S12 E8: Smells Like Money Podcast: Downtime Costs - Small Items That Save $$$

In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor speaks with Chad Morin, co-owner of Gould Solenoid Valves, a family-owned and operated business that has been a cornerstone in the industry for nearly 75 years. Chad dives deep into the often-overlooked but critical role of solenoid valves and how investing in quality can save significant downtime costs in wastewater operations and beyond.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Chad Morin

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Key Discussion Points:

 A 75-Year Family Legacy

Gould Solenoid Valves is a fourth-generation family business with employees spanning multiple generations.
Learn how their commitment to quality and family culture has driven success for decades.

 Solenoid Valves 101

What is a solenoid valve? Chad explains these electronically operated valves and their use in wastewater treatment, industrial applications, and combination trucks.

 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Certification

Why BABA and AIS certifications are key indicators of quality and reliability.
The importance of sourcing products ethically and ensuring durability for critical systems.

 True Cost of Downtime

Beyond the upfront cost of a valve: How failures impact downtime, production losses, and stress for operators and managers.
Pay now or pay later: Why investing in durable cast valves saves money in the long run.

 Best Practices for Optimal Valve Performance

Regular maintenance, proper filtration, and understanding your specific application to extend valve life and prevent failures.
Chad shares expert advice on rebuild kits and managing maintenance schedules effectively.

 Customer Service That Keeps Things Flowing

Gould’s focus on rapid turnaround ensures customers experience minimal downtime

Key Quote:

“It’s not just about the cost of the valve. It’s about the cost of downtime, stress, and keeping systems running efficiently.” — Chad Moran

Conclusion:

In this episode, Chad Moran reminds us that small components like solenoid valves, while often overlooked, are the backbone of critical systems in wastewater and industrial operations. By choosing quality products, maintaining a solid preventative maintenance schedule, and considering the true cost of downtime, operators can keep their systems running smoothly, save money, and reduce stress.

The key takeaway? Don’t treat essential items like commodities—invest in durability, reliability, and exceptional customer service. As Chad says, “You get what you pay for.” Small investments today can prevent massive headaches and costly downtime tomorrow.

Connect with Gould Solenoid Valves

Website: gouldvalve.com

Sales Email: sales@gouldvalve.com

Chad’s Email: chad@gouldvalve.com

Phone: 800-634-6853

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, we’ve learned that even the smallest components—like solenoid valves—play a crucial role in keeping systems running efficiently. Chad Morin reminds us that cutting corners on quality can lead to significant downtime, stress, and hidden costs. Investing in durable, well-built valves not only extends the life of your equipment but also ensures reliability when it matters most.

The message is clear: “You get what you pay for.” Prioritize quality, understand your application, and implement a proactive maintenance plan to minimize costly downtime. Small items like solenoid valves may be easy to overlook, but as Chad put it, they are the mighty heroes behind the scenes of your operations.

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Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Follow us on creativeraven.com/podcast-episodes for updates and more episodes.

I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.

Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!

Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:

Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/

Email: raven@creativeraven.com

Telephone: +1 760-217-8010

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https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/

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