ABOUT AQUASTORE
With over 40 years experience in 32 countries and 8 states and 2500+ installations, Florida and Texas Aquastore are the proven leaders in water storage and design-build wastewater treatment solutions.
WHO WE ARE
Florida Aquastore and Texas Aquastore are the premier companies for water storage and wastewater treatment across Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Florida, The Caribbean, and Central and South America. Since 1983, our advanced glass-fused-to-steel coating system has set the standard for both the private and public sector with liquid storage solutions for both Municipal and Industrial applications. As a licensed and bonded general contractor, we offer our customers complete design-construct storage and wastewater treatment solutions with guaranteed dependable performance, long life, and minimal maintenance costs. We are a family business that delivers the best product to the marketplace with client focused customer service. We have had the privilege of working with municipalities and multinational companies all over the world.
WHERE WE CAME FROM
Since 1975, Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc. has been a leader in providing water storage/wastewater treatment tanks and design-construct wastewater treatment systems for private developers, municipalities, and industrial customers throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Our experience in wastewater treatment began in 1975 when John Whelchel, founder and now Chairman, established Environmental Marketing Group (now known as Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc.) to represent several wastewater equipment manufacturers in the State of Florida. Within a few years Environmental Marketing group (EMG) became the exclusive Florida representative for the DAVCO package wastewater treatment plant. By combining the DAVCO package plant, local engineering, and their principal suppliers, Florida Aquastore began offering turnkey design-construct wastewater treatment systems. An operating division was added during the early 1980’s that managed over 100 operating contracts throughout the State of Florida.
In 1981, EMG changed its name to Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc. when it became a dealership for A.O. Smith Engineered Storage Products (now known as CST Storage), the manufacturer of the Aquastore glass-fused-to-steel tank system. John soon realized that the welded steel tanks that the industry historically used were having a problem with rusting due to the aggressive Florida and Caribbean salt-air environment. Faced with this rusting issue and seeking a solution to maximize the usable life of the wastewater treatment plants, John found his answer in the durability, low maintenance, and unmatched corrosion resistance offered by the Aquastore glass-fused-to-steel tank. This technological advancement allowed Florida Aquastore to expand the size and complexity of their treatment plant designs and offer a lower maintenance, cost effective storage solution in the region.
The infrastructure development in the Caribbean, Florida and Latin America combined with the exportability of the Aquastore tank and plant internals accelerated the company’s domestic and international expansion to where it is today. In 2005, the company’s operations expanded to include Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas and approximately ten years later, operations expanded further to include Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Today, our group of companies, with over 100 employees worldwide, is responsible for more than 2,000 installations in 32 countries.
PHOTO: John Whelchel, Founder of Florida and Texas Aquastore
WHERE WE ARE GOING
Our history has been built on the determination, dedication, expertise, and passion of our Aquastore family. Since 1983, our mission has not changed – to build storage tanks and treatment plants with the highest engineered quality, best installation service, longest product life and greatest value on the market – always putting the product and customer first! We are grateful for the important role that our company has played in critical water and wastewater infrastructure and welcome the opportunity to be your storage and wastewater treatment partner for decades to come!
With Gratitude,
The Aquastore Family
GIVING BACK
Every time we open our doors, we continue a commitment that's been growing since our establishment in 1983: a brighter future for our team members, our communities and the world we live in. The success of Florida and Texas Aquastore has been due to the fantastic trust, support, and faith that our clients have placed in us throughout our history. This success has given us the opportunity to “Give Back” to many wonderful organizations that are committed to leaving the world a better place than they found it.
Giving back to the community is such a focal point of our company’s mission that we have developed a monthly initiative to “Give Back” to communities and families in need. Through our “Give Back” initiative we have partnered with fantastic global organizations whose primary mission is to spread God’s compassion, grace, and kindness throughout the world. Together, we are bringing relief and hope to those during their most difficult times. We humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued support!
