October 2026
X-FACTOR DEFINED BIG IDEAS. BIG ACHIEVEMENTS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND IN THE DESERT. 2026 RAINSOFT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
JULY
23 REGISTRATION
Thursday
AN AWE INSPIRING OASIS
JULY
23 DEALER MEETING
Thursday
A
rrival day at the International Convention sometimes reminds people of their days when starting a new school year after the summer break. Reconnecting with friends you haven’t seen recently and meeting new acquaintances adds to the expectations one has when committing to a three-day event in a new place.
For those who made the trek to Arizona, the J.W. Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa more than lived up to its advance billing. The 5-star resort was the ideal host for every age group, providing the opportunity to play golf and pickleball, hike and swim, or to relax and chill at the spa and enjoy your choice of the eclectic dining venues.
And while everyone received top-notch RainSoft swag at check-in, the Dealer Meeting was already underway. The group who participated shared key information that will be important to RainSoft’s success in the weeks and months ahead.
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS The fantastic experience in Arizona could not have been achieved without the help from our sponsors. Our sincere appreciation goes to:
JULY
23 WELCOME RECEPTION & PARTY
Thursday
A GREAT TEAM SHOWING
O
pening night is always a reliable indicator of what to expect over the course of the next 48 hours. This night was no exception. The coolness of the air conditioned ballroom was perfect in helping unwind at the Welcome Party, especially if you had spent any time outdoors in the desert heat. It was jumping with an electric vibe, not only with help from the band but from the revelers who embraced their Team theme apparel choices. Many people got really creative with their outfits. The food choices were amazing, and with the drinks flowing and the music pumping out hit after hit, the Convention was off and running.
JULY
24 GENERAL SESSION Friday
“WHAT IS YOUR X-FACTOR?” X MARKS THE SPOT R
ainSoft National Sales Manager Mark Gagnon got right to the point in his debut as leader of the International Convention.
After thanking the longtime sponsors for their continued support, he made clear the X-Factor discussion this weekend was not just about a revolutionary new product. It was about everyone in the RainSoft organization, and especially those in the room. In anticipation of what to expect over the next two days, Mark began by recapping the success of the 2025 Regional Conventions and the wildly popular Crack The Vault sales contest, which paid out over $400,000 in prize money.
Recalling RainSoft’s evolutionary timeline, he noted that Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes in 1954. The time of 3:59.40 was unheard of because many experts considered it physically impossible to achieve. Mark followed by saying that six days prior to the Convention, Josh Kerr set the new world record for the mile run in 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds. “What that tells me,” he said to the crowd, “is that anything is possible.” As evidence, Mark continued by recognizing dealership and individuals who thrived in 2025. He identified those whose install improvements were remarkable in comparison to 2024, reiterating again that “Anything is Possible.”
M
ark explained how the introduction of the ULTREFLOW PROTECT and ULTREFINER ELITE systems contributed to an 18% year-overyear sales increase. He mentioned that giving everyone the tools needed to succeed included expanding social media efforts via LinkedIn and Facebook. Refreshing the Apps and promoting programs such as Military Makeover – with a shoutout to Alan Kniffen – helped further in spreading the message to get more sales leads. Mark next welcomed the six new Dealers attending their first International Convention: Mike and Ryan Redman from New Water Today in Indianapolis; Dan and Coleen Selleck with Progressive Water Solutions in Durham, North Carolina; Amalia Martinez of Aqua Shield NM in Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Max Kramer at Absolute Best Water Solutions in South Lyon, Michigan; Kim Trechfer from Aqua Pool Blue in Liberia, Costa Rica; And Robert Baker with Odaat Holdings of August, Georgia.
INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS
Mark shared a slide indicating the water treatment industry is projected to grow from an estimated $28 billion in 2025 to $89 million by 2035. The reasons fueling it range from sustainability and environmental awareness and the increased health consciousness of consumers, to new home integration and other factors that included a detailed map of information from the EPA website. “Now is the time to help consumers,” he implored, right before recognizing greatness in the room by having 120 PAC members rise to applause. Mark asked everyone a simple question: What is Your X-Factor? “A question you should be asking each other and yourself is this: are these people getting awards different?,” he continued, gesturing to the PAC members. “They aren’t. They just do things differently than you do, or do things that you just don’t care or won’t do.” The General Session ended on a powerful note with a video introducing neXus, which is scheduled for launch in mid-2027. It served as a perfect segway to our keynote speaker.
JULY
24 SPEAKER LANCE THONVOLD Friday
“EVERYONE HAS AN X-FACTOR AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”
FINDING THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME His stat sheet controlled his life, leading him to reflect on how mistakes can test a person’s patience, courage, and purpose.
L
ance Thonvold once dreamed of playing major league baseball and getting applause when walking off the mound. Injuries eventually sidelined his pitching career but today, he’s a successful family man and motivational speaker who wows crowds with a deeply personal message and heartfelt advice. After 90 minutes in our arena, he left to a standing ovation. Thonvold grew up in Minnesota with traditional family values. He bought into the belief that hard work and doing things the right way would lead
to success. And they have, except not the way he envisioned. He learned to pivot before it became a branded expression. Throughout his presentation, he shared various snippets of his baseball career that led him to where he is today. He had the right stuff in high school and it led to big expectations where he played Big Ten baseball at the University of Minnesota and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. But chasing his dream ended in the minor leagues after a series of injuries.
Thonvold weaved in the many highs and lows athletes experience, things very similar to what sales professionals often face when dealing with potential customers. He confessed how his stat sheet controlled his life, leading him to reflect on how mistakes can test a person’s patience, courage, and purpose and how it impacts you. It was after yet another setback when he met his future wife, who later helped him flip his life script and the decision to help and serve others.
JULY
24 SPEAKER LANCE THONVOLD Friday
THE ART OF BELIEVING “This company is truly changing lives. You are doing good work, so be proud of it. Everyone has an X-Factor and anything is possible because you are made for more.” With that message, Thonvold harked back to his Midwestern roots and shared seven steps with the audience to develop your X-Factor and perform more consistently.
WHO YOU ARE IS GREATER THAN YOUR VALUE.
EVERY SEED NEEDS OXYGEN. OUR OXYGEN IS YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM.
“We have to unlock the way we think about ourselves. Failure doesn’t define you, but it redefines you and you become more useful.”
He spoke of using visualization for success, and how action and belief will produce different results.
EVERY SEASON HAS A SYSTEM. Mentioning how a farmer doesn’t do the same thing in the winter, spring, summer or fall, he spoke of how he had to modify his usual 10 minute bullpen warm-up if the call from his manager required immediate action before entering a game. For us, that means having sharp pre-home routines. “You need to get in your peak state for every season. Go with what you’ve got.”
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. In other words, keep your eye on the target and don’t be distracted.
RAIN IS TO A FARMER WHAT COACHING IS TO A PLAYER. The message: Anything is possible if you prepare for a successful outcome.
TREES DON’T LET OTHER TREES DIE. In reference to family, friends and coworkers, his point about support was clear. “We have to be better and there for others. That’s why we’re here.”
PLANTED, NOT BURIED. Making a correlation that two-thirds of a tree is beneath the surface, he spoke of the importance of having a planted belief to help your sales efforts. By planting a seed, you are planting for growth.
