Get to Know the Culligan of Scotia Dealer

Kenney Irish has seen his share of water problems since becoming general manager of Culligan Water of Scotia (N.Y.) in 2018. We sat down with Kenney to chat about the area’s common water issues, his squad that helps solve them, and why he enjoys coming to the office every day.

You manage a team of 15. Can you share a bit about some of your superstars?

Sure. Our operations manager is Dan Shields. He’s been with the company about 38 years now. He’s a true Culligan Man, and he knows the equipment inside and out. He has a tool for anything and everything. If he doesn’t have a tool, he makes a tool. He’s got six people who report to him, and he trains them. We also have Richard Osborne, who is the selling supervisor. He hires and trains the sales team, and he’s been with the company 21 years.

How does it benefit customers to have such veterans working at the company?

I personally wouldn’t want to do business with a company that has constant turnover because it signals there’s something wrong, and I wouldn’t want whatever that is bleeding into what I need serviced. It also helps position us as experts.

You serve Schenectady and Saratoga Counties. What are some of the water problems your customers face?

Hardness is the main one, but sulfur, iron, chlorine, clay, and methane are common throughout the two counties. A small area that we cover in Saratoga County is also affected by chemicals called PFOAs and PFOSs that leached into the groundwater and went into the public water.

Which Culligan product can reduce those contaminants?

It’s a carbon filter called the Culligan Aqua-Cleer Advanced Total Defense Cartridge that works with our water filtration system.

What are some telltale signs of hard water?

You’ll see buildup on sink faucets and shower doors. It ends up clogging and ruining appliances like washing machines. Your skin will feel extremely dry and tight when you get out of the shower, and your hair will feel dry and brittle.

Let’s end on a personal question: What keeps you motivated?

The saying is, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s only half of it. The other part is if you don’t love who you’re doing it for, then you’re going to be miserable. I love the team that I’m doing it for. The owners of the WaterCo franchise are great people, and they’re supportive. I love what I do, so to be able to combine that all together is a good thing.