Vivreau is North America’s leading sustainable water solution that offers self-serve and high-volume water dispensers, customizable and reusable water bottles, purification systems, and on-site bottling systems. We spoke with Tom Spillane, Vice President of Technical Excellence, to find out more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Vivreau is North America’s leading sustainable water solution. At Vivreau, we offer self-serve and high-volume water dispensers, customizable and reusable water bottles, purification systems, and on-site bottling systems. Our commitment to environmental stewardship makes us a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious organizations worldwide.
What made you want to do this work?
My background is rooted in the food service industry, where I spent several years working in restaurants. It was here that I first discovered the issue of single-use plastic waste that is so prevalent in the hospitality sector.
In my position at Vivreau, I collaborate with the research and development and quality departments, focusing on problem-solving and enhancing systems. I’m passionate about helping companies discover sustainable solutions and reducing plastic waste.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Vivreau is dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic waste and reducing the environmental impacts of bottled water consumption. The primary hurdle is to change the entrenched habit of relying on bottled water. Many consumers continue to choose plastic bottled water shipped from thousands of kilometres away instead of utilizing local sources, resulting in significant amounts of single-serve plastic waste in landfills. Our dispensers provide a solution by utilizing existing water sources to offer instant access to premium, filtered water. In turn, this helps to reduce the dependence on plastic bottles through a sustainable, convenient and high-quality alternative.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
At Vivreau, we work with a diverse range of businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact and cutting down on plastic usage. Our clients include corporate offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, sports facilities, senior living facilities, and more, assisting them in minimizing their carbon footprint.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Vivreau’s business model centres on providing sustainable water solutions. While we earn a profit from products sold, our efforts go beyond making a profit. We want to ensure that our actions positively impact the environment. This commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation is at the core of Vivreau’s mission to create a more sustainable future.
By delivering fresh, tasty, high-quality and eco-friendly water solutions, we empower our clients to diminish their carbon footprint and improve water accessibility. We’ve also partnered with some clients to eliminate the need for bottled water from external sources. They can use our bottling system to filter, chill, and carbonate local water, allowing them to serve it to customers and charge for it. Some establishments opt to offer this water for free to enhance the customer experience, while others sell it to sustain a revenue stream. Our bottling system guarantees that profitability and sustainability work together seamlessly, enabling businesses to maintain their sales without harming the environment.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Vivreau’s corporate headquarters are here in Vancouver, and we operate across North America.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What makes us different? Vivreau is committed to providing the best—from the sourcing of quality components to the ownership of its manufacturing facility for optimal quality control, to our in-house team of water experts that ensure every system dispenses great-tasting, microfiltered water to the highest standards.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is supplying a top-quality product that I know will deliver a strong return and positively impact the environment. The worst part is having to deal with things that are out of our control, such as late shipments, illness, and more—all of which can delay installations and service schedules.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
When I show up on-site, people always say, “The water guy is here,” and I say, “No, the water boy is here.” (Cue the pool scene)
Where can we follow you?
You can learn more about Vivreau at our website.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Melo Patisserie at 8th and Main