JULY
24 REGIONAL AWARDS LUNCHEONS Friday
SALUTING OUR CHAMPIONS
CENTRAL REGIONAL AWARDS
Michelle Avey of Quality Water Systems, #1 Inside Sales People
Caleb Bendit of Sweetwater Home Services, #1 Outside Sales People
Stephanie Young of Quality Water Systems, #1 Inside Sales Manager
James Wagley of Quality Water Systems, #1 Outside Sales Manager
Quality Water Systems of Houston, Texas #1 Office
Quality Water Systems of Houston, Texas #1 Dealer
Terry Bonik of RainSoft of Northeast IA, #1 Dealer Sales People
Quality Water Systems of Houston, TX #1 Smart Money Upgrades Office
GREAT LAKES REGIONAL AWARDS
Marcia Ferrigon of Lifetime Water Systems, #1 Inside Sales People
Raheem Bahadur of Lifetime Water Systems, #1 Outside Sales People
Jennifer Harper of American Home Design, #1 Inside Sales Manager
Angel Minton of Pure H2O, #1 Outside Sales Manager
Lifetime Water Systems of Mississauga, Ontario, #1 Office
Pure H2O of Columbus, Ohio, #1 Dealer
Lifetime Water Systems of Mississauga, Ontario, #1 Smart Money Upgrades Office
NORTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL AWARDS
Tony Valencia of Hampton Roads Water Services, #1 Outside Sales People
Kim Spencer of Atlantic Pure Energy Water & Air, #1 Inside Sales People
Tifah Malamala of Hampton Roads Water Services, #1 Inside Sales Manager
Den Del Signore of Atlantic Water Products, #1 Outside Sales Manager
Hampton Roads Water Services of Newport News, VA#1 Dealer
Thomas Gerstner of Anderson Water Systems, #1 Dealer Sales People
Hampton Roads Water Services of Newport News, VA, #1 Office
Charlie Wimmer of Aqua Clear, #1 Smart Money Upgrade Technician
Atlantic Pure Energy Water & Air, New Castle, DE, #1 Smart Money Upgrades Office
SOUTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL AWARDS
Fiorella Quintana of Miami Water and Air, #1 Outside Sales People
Charlotte County Water of Port Charlotte, Florida, #1 Smart Money Upgrades Office
Mercedez Zielinski of Floridia Pure Energy Water & Air, #1 Inside Sales Manager
Fiorella Quintana of Miami Water and Air, #1 Outside Sales Manager
Miami Water & Air of Miami, Florida #1 Office
Pure Energy Water & Air of Maitland, Florida #1 Dealer
WESTERN REGIONAL AWARDS
Marissa Garcia of Lifetime Solutions, #1 Inside Sales People
Adam Sosa of Lifetime Solutions, #1 Outside Sales People
Asher Hudson of Lifetime Solutions, #1 Inside Sales Manager
Doug Newby of Lifetime Solutions, #1 Outside Sales Manager
Lifetime Solutions of Victorville, California #1 Office
Lifetime Solutions of Victorville, California #1 Dealer
Patricia Cruz of Quality Home Services, #1 Smart Money Upgrades Service People
Quality Home Services, Fresno, CA #1 Smart Money Upgrades Office
JULY
25 LANCE THONVOLD WORKSHOP
SATURDAY
PITCHING FOR THE WIN
B
efore he reintroduced Lance Thonvold to get things started on the Convention’s final day, Central regional sales leader Peter Rushmore recapped some of the highlights from Lance’s keynote session and how he tied it into RainSoft’s business.
Several did, with one thanking him for bringing everyone on the team together. Others talked of inspiration, hope, and how sales stats can affect your mood. Another understood that, “The fruit is not for you. It’s for the tree.”
He spoke of a paradigm shift, replacing old ways with new methods. When discussing the ramifications of performance and skill, he noted that some high performers can get distracted but the way to solve it is to expand our vision.
Message received.
The audience agreed they could identify with action and belief having different results, how with a catcher’s target if you aim small, you miss small, and that trees don’t let other trees die. After Peter led an enthusiastic group chant of “Changing Water, Changing Lives!”, Lance’s first order of business was to have members share their thoughts from the day before.
Baseball relief pitchers understand the expectations of producing results on consecutive or multiple days. So it was no surprise that Thonvold mixed his delivery of influential messages with the same consistency he once did with fastballs, curveballs and sliders.
Complacency is real and salespeople can lose their passion. It happens more often that you think when people get bored with the mundane and the whole process. But then Thonvold shared the fact that Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera became baseball’s greatest relief pitcher because he threw his cutter – a nearly impossible pitch to hit – 89% of the time. Think that kind of success got mundane?
