Most organizations have that one person who embodies the kindly, wise teacher that everyone loves. A Mr. Roger’s type. Secondwind’s resident Professor and go-to counselor is Steve Guercia, Commercial and Public Water Systems Manager. His wisdom, compassion and thoughtfulness have shepherded many a Secondwinder from green newbie to experienced and valuable employee.
Mentor and Friend
Steve was hired in February of 1995. At that point Secondwind was just over five years old, so we were old enough to think we were going to make it, and old enough to already be set in our ways. But, we were young enough to have a lot to learn. When he arrived, he brought the wisdom of someone who had already been working in water treatment in NH, along with his natural personal tendency to be steady, patient, and kind. He encouraged us, and pushed when necessary, to get us to try things that we had rejected. Just like a really good teacher, or guidance counselor.
Heather Dahlin, GWC/Commercial Account Manager, says “working with Steve is like being in college with the most patient and encouraging professor that you could imagine. I have never worked for someone that made me feel more supported and valued, while constantly challenging me to improve. Steve is more than a boss, he is a mentor and a friend.” She continues, “The knowledge and training he is passing on to each employee who works here is of enormous value. He is an excellent teacher and has many stories that help people remember the things they have learned.”
And a storyteller extraordinaire, he is. Vicki Coltey has worked with Steve since he started at the company 24 years ago. Long enough so that she herself can personally tell the story about how, when he was a child, “he used to have to change the water out for a dish that his mother made for the holidays. It had fish in it that made the water smell really bad, and he would hold his breath, run down the stairs to the basement, dump the water, refill the water, run back up the stairs, then take another breath.” She tells it with his mannerisms and timing. These stories will live long as Secondwind classics.
Making the Impossible, Possible
When you eliminated everything that is possible, start looking for what’s not possible and you will find the answer.
~ A Steve Guercia go-to quote.
Beyond the warmth and humor, Steve is an expert in commercial and public water treatment. As Christopher Vaughn, Secondwind’s Field Operations Manager notes, “Over the years, Steve has developed a diverse commercial department that can handle many facets of the business. This is not only the case with commercial systems but also with our Public Water System department. It’s not only within Secondwind that Steve is sought out for his knowledge and experience. Many people throughout the state look at Steve as a wealth of knowledge in water treatment.”
Troubleshooting is one of the most important talents and skills needed in the Commercial water treatment industry. Steve has these in spades. He is also the “go-to person” for all the questions other people may not know the answers. And if he doesn’t know, he will find it.
“Steve is also known for staying calm. Even in a crisis. If someone is looking for empathy in a difficult situation, he offers this, and knows that anything can be fixed and doesn’t get worked up,” Coltey comments. “I can always count on him to know the answer and to be the expert problem solver. I always feel that when he’s around anything is possible and solvable.”
A Legacy of Wisdom, Experience, Patience and Kindness
“Steve’s legacy will be our Commercial and Public Water treatment businesses,” says Secondwind Founder and President, Christine Fletcher. “He has continually broadened his, and our knowledge of the water needs of specific businesses or operations. He developed expert knowledge of treatment technologies, while continually developing relationships across the state. This will serve the future of the company as well as the water industry in NH for years and years to come. It’s priceless.”
When it comes to the human side of things, Fletcher continues, “Steve is unbelievably patient. He never says no to someone who needs help. It has been wonderful for countless Secondwinders who know they can count on him to answer questions, explain the intricacies of water treatment and trouble shooting.”
A Team of Experienced, Supportive Professionals
At Secondwind, we know that our team is only as strong as the people on it. We invest in strong leaders and managers who have the wisdom, experience, and people skills to support all of our employees. This in turn makes the products and services our customers rely on the best they can be. Water treatment is about so much more than water chemistry. It’s a complex equation of the right people in the right jobs with the right support. We’re proud that Steve Guercia has been a foundational part of making Secondwind the leader in commercial and PWS water treatment in the region. We couldn’t have done it without him – and hopefully we won’t have to for a long time to come.
