Ted Luehr made a career change in the 1980s after being laid off from his job at the highway department. He transitioned from being an engineer to working in water treatment and went on to start his own company, Advantage Water Conditioning. Since 1982, the company has provided water treatment services to thousands of homes in the Flathead Valley. The business is family-owned and run, with Luehr’s wife Stephanie and their five children all involved in the day-to-day operations. Nick Luehr, their oldest son, has been a full-time partner since 2004.
The water treatment industry is relatively young, only being around for about 90 years. However, Ted Luehr emphasized that the equipment used in water treatment has significantly improved over the years. One such advancement is the fully automatic systems that use salt or potassium chloride, which run independently as long as they are plugged in. This technology has made water treatment systems more efficient and convenient for customers.
Despite facing challenges and changes in the industry, Advantage Water Conditioning has remained a trusted provider of water treatment services in the region. By adapting to new technologies and providing exceptional customer service, the company has built a strong reputation over time. With a family-oriented approach to business, the Luehr family has been able to work together to serve their community and meet the needs of their customers.