Retail Observer

1987 EverBrew built in commercial grade coffee maker is created and trade- marked by Water, Inc. 1981 EverCold under–counter water chillers are created and trademarked by Water, Inc. 1996 Water, Inc. hires Rick Tarantino as Director of Sales and Marketing 1995 Water, Inc. launches www.waterinc.com 2002 Water, Inc. introduces MWRC to support its local retail dealers, with a zip code driven internet revenue sharing program. Water, Inc. hires an internet monitoring company to protect our brands online. 1997 Water, Inc. starts selling ASKO and propels the brand into huge numbers 1977 Water, Inc. founded by Major Avignon Water, Inc. becomes the first Everpure Master Distributor, and increases sales to become the largest Everpure distributor in the world, with sales growing between 50-70% of Everpure's retail business until 2008. 1980 EverHot instant hot water and accessory faucets are created and trademarked by Water, Inc. D I S T R I B U T O R [ P R O F I L E ] Making Making Brands When I started Water, Inc. in 1977, interest in water filtration was almost non-existent. Today, research shows us that almost everyone is concerned about the safety and quality of their drinking water, And rightly so — study after published study continues to confirm this. In addition to lead, asbestos, Cryptosporidium, and Chloromines, a variety of pharmaceuticals and manufacturing chemicals (according to an investigation conducted by the Associated Press) have also been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. It's for these reasons Water, Inc. continues to push the envelope by increasing our dealer base and forging partnerships with companies like 3M and Body Glove to ensure we deliver the most relevant water filtration systems to our dealer base so consumers can enjoy the cleanest water possible. At the same time, we also value our ability to provide products like instantly chilled or heated water and coffee brewed automatically with filtered water that deliver convenience and, essentially, make life easier and more organized. The same level of dedication to excellence led to establishing Premier Products Distribution Company (PPD) in 1996. Our focus with PPD was, and is to this day, to pursue import and domestic opportunities with premium products and appliances for the kitchen, bath and home. We have been committed to providing a technical service department, a streamlined order processing, same day shipping, and an extensive investment in inventory. These essential elements combined with established, professional sales managers and a well-trained inside staff have proven successful beyond sales—it's a formula that has become a major player in establishing and growing major brands. At Water, Inc and PPD we've taken on incredible lines like ASKO, Perlick, Everpure, Elica Range Hoods, etc. and have

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