, and Canada, and eventually, we want to become global. I have formed CH2O BV and CH2O Canada in order to transfer technologies to the agricultural industry in other countries. That will remain a major focus of my future endeavors.