GROWING YOUR VALUE: THE FOUR PILLARS Like baseball with its skillset of hitting, pitching, defense and baserunning, Thonvold focused the group’s mindset on the four phases key to sales success:
SEED (MENTALITY)
SOIL (ENVIRONMENT)
After sharing a slide asking which limiting belief people most resonate with, he invited three people to the stage to answer one of three Conviction and Confidence questions. Caleb Bendit of Sweetwater Home Services, Fiorella Quintana of Miami Water & Air, and Titus Paul, “The Referral King” at Lifetime Water Systems, shared their thoughts and experiences.
Stating that excellence has a standard, Thonvold shared the explicit details he had to accept to conform with those of the Mississippi State’s football team when he gave them a pre-game pep talk last year. Then he tackled the things which limit excellence.
All agreed that knowing how RainSoft represents the industry’s best, it gives them confidence with their in-home demonstrations and making the sale.
The takeaway is, by deciding what needs to be tilled or planted in your work or life, you control what needs to be done to increase the standard of excellence.
ROOTS (COMMUNICATION) Everyone can relate to times where communication failed; when the ball was dropped, or when it was withheld where something wasn’t said and it cost you. But effective communication builds relationships and has its rewards. Knowing something about a person or potential customer leads to a better understanding of who they are.
FRUITS (PRODUCTION) The final phase is about you: your business and finances and how it impacts your health, your partner or spouse and your children or family members. When you dig that hole, plant a seed and bury the competition. The end result, Thonvold implored, is we need to get everything we can out of life. “We need to scrape the bowl.”
JULY
25 PAC LUNCHEON
SATURDAY
HONORING 120 PAC MEMBERS A special luncheon was served for this year’s large group of PAC members attending the Convention.
JULY
25 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
SATURDAY
PLANTING SEEDS FOR TOMORROW A
lunch break followed the Keynote Workshop, and then it was to back to work in preparation for planting those seeds for future growth. Several breakout seminars were the next order of business. Separate meetings were held covering Administrative and Finance, Sales, Marketing and Service. The interactive sessions were a great source of information as participants shared best practices and personal success stories, examined new trends and ideas, and discussed proven strategies to begin charting a path to what’s next.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
A GLAMOUROUS OUTPOURING OF TOGETHERNESS AND SUPPORT
W
hether you were attending for the first time or if you’ve been to the last 3 or 4 – or even the last 10 – each Night of Champions Awards banquet is special. It’s our version of the Academy Awards, with everyone dressed for the occasion and a vibrant energy pulsating throughout the room.
You had to be there in Phoenix to truly appreciate all that it is. It really is about more than just the awards; it’s a career defining moment for many who never imagined it was possible. Tasked with the never-ending expectation of making the ceremony better than the previous
one, Mark Gagnon and Ryan Kraft, his coemcee, succeeded. Hosting this event is both physically and mentally draining, and it requires resolute preparation, practice and performance. Handling these duties for the first time, they established the right tone, ensured a lively pace to keep things moving, and won over the crowd with flair, dignity and great entertainment.
Fiorella Quintana of Miami Water & Air, #1 Top Outside Sales Champion
James Wagley of Quality Water Systems, #1 Top Outside Sales Manager Champion
RODRIGUEZ NAMED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Austin Keck and Mark Gagnon co-presented this year’s Don Hager and Michael Keck Rookie of the Year Award. They spoke about the passion both Don and Mike brought to the art of sales, and how the winners of the award exemplify these attributes. This year’s deserving honoree was Rocny Rodriguez of Miami Water & Air.
A & B Marketing, Top Dealer Sales Per Store, Home Depot
American Home Design, #1 Top Home Depot Sales for 11-30 Stores
Universal Solar Products, #1 Top Home Depot Sales for under 10 Stores
Stephanie Young of Quality Water Systems, #1 Inside Sales Managers Champion
Hall of Famer Curt Wunder led off the festivities with a prayer before dinner was served.
