Text: Stuart Anderson

Can you see a market opportunity for a product that will provide effective, affordable solutions for achieving the best possible water and air quality? A division of Aquion Water Treatment Products, RainSoft began offering dealerships to exclusively sell, install and service its products in 1960 and began developing international markets in 1990.

Offering a complete line of residential, commercial and industrial products, RainSoft's products are quality water treatment solutions designed to meet a variety of quality-of-life challenges. "RainSoft dealers serve the diverse needs of nearly any customer base with minimum inventory requirements," reflects Tony Sharma, Director, Business Development of RainSoft. "From residential units to larger commercial systems, our dealers service homeowners, hotels, restaurants, and hospitals - even entire communities."

Now, with 200 dealerships established worldwide, RainSoft distributes its product range in markets including Canada, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey and the UK. "Over the last 50 years, water consumption in the United States alone increased by more than 100 per cent," reveals Sharma. "In the same period, it rose by more than 500 per cent in Europe and 300 per cent in Africa. Many experts predict that world consumption will double by the year 2020."

This significant trend is driving the growth of RainSoft, which holds more than 75 US and international patents. "Further European expansion is a priority and we are well-placed to support this with a dedicated support staff," explains Sharma. "We are seeking individuals who are prepared to be very hands-on in the daily operations of the business. We want strong leaders who can motivate and inject energy into the systems, are experienced in marketing, sales and networking.

"We are offering Regional Master and Area Development licences for individuals to take on sizeable territories, although we would entertain granting a National Master Franchise for a small country. This is a low-investment opportunity, requiring between US$80,000 and US$200,000 depending on the territory."