Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1467276
6 HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL | APRIL 25, 2022 | BUSINESS PROFILES T hirty-four years ago, Flow Tech Inc. was founded with a clear vision: To help customers save energy and get better building control through niche and specialty products. Today, the South Windsor-based, employee- owned company offers nearly 20 equipment lines focused on sustainability. It has become a go-to source - after years of growth and success - for building owners, design engineers and contractors. Flow Tech is a full-service manufacturer's representative for applied and engineered equipment and systems for the HVAC and municipal water/wastewater markets. The business excels in large commercial and institutional-type sectors, President Mike Davis said, including health care, higher education, K-12 schools, pharmaceutical and office buildings. "We provide technical expertise for our customers throughout the project," he explained, in some cases, offering ongoing service and preventive maintenance agreements. "Our products and equipment are competitive, energy-efficient and quality- focused," Davis said. Flow Tech's very first line – ABB Variable Frequency Drives – set the standard: "a technically focused, specialized product that we can sell and support better than anyone else," he said. The company differentiates itself by satisfying customers' "unmet and unarticulated needs, providing exceptional service and fostering creative and innovative solutions," Davis explained. Each employee is vital to the success of Flow Tech. Its service team provides 24/7, on- call service. Its sales team is comprised of technical, subject matter experts who build long-lasting relationships with customers and industry professionals. They are complemented by a support team that "unifies us, providing organization, administration and promotion," Davis said. During the pandemic, while some products and projects took a backseat, other product lines expanded, particularly those focused on indoor air quality. In the case of its UV line, orders rose more than 25-fold from 2019 to 2020. "Overall, the construction industry bounced back, and our customers (engineers, contractors and end users alike) turned to Flow Tech when their projects started ramping back up, confident we could deliver for them," Davis explained. Supply chain shortages are still affecting the business, increasing material cost and lead times. However, "through constant communication and superior customer support, we have been able to navigate these challenges with minimal impact," he noted. 2021 was also a pivotal year for the company. In March, Flow Tech opened its demonstration lab, a working example of how its equipment and systems improve the comfort and safety of buildings while providing energy savings. "It was a destination for us in the pandemic, allowing our team and our customers' teams to meet, learn and socialize in a safe environment while learning about the latest technology in our corner of the construction industry," Davis said. Then in October, Flow Tech transitioned to an employee stock ownership program, with Davis taking over as president from former owner Richard Harper. "As a 100% employee-owned firm, Flow Tech is poised for growth and success with every employee having a financial stake in the company moving forward," Davis said. The company is hiring and will continue to expand, he said. "We're on the lookout for the next niche, engineered solution to improve building occupant health and happiness." A Go-To Resource for Engineered HVAC Systems and Service Address: 10 Bidwell Road; South Windsor, CT 06074 Phone: (860) 291-8886 Fax: (860) 291-9908 Website: www.FlowTechInc.com Product or Service: Applied and engineered equipment and systems for HVAC and municipal water/wastewater markets. No. of Employees: 25 Head of Company: Michael O. Davis, PE Year Founded: 1988 A few of Flow Tech's employee-owners gather in their new Demo Lab. From left: Kevin Wixom, Rich Thralls, Josh Prouser, Mike Davis, Charlie Barber, Nichole Petersen and AJ Labbe.