AGT COMEDIAN & FREESTYLE RAPPER BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE This Convention’s featured performer brought down the house – twice. A British comedian and freestyle rapper, Chris Turner was the runner-up for season 20 on NBC’s America’s Got Talent show. What makes him unique is he improvises all his lyrics on the spot. For the first half of his act, he walked from table to table and rapped non-stop about everyone and everything for nearly 10 minutes. Standing ovation! He returned later, this time asking for suggestions from the crowd about the five people who were designated for fame in song. Brian Edwards, Jesse Hudson, Fiorella Quintana, Andy Palframan and Leonard Ulibarri will never forget this night. Another standing O!
Patricia Cruz of Quality Home Services. #1 Top Smart Money Upgrade Champion
Thomas Gerstner of Anderson Water Systems, #1 Top Dealer Sales Champion
Pure Energy, Water & Air, #1 Top Dealer Worldwide
Quality Home Services, #1 Top Smart Money Upgrade Dealer
NEW PAC CHAMPIONS Mentioning the 120 President’s Advisory Council members who attended this year’s Convention set a record, Mark Gagnon added that Leonard Ulibarri had attained Level 31. He then brought four people to the stage who someday have the potential to reach or exceed Leonard’s level. Congratulations to Yolanda Davis and Shantae Gordon with Sweetwater Home Services, Titus Paul with Lifetime Water Systems, and AJ Washer with High Quality Water.
Quality Water Systems, #1 Top Alpha Office for population over 2,000,000
Georgia Pure Energy Water & Air, #1 Top Beta Office for population over 1,000,000
Alabama Pure Energy, Water & Air, #1 Top Chi Office for population over 500,000
R&M Clearwater, #1 Top Delta Office for population under 500,000
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
Miami Water And Air, 10 Years of Service
Pure Energy Water & Air, 35 Years of Service
PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR WINS DEALER OF THE YEAR Presenting the award, Mark Gagnon spoke of the dealership’s enormous success during their 35 years of service. Accepting the award, Andy Palframan thanked Mark and his entire team for an outstanding Convention. He talked about the legacy of Tim Randolph and his vision; they now have over 500 employees working at 13 locations in 10 states, and complete more than 1,000 installs every month.
Andy also recognized three individuals who have made an indelible mark and were likely attending their last International Convention before retiring. He then spoke eloquently about and recounted some of the numerous achievements RainSoft benefitted from due to the efforts of Randy Williams and his wife, Lisa, Curt Wunder and Bob Hogan. The three were feted with a standing ovation.
American Home Design, 10 Years of Service
EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 1 DEALER PLATINUM PURE H2O 1 OUTSIDE SALES PLATINUM AUSTIN WARD 1 INSTALLERS PLATINUM GARRETT BECKER 1 ALPHA HIGH QUALITY WATER 1 BETA ATL. PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR 1 CHI PURE H2O 1 SALES MGRS PLATINUM KIKO RUIZ 1 INSTALL MGRS PLATINUM PAUL GREWAL INSIDE SALES MANAGER 1 STEPHANIE YOUNG QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS 2 MERCEDEZ ZIELINSKI FLORIDA ENERGY WATER & AIR 3 HAYDEN FANTINO FLORIDA ENERGY WATER & AIR 4 ASHER HUDSON LIFETIME SOLUTIONS 5 LIZA RAZO HIGH QUALITY WATER INSIDE SALES REPS 1 SHAYNE LUQUE MIAMI WATER AND AIR 2 MARCIA FERRIGON LIFETIME WATER SYSTEMS 3 MICHELLE AVEY QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS 4 YOLANDA DAVIS SWEETWATER HOME SERVICES 5 SHANTAE