OUR TEAM
FLORIDA AQUASTORE
matt whelchel
CEO & Director of Wastewater
Matt is the CEO and Director of Wastewater of Florida Aquastore. Matt earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree with Civil Engineering and Environmental concentration from Vanderbilt University, E.I.T. certified. He received his master’s degree in international business from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. He has over 25 years work experience in civil engineering, construction, wastewater treatment design, and environmental consulting. He is an expert in all facets of glass-fused-to-steel storage tank construction and design. Mr. Whelchel has worked in the field as a tank builder, project manager, estimator, sales manager, wastewater treatment product development, and general management. Matt’s focus is on the strategic direction of the company and emphasizes the hierarchal business principles of Safety, Quality, Customer & Employee Experience, and Profitability. These principles, listed in order of importance, are the foundation from which all decisions and strategies arise.
marcelo sicuro
Vice President
Marcelo is the Vice President and General Manager of Florida Aquastore. Marcelo holds a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, E.I.T. certified. His multi-lingual abilities include English, Spanish and Portuguese. Marcelo has over 25 years of experience with glass-fused-to-steel water storage tank design and installation. Marcelo works closely with the client’s design engineers to ensure that the tank is designed to meet the client’s needs. Marcelo is also responsible for overseeing logistics, quality control, safety, project management and the on-site installation team.
Nick Hartofilis
President & Caribbean Sales Manager
Nick is the President and Caribbean Sales Manager of Florida Aquastore. Nick has a versatile background with the company, starting with the role of CFO/COO where he was responsible for financial reporting, tax, corporate treasury, and legal/regulatory compliance. Since 2015, he has served Caribbean municipalities and companies in finding cost-effective, long-term, and low-maintenance storage and treatment solutions. Understanding the critical nature of water infrastructure in the region, Nick is intently focused and committed to ensuring that the customer’s needs are met throughout the life of the project and beyond.
Nick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Economics from Duke University and a Master of Business and Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Nick is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida and maintains a GF-7 Tanks and Towers Contractor’s License in New Mexico.
Tracey Jackson
CFO & COO
Tracey is the CFO & COO for Florida & Texas Aquastore. Tracey is a Certified Public Accountant, having earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Florida State University. Tracey has over 30 years of experience with various roles in Accounting and Finance, in both public accounting and private industry, as well as technology consulting. While his primary responsibilities include financial reporting and forecasting, Tracey is also heavily involved with corporate operations, HR and legal and corporate treasury. Excellent customer service has been a consistent priority for Tracey throughout his career, and he carries that forward for both Florida and Texas Aquastore customers.
LUIS GALLARDO
Central America Sales Manager
Luis Gallardo joined Florida Aquastore in 2013. Luis is a seasoned sales professional that started as a Commercial Manager for Colombia and has expanded his management to Venezuela and Central America. Luis also manages tank maintenance and inspection for the territory and works with clients to implement preventative maintenance programs. Luis enjoys working with consulting engineers throughout the design process to ensure their final project requirements are accomplished and met with optimum success.
Luis earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the Universidad Rafael Belloso Chacin, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Luis also received a degree in Global Markets at the School of Engineering of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia.
Brandee Velez
Director of Business Development for Florida
Brandee joined Florida Aquastore in 2021 after a 20-year career in the finance industry, most recently as a National Sales Manager. Brandee is a sales professional with proven experience working in demanding environments that require strong organizational, technical and interpersonal skills. His reputation has been built on the principles of being trustworthy, ethical and committed to superior customer service. A structured, accountable individual with strong analytical and communication skills, Brandee excels at developing relationships with clients and coworkers.
FELIPE VALENZUELA
Latin America Sales Manager
Felipe joined Florida Aquastore in 2010 after working for a Florida Aquastore representative firm. Felipe has an extensive career in sales dedicated to glass-fused-to-steel technology in the municipal and industrial water and wastewater market. Felipe also has expertise in construction, allowing him to work closely with his clients throughout the life of the project. Felipe also manages tank maintenance and inspection for the territory and works with clients to implement preventative maintenance programs. Felipe is intently focused on client satisfaction and delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to the market.
