So here we are, in a water store.... What were we thinking! 

I will do my best to keep you posted on what is going on and what we are learning on the Journey To Clean Water. 

With some beginnings, there doesn't seem to be one defining moment to lead you to where you are today. That's how I would describe the beginning of Hydrology. 

I'M DOING GOOD WHERE I'M AT

For me, I was seemingly moving in the right direction with the company I was with. That direction was moving towards my goal of being an executive. The problem was I would need to move....the whole family! It would be unlikely we could stay in Arizona. I know what you're thinking, you're putting the cart before the horse, Preston. That's not how I look at things. I picture myself in the position I want to be and then work myself towards it. Often plan around what could be. That way I am prepared when it manifests itself. I put a lot of faith in these decisions and pray for guidance. These decisions include Kristin as well. 

I was nearing 20 years with my current company. There was criteria a store manager meets to be considered for the next level. I was being put in position by my supervisor to check off everything on that list. Again, the problem was we would have to move if I was promoted. That didn't sit well when Kristin and I had discussions about our future. 

PLANTING THE SEED

It was the Summer of 2021, in the backyard of our house. It was hot, smoker was on smoking some meat. Splashing and laughter was happening in the pool. We had Doug and Kristi over, like we often do. Doug brought up the opening of a water refill store. The thought had been festering in his head ever since his Uncle mentioned it to him years ago. At that time when Doug brought this up, I was good with where I was. We would periodically have this conversation when we got the families together. It got to a point that I asked Doug for more information about it.

GOD'S PLAN

I started researching equipment, revenue streams, budgets, etc. I found myself crunching numbers at night when I got home from work as if I were playing a game on my phone. Going back and forth with Doug about things. I built a business plan and looked into setting up an LLC. It all seemed like a cool game to play. Little did I know, God was working something out within me. Doug and I spoke about how we would do this and split the company. He invests and I invest what we could. 

During the previous couple of years, Kristi's Dad, Gary, was battling cancer. Both of Kristi's parents were living with Doug and Kristi. Gary beat cancer the first time but it came back and with a vengeance. You can only imagine what it was like for that beautiful family during this time of high highs and low lows. 

As September of 2023 was nearing, I was dealing with things at work that I felt was turning me into something I didn't care for. I didn't like who I was becoming. I guess you can say I was losing the love and passion. Then the worst thing happened at that time...Gary passed away. His passing rocked the core of the family. He was larger than life and most turned to Gary for guidance. There's someone like that in most families, so you know what I mean.

I expressed my feelings to Kristin regarding my current career. We sat the family down and came to a consensus that we would start this business.

Because of all the unfortunate events with Gary's passing, Doug and Kristi made a decision to move homes. Doing this changed Doug's plan to invest his portion to lift Hydrology off the ground. He had to do what was best for his family. I was already leaving my job and the ball was rolling with funding on my end. So this endeavor became financially mine and Kristin's. There certainly has been no lack of support from Doug and his family. Doug is the biggest champion for Hydrology. I pick his brain for knowledge and share different experiences with him to fill him in. We continue to pray that Jesus will guide us and make us a staple in the community so we can build more locations. Doug and his family will always be a huge part of Hydrology.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

(Next blog: The Build Out) Coming January 2025.