Carla Reid
General Manager / CEO
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Laurel, Md.

First of all, I’m at WEFTEC because WEFTEC is the place to be if you want to learn about innovation, or what’s going on in our sector and to meet people and establish partnerships. And I really love the exhibits as well.

In terms of ReGeneration Workforce issues, I’ll just give you our statistic: 50% of our workforce is eligible to retire in 5 years. So heck yes, I have been so in tune with the ReGeneration Workforce ever since I’ve been in my position as General Manager / CEO — recognizing that statistic and working on that issue.

The proof is in the pudding, so we have to see if the programs and different approaches to this problem are actually working. But we currently have internships and all kinds of programs to really encourage and engage younger students at the elementary, middle school and high school levels, to really get them interested in our sector and knowledgeable that this sector exists.

Jacob Rider
Product Manager
KWS Manufacturing
Midlothian, Texas

KWS Manufacturing makes screw conveying equipment and I’ve been in this sector for about 5 years. I’m at WEFTEC with my business associate primarily to meet with our reps, vendors, and possibly new clients.  

I came into this industry because I was fortunate to be working with these types of projects from the manufacturing side. From there I became more involved with the sales and show side as well. And along the way I had a very good mentor who has now transitioned out on the industry.

I’m excited when I look out to the future. I think I’ll stay in this industry. In fact, it’s hard to get away from, because it’s everywhere if you really look at it.

Jon Radigan
Labor Inspector for Water and Wastewater Department
Town of Stoneham Department of Public Works
Medford, Mass.

I’ve had my job for just under 2 years. I came in because of my father, who was a Water and Wastewater Superintendent for the town. When there was a position opening I got in and I’ve been there ever since.

I hope to learn as much as I can in the amount of time I have at WEFTEC. I’d like to meet some new contacts and I’d like to get more involved in the wastewater community and I figured this would be the best way to start. I’ve just shown up but two tables I’ve been to so far have already brought new ideas and new insights that I can bring back to the town.

As I look toward the future I definitely plan to stay in this industry for the long run!

Brian Voss
Owner
Westcoast Waterworks Warehouse
Corona, Calif.

Our company provides pipe fittings for water, oil and gas lines. We don’t have an exhibit at WEFTEC but our main vendor, Smith Blair, has a booth and I usually go in and help them work their booth. We also get sales leads and I walk the show to help identify new product lines that we might want to take on.

In terms of the ReGeneration Workforce, we’re certainly growing — we increased our business last year by 25% — but I kept the same staff, so we haven’t had to do a great deal of hiring yet. So far everybody is just working harder.