Celebrating a Long Time Advertiser: WaterWorks

WaterWorks, which was established in 1988 as Puna Water Services Inc., was initially a trucking company engaged in the business of hauling water to homes that relied on water catchment systems.

Since that time, WaterWorks has evolved into becoming the leading-edge provider of affordable and safe water catchment systems throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Founder Verne Wood talked about the history of his company in an interview with Ke Ola Magazine. “While engaged in the activity of trucking and hauling water, it became apparent that many people required additional services and products that were not readily available at that time. In response to this need we opened a full-service water catchment store in Kea‘au in 1990. We opened another store in Kona in 1996 and then moved the Kea‘au store into Hilo in 2001.”

Verne continues, “As a company we have always been focused on improving the quality of water catchment systems, and to legitimize these systems as a viable water source. During these past 30 years we have implemented various improvements to the industry and today water catchment systems are recognized as an integral component of the building industry on Hawai‘i Island.

“By designing and introducing the Cover Support System, the Double P-Trap Overflow System, Two Stage Filtration, and Ultra Violet Water Treatment Systems, we have been able to improve the water catchment industry such that an increasing number of people can now trust the quality of their household water.”

During the last 30 years, the company has come a long way, and with that, the water catchment industry has become more professional. Verne reflects, “Initially the water catchment systems industry was kind of an underground thing; we wanted to legitimatize it by making it as good as can be. A large component of our success is that we’ve been able to put together a team of very capable and dedicated employees.”

The company now employs 18 people and Verne describes his management style as, “Employee empowerment. By granting my staff with as much decision making ability as possible, we can stimulate creative thought amongst our team.”

This frees Verne’s time for more of the company’s inventive business endeavors, as his team takes it upon themselves to manage daily operations. The knowledgeable sales staff is always available to assist in making the right choice to meet their customers’ needs.

Each WaterWorks location also has onsite technicians who can answer questions ranging from installations, plumbing, purification, and pump troubleshooting.

When asked about the marketing tactics of his company, Verne stated that establishing a business on an island offers a contained market, especially if it fills a niche need. He believes that delivering quality products and excellent customer service are the keys to a successful business. Meeting the business’s high standards and customer satisfaction organically segues to word of mouth referrals. Selecting visible locations and advertising in choice venues such as Ke Ola Magazine, have attributed to WaterWorks’ continued success.

Although WaterWorks was established 30 years ago, Verne Wood has been a resident of Hawai‘i Island for 45 years. He fondly recalls moving to Hawai‘i in 1972 to surf, and like many longtime residents of that era, has stayed on. Verne’s favorite surf break at that time was at Kaimū in Kalapana, and after the lava flows took that area, he went on to surf Pohoiki. Since the latest volcanic activity in 2018 cut off access to the lower Puna coastline, Verne now surfs Hiloʻs Honoli‘i or Bayfront… “whenever I can find the time.”

WaterWorks
Hilo:
1717 Kamehameha Ave.
808.933.9111

Kealakekua-Kona:
79-7511 Hawaii Belt Rd.
808.322.2222

waterworkshawaii.com