Felipe obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering at EAFIT University in Medellín as well as an MBA. His focus on engineering and the technical field coupled with the excellent quality of Florida Aquastore’s glass-fused-to-steel has enabled him to work with engineers and customers to develop his sales territory consistently in the long term.
Felix Piloni
Senior Project Manager
Felix joined Florida Aquastore in 2020. He is a US Marine Corps Veteran and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Northern Illinois University. His multi-lingual abilities include English, Spanish and Italian. Felix has over 20 years’ experience with glass-fused-to-steel water storage tanks and installation. Felix strives to provide exceptional, cost-effective construction services to ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget and meet the customer’s expectations. Felix also works closely with our export logistics companies to ensure proper paperwork for import/exports are filed to allow products to be delivered without delays.
Greg Jablonski
Project Manager
Greg recently joined Florida Aquastore in 2021. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech and his Master of Science in Construction Management from Drexel University. Greg has 14 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry contributing to the planning, design, and construction of both water and wastewater pump stations, pipelines, storage tanks, and treatment systems. He specializes in the start-up and commissioning of wastewater treatment systems including conventional activated sludge and membrane bio-reactor systems, working closely with design teams and operation staffs to provide fully functional systems that meet the local needs of the clients.
Carl Harrigan
Project Manager
Carl joined Florida Aquastore in 2021 and has 12 years of experience in heavy civil construction, including the last 3 years being focused on managing construction of a Wastewater treatment plant. Carl earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the state of Florida. Carl strives to provide exceptional, cost-effective construction services to ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget and meet the customer’s expectations. In partnership with our customers, Carl works alongside Aquastore crews to provide them with a complete understanding and expectation of the safety culture, production, and quality of work to be delivered.
Vladimir PoRRas
Warehouse Manager
Vladimir joined the Florida Aquastore family in 2014 as a Tank Builder, and in 2016 Vladimir transitioned to Warehouse Manager. Vlad’s invaluable field experience allows him to ensure that our field crews have the highest quality tools and equipment to perform their work in the safest and most efficient manner. Vlad is also responsible for managing the logistical operations of the warehouse and the preventative maintenance on all field equipment. Vlad is also a certified field technician and can be found leading inspections and preventative maintenance on existing Aquastore tanks.
Maria Kramer
Accounts Payable Manager
Maria joined the Florida Aquastore family in 2006. She is bilingual - fluent in English and Spanish. Maria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University and has over 40 years experience in various roles in accounting, sales and purchasing. Maria is heavily involved with internal systems operations and is excellent in customer service.
Raquel Tellez
Accounts Receivable Manager / Marketing Manager
Raquel joined Florida Aquastore in 2014. Her previous experience working in the accounting department for various large corporations makes Raquel a key member of the Florida Aquastore accounting team. Raquel’s excellent communication skills with the project managers provides accurate and timely billing on the projects. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are evident in the preparation of accurate weekly and monthly reports within tight deadlines. She is also responsible for collections, bank reconciliations, assisting with A/P data entry, and marketing for both Florida Aquastore and Texas Aquastore.
Yolanda Taveras
Executive Assistant
Yolanda joined Florida Aquastore in 2016 with over 35 years of experience in professional office executive assistant positions, demonstrating a strong track record of exemplary performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments. Yolanda skillfully manages administrative duties, and as Executive Assistant and Office Manager, she ensures the smooth operation of the office with her robust knowledge of office management and efficient handling of the customers and staff inquiries.
