River City Six: Donna Retherford

Meet Donna Retherford, owner of Kangen Water® of Omaha, LLC (KangenWaterOmaha.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

Kangen Water® of Omaha is all about sharing Kangen Water® with others, and educating on all of the benefits, because it is about so much more than just “drinking water.” In many instances, it’s life changing for people. Our systems transform tap water into pure, healthy, electrolyzed-reduced and hydrogen-rich drinking water. They provide access to the freshest and healthiest water every day, with properties that reduce inflammation, create glowing skin, aid in athletic performance, and skyrocket antioxidant production to help you stay healthy. You will feel better and look younger longer while doing your part to be more eco-friendly and reduce the amount of plastic bottles in our landfills – that is all part of the package.

How did you get started in the business?

I was in Dallas working on a project about two years ago and complained to a friend about how bad the water was there. Consequently, I was buying a lot of bottled water, so when my friend shared with me some information about Enagic® and Kangen Water®, I checked it out, did a lot of research and went to the Enagic® regional office there in Dallas and watched a “live” educational workshop. Needless to say, I was so impressed that I bought my first Enagic® machine and became a Global Distributor.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

When I first started sharing Kangen Water®, getting people to understand why they should care about water was a challenge. I learned that not all water is the same and that the absolute best water isn’t the water from your kitchen faucet, a filtered pitcher, the filter on your refrigerator, or even the office cooler. And, it’s certainly not the high-priced water in plastic or fancy glass bottles at the grocery store, either. Now when I demonstrate the differences in the waters, they can actually experience Kangen Water® with their own senses and it becomes a game-changer.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Becoming an entrepreneur and starting my own business. Initially, I worked on project financing and small business loans. Then, about a year ago I decided to do Kangen Water® and opened a storefront so I could touch more lives with sharing Kangen Water®.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have one amazing daughter, Jamie, and five awesome grandchildren – Christopher, Nicholas, Angelina, Mateo and Audrianna – who are all the “Wind Beneath My Wings.” I also have two “fur babies” – a dog, DeNar, and a cat, Bella, who are best buds the majority of the time!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Believing in myself when I took that leap of faith, stepped out of my comfort zone and followed my entrepreneurial spirit.

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

Anytime the weather is nice, you can find me outdoors enjoying life. I also love spending my days off making memories with my daughter and grandchildren.

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

Chariots 4 Hope. They are faith-based and I love that their mission is to empower low-income families and individuals by teaching them to reach and maintain self-sufficiency through vehicle ownership.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Bible is my all-time favorite.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Charlie’s on the Lake and Millard Roadhouse.

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

Phone: (402) 938-4267; Email: djretherford@kangenwateromaha.com; Websites: KangenWaterOmaha.com / ChangeYourLifeWithKangen.com.