River City Six: Andy Palmquist

Aqua Systems (www.ilovemywater.com) has been helping people improve their water since 1959, based out of Lincoln, NE and servicing clients statewide as part of a national company with over 300 dealers nationwide. Andy Palmquist is the Director of Business Development for Aqua Systems in Nebraska.

Tell us a little about your business.

Aqua Systems has been providing water solutions to the Lincoln and Omaha communities and surrounding areas for over 16 years. We are locally owned and provide a variety of services to handle soft water and drinking water solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Although we can provide bottled water when necessary, a primary focus of our company is to show how point of use water can drastically reduce and even eliminate the need for plastic containers and bottles. Through reverse osmosis and filtering systems, pure and healthy drinking water can be achieved in homes and businesses throughout the region.

How did you get started in the business?

I recently joined the Aqua Systems team working in business development. I worked for ten years for a local water company, delivering water and salt and working with clients around southeast Nebraska, and two years for a local safety company, providing service and sales throughout Nebraska and northern Kansas. I began working for Aqua Systems in September.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I enjoy golf. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to play as much as I would like, golf affords me the ability to challenge myself to think through difficult situations. Good shots and bad shots are part of my golf game, but there is always a clean slate waiting for me at the next tee box. My son now has his own clubs, so I plan to spend time with him on the course.

What are you the most proud of?

My son Hayden. As a father, my life away from work revolves around my seven year old son. From baseball to soccer to football to basketball and beyond, my greatest joys are plugging him into programs that provide teamwork, comradery, respect, and relationships with kids his age.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.” (For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, 1940).

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Trustworthy.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

My new position also allows me to invest in others, especially youth programs. I have recently applied to volunteer with TeamMates mentoring program and I’m looking forward to the rewarding experience that will provide for both the mentee and myself.

What is your favorite movie?

Pulp Fiction.

What is your favorite TV show?

Parks and Recreation.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Cantina Laredo.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Stop in, give me a call, or send me an email. Andy Palmquist, Aqua Systems, 5501 N. 58th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE, 68507; Office: (402) 466.6800; Cell: (402) 310-4584; Email: andy@ilovemywater.net.