OUR TEAM
TEXAS AQUASTORE
Charlie Gage
President
Charlie is the President of Texas Aquastore bringing with him 30 years of industry experience. Charlie grew up in the Blue Steel family and began his Aquastore career with Empire Harvest in 1993 working as a tank builder and on a concrete crew. In 1994, Charlie had the calling to serve and joined the United States Marine Corp where he reached the level of Staff Sergeant E6 and learned his core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. After serving our country, Charlie returned to the Aquastore family garnering considerable hands-on knowledge of every aspect of concrete foundation construction, tank and dome installation, CET construction and construction management. Charlie is relied on by the entire Aquastore dealership network for his expertise in all facets of tank construction and oversees builder training across our group of companies. Charlie employs a “lead from the front'' management style across all office and construction activities for Texas Aquastore.
John Pappalardo
Sales Manager
John began his career at Texas Aquastore in 2010, bringing with him extensive sales experience in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Markets with Hydraulic Control Valves. John introduced and brought to fruition the very first 30 Inch Hydraulic Control Valve to the Waterworks market in Texas. Prior to his control valve experience, John began his career selling bulk handling and weighing systems to the industrial process markets and later transitioned to Municipal Chem Feed Systems for the same Manufacturer.
John graduated from blue valves to blue glass and has raised two native Texans. He has three young fisher-people in training and is known to wet a line now and then.
John Haddox
Sales Manager
John joined the Texas Aquastore family in 2008. He manages the Central and South Texas regions, as well as far West Texas and Southern Nevada. Previously, John worked for Sylvan Source, provider of industrial-municipal water treatment plants and thermal energy recovery systems, based in San Carlos, CA. At Sylvan Source, John managed Business Development world wide. Previous to entering the water and wastewater industry, John worked for several software development companies since 1988.
Chad Callahan
Service Director
Chad Callahan has been with Texas Aquastore since its inception in 2005 and has been in the tank business for 33 years. His in-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices is a result of his experience ranging from Tank Builder to VP of Operations. As Service Director, Chad leads the company’s service department to manage the customer experience with inspections, rehabs, and preventative maintenance for Aquastore tanks. Chad is also responsible for developing and implementing service procedures and maintaining customer relations.
Michael Harvey
Project Manager
Michael Harvey has been with Texas Aquastore since its inception in 2005 and has 23 years of experience in the Aquastore tank industry. As a Project Manager, Mike is responsible for planning and overseeing projects by coordinating crews and processes to deliver projects on time, within budget, and with the desired outcomes achieved. His leadership, communication, time management, problem-solving and adaptability skills make Mike a tremendous asset to the Texas Aquastore family.
Tim Flannigan
Project Manager
Tim Flannigan joined Texas Aquastore in 2020 as a Project Manager. Tim earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Science from Texas A & M University and subsequently worked 4 years in General Contracting and 2 years in the Concrete Industry. As a Project Manager, Tim is responsible for planning and overseeing projects by coordinating crews and processes to deliver projects on time, within budget and with the desired outcomes achieved.
brittney smeltzer
Accounting Manager
Brittney joined Texas Aquastore in December 2023 as the Controller/Contract Administrator, she seamlessly blends her native Texas roots with a background in office management and accounting. Known for her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and exceptional organization skills, Brittney is the driving force behind the financial success of the Texas Aquastore team, ensuring everything is managed with diligence and welcoming touch.
Abageal smith
Administrative Assistant
Abageal Smith joined Texas Aquastore in 2022 as the office receptionist and administrative assistant. While efficiently managing office traffic, Abagael also provides administrative support to all Texas Aquastore employees and delivers exceptional customer service to our customers.
Interested in joining the Aquastore team?
Our expert team is ready to help.
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Please use the form below or contact us one of our main offices.
FLORIDA AQUASTORE
(561) 994-2400
sales@florida-aquastore.com
4722 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd, Suite C-102
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
TEXAS AQUASTORE
(903) 870-5000
sales@texas-aquastore.com
1422 West Houston St.
Sherman, Texas 75092