GORDON SWEETWATER HOME SERVICES OUTSIDE SALES MANAGER 1 JAMES WAGLEY QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS 2 DOUG NEWBY LIFETIME SOLUTIONS 3 FIORELLA QUINTANA MIAMI WATER AND AIR 4 CHUCK KELLY TX PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR 5 ANGEL MINTON PURE H2O OUTSIDE SALES REPS 1 FIORELLA QUINTANA MIAMI WATER AND AIR 2 RAHEEM BAHADUR LIFETIME WATER SYSTEMS 3 CALEB BENDIT SWEETWATER HOME SERVICES 4 TRISTAN BAMBERRY COASTAL ENERGY, WATER & AIR 5 CHRIS PATRICK A & B MARKETING 6 AUSTIN WARD QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS 7 DANIEL CHUECOS MIAMI WATER AND AIR 8 GARY CARR PURE H2O 9 WILLIAM HUTTON A & B MARKETING 10 JACK LONDE A & B MARKETING DEALER SALES REPS 1 THOMAS GERSTNER ANDERSON WATER SYSTEMS 2 TERRY BONIK RAINSOFT OF NORTHEAST IA 3 CHRIS BENSON N. MARYLAND WATER SPECIALISTS SMU SERVICE REPS 1 PATRICIA CRUZ QUALITY HOME SERVICES 2 DAVID DUARTE QUALITY HOME SERVICES 3 ABEL VILLASENOR QUALITY HOME SERVICES SMU DEALER 1 QUALITY HOME SERVICES FRESNO, CA 2 PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR MAITLAND, FL 3 QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS HOUSTON, TX THD SALES 1 PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR UNDER 10 STORES 1 AMERICAN HOME DESIGN 11-30 STORES 1 UNIVERSAL SOLAR PRODUCTS OVER 30 STORES INTERNATIONAL DEALER 1 RENK SU VE ENERJI SISTEM- SELIM ERDOGAN LERI SANAYI TICARET A.S. DEALERS WORLDWIDE 1 PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR RANDOLPH 2 QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS MCGRAW 3 LIFETIME SOLUTIONS HUDSON 4 HIGH QUALITY WATER ROSS 5 MIAMI WATER AND AIR NICHOLSONB 6 SWEETWATER HOME SERVICES BROUSE 7 PURE H2O MAZERB 8 COASTAL ENERGY, WATER & AIR BROW 9 AMERICAN HOME DESIGN BRUCE 10 QUALITY HOME SERVICES RICHEY ROOKIE OF THE YEAR DAN HAGER MIKE KECK AWARD ROCNY RODRIGUEZ MIAMI WATER AND AIR YEARS OF SERVICE PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR 35 AMERICAN WATER CONDITIONING 35 RENK SU ARITMA SISTEMLERI TICARET VE SANAYI A.S. 30 BERKS WATER TECHNOLOGY 30 TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS 20 SUPERIOR WATER 15 NORTHERN MARYLAND WATER SPECIALISTS 15 AQUA HILLS WATER 10 AMERICAN HOME DESIGN 10 MIAMI WATER AND AIR 10 LIFE WATER 10 NO. 1 DEALERS BY CATEGORY DELTA R & M CLEARWATER CHI AL PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR BETA GA PURE ENERGY WATER & AIR ALPHA QUALITY WATER SYSTEMS
A memorable and moving video tribute involving over 30 family, friends, current and former employees and fellow dealers was followed by heartfelt acceptance speeches from Greg and Brenda Hudson of Lifetime Solutions in Victorville, California. “If you go back 36 years, we were probably chosen the most likely RainSoft dealer not to succeed,” said Greg, drawing laughter from the crowd. “We started with a small, 400 square-foot office in Barstow where we built our own furniture. What we achieved was all by the grace of God.”
GREG AND BRENDA HUDSON INDUCTED INTO THE RAINSOFT HALL OF FAME
Greg credited his great family and recalled it was his cousin who brought him into the business, drawing more laughter when he mentioned how he cursed at him the first five years. He thanked a number of people who helped them throughout the years, and his amazing partner. “I’m usually not shocked by things but this (honor) caught me off guard. I haven’t been to the recent Conventions but God told me to come this year,” Brenda revealed. After saying her husband was the most wonderful man in the world, she thanked their five children and all of the Lifetime Solutions employees.