Service is key

A key way KriStar has been floating above the competition since 1995 is by providing after-sales service. For $50-$60 a year per drain, KriStar's Drainage Protection Systems department will visit each drain up to four times a year, remove debris, and replace filter pouches on one of the visits. The basins and inserts range in price from $250-$400 each. DPS not only maintains its own products but also those of competitors, often by their referral. It also services natural solutions, such as grassy swales, that require periodic maintenance, too.

Drainage Protection Systems now maintains drain filters at more than 1,000 sites, including more than 50 In-N-Out Burger locations and multiple sites for large Bay Area property management companies. KriStar runs the maintenance business in California through yards in Dublin and San Juan Capistrano and outside the state via certified contractors.

The first couple of years of the new business were difficult, because many property managers didn't know they had stormwater filters installed and so didn't have their maintenance budgeted, according to Mr. Allard.

Now, KriStar's maintenance business is booming. The company has been distributing stormwater piping for Ohio-based giant Hancor since 1997. Last year, Hancor agreed to start distributing KriStar products nationwide on the condition that DPS offer maintenance contracts. KriStar has had independent distributorships in 17 other states.

Bill Severi of North Bay Commercial Real Estate brokered the lease transaction for KriStar's new Santa Rosa plant.

For more information about KriStar, call 707-524-8181 or visit www.kristar.com.