Our History
Hawkins Water Tech. started water treatment services in 1967. Hawkins was founded by Bob and Nancy Hawkins who understood the many benefits of conditioned water. Thus, Hawkins Water was founded in the Hawkins’ family garage with the philosophy of first listening to the customer and then matching the products that best met the customer’s needs. This philosophy served the company well as its reputation spread throughout Elkhart County and then Michiana and spurred continuous growth for the last 40 years. Still headquartered in Middlebury, Indiana, the company has grown to 27 employees, a satellite office in Elkhart Indiana and a territory of a 50-mile radius of Middlebury. Our product line now includes all aspects of water treatment.
If you live in or around these areas, you’ve probably seen our trucks and can enjoy the Hawkins experience for yourself:
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Our Philosophy
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To provide our customers with products and services that enhance the quality of
water they use for personal, household, business, commercial and industrial needs.
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To provide the above in a professional, efficient and effective manner; and to do
so abiding by the Golden Rule and by placing the customer’s needs above our own.
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To provide a relaxed, non-threatening sales environment by acting as consultants
in water treatment.
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To continue to educate ourselves in the function and benefits of water treatment
products available in the current market so we can offer products, service and
information of the highest possible quality.
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To operate with sufficient profit to allow those providing products and services
to continue.
Biographies
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Dave Hawkins – President – truly grew up in the family business as Hawkins Water Tech. began on his family’s home property. His career with Hawkins began in 1980. Throughout this time, Dave gathered experience in all aspects of water treatment and learned first-hand his parents' philosophies that have led to the company’s success. Furthering his studies, Dave became a WQA Certified Water Specialist Level III. In 2004, Dave and his brother-in-law Jim Freeze purchased the business from Bob and Nancy Hawkins. While his responsibilities now place business leadership and visioning at the forefront, Dave still enjoys and often assists with system design and installation.
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Jim Freeze - Vice President - began his work at Hawkins in 1985. Jim began as a Hawkins Salt Delivery Driver and continued his education in water conditioning through on the job experience as well as enrolling in the Water Quality Association (WQA) certification programs. Through this training, Jim has achieved the level of Certified Water Specialist Level 4. Jim’s major responsibility is now to the management of the service divisions within our organization. His experience coupled with his accreditation has enabled Jim to create a training environment that produces technicians and delivery staff who are well-equipped for their job and who possess the level of professionalism Hawkins is known for.
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Mike Sommer - Technical Sales - has been with Hawkins since 2002. Mike specializes in residential applications. His background in building material production and engineering gives him the tools to look at each home design as a unique situation. He enjoys educating the homeowner and enabling them to make an informed decision about water treatment services.
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Curt VanCuren - Director of Sales - has over 6 years experience with Hawkins Water Tech. Curt's career with Hawkins first began as a service technician. His day to day interaction with Hawkins' customers gave him the opportunity to understand residential water conditioning from the homeowner’s perspective. Curt now draws upon that experience to create an environment that is relaxed and easy for the homeowner to create a water treatment system for their home. Additionally, Curt has gained experience in the design and implementation of commercial and industrial water conditioning systems. This experience has led him to become a trusted advisor for businesses who need to implement water conditioning for improved operating efficiencies.
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Gene Hochstetler – Purchasing and Shop Manager/Wholesale Grocer Relationship Manager – Gene left his career in the retail grocery industry to join Hawkins in 1994 as a Service Technician. Gene’s past experience combined with his new job responsibilities became the perfect platform to add management responsibility of the Harmony Brook Retail Premium Drinking Water systems sold to grocery stores throughout Michiana and Northwest Ohio. During his time with Hawkins, Gene has obtained his WQA Level 2 Certified Water Specialist Designation and is a Certified Installer.
- Doug Hostetler – Service Manager - started his career in water conditioning with Hawkins Water in 1993. Doug’s background prior to Hawkins was in manufacturing and construction. During his first few years with Hawkins, Doug received training in all aspects of water treatment. As Hawkins continued to succeed and expand, additional responsibilities were a natural fit for Doug. Doug is now responsible for scheduling of all job trucks including salt and bottled water delivery as well as installation and maintenance. Doug is also the “in house” resource for service and equipment questions from customers and Hawkins technicians.
