A man in a suit and tie is smiling for the camera.
Have you ever wondered who keeps Douglas Water Conditioning running day to day? Well, allow me to introduce you to one of those guys - Scott Shepherd, one of the four owners of Douglas Water Conditioning.  

Scott's journey with Douglas Water Conditioning began in November 1989, when he was just 16 years old. His father, a fireman, encouraged him to stop by and visit Doug Lanni, a fellow fire fighter who owned a small, but growing water treatment business. Scott started in the shop, but was quickly moved to lead the salt delivery department - all on his own. Back then, there were no GPS device and maps often didn't reflect the rapidly expanding neighborhoods. Scott's experience as a hunter helped him navigate unmarked roads and unlabeled houses, using landmarks and cardinal directions to get the job done.

A group of men are carrying an igloo cooler

After proving his dedication, Scott continued working for Douglas Water Conditioning throughout high school as part of a co-op program. He would arrive at the Cooley Lake location at 1pm, load up the flatbed truck with softeners and tools, and head out for deliveries or installations. By the time he graduated , he had already gained hands-on experience in installs and service work. He decided to stay with the company because he enjoyed the freedom of going to different jobs, meeting people, and solving plumbing issues. "It was a rewarding job" Scott recalls. 

Over the years, he has witness tremendous growth - not just in the company, but in the industry itself. When he first started, Douglas Water had only three employees. Today, the company has over 50 employees and provides full service water treatment, including softeners, reverse osmosis systems and bottled water. Scott has seen firsthand how people's understanding of water quality has evolved; in the early 90s, Douglas Water installed only about one reverse osmosis system per month, whereas now, they install 50 to 60 every month. 

A man is standing next to a white van with the door open.

Scott's career is filled with notable achievements, including winning a national sales competition at just 26 years old, earning him a brand-new Ford Mustang GT Convertible. For three years, he was the top salesperson in the U.S., consistently selling  ten systems per day. But outside of work, Scott is passionate about the outdoors. He enjoys hunting, valuing the camaraderie, survival skills, and grit it teaches him. His favorite hunting experiences include tracking deer and hogs in Texas at night using thermal vision. Hunting, he says, has given him "ambition and grit - the ability to put your nose down and get things one." 

A group of men standing in front of a podium that says ecowater systems

Scott also loves traveling. particularly cruising the Caribbean and has even explored Russia, where he spent two weeks in St. Petersburg. Balancing his personal life with business ownership can be challenging - especially when unexpected calls come in on a Sunday morning about a flooded basement - but he takes pride in managing both. 

Looking ahead, Scott is excited to see Douglas Water Conditioning continue to grow. With advancements in water treatment technology he is focused on maximizing water quality though new filtration media and innovative solutions. His 36 years of dedication and firsthand experience makes him an invaluable part of the company and his passion for the industry remains as strong as ever. 

Follow Us For Facts About Water!

By 7016420049 April 2, 2026
Learn when aging water heaters, softener, and RO system should be repaired or replaced to avoid leaks, inefficiency, and costly home damage.
By 7016420049 March 2, 2026
Simple maintenance tips can extend the life of your water treatment system, improve water quality, and prevent costly repairs. Learn how Douglas Water can help.
By 7016420049 February 4, 2026
Ignoring plumbing warning signs can lead to costly damage. Learn the red flags homeowners should never ignore and how Douglas Water can help.
By 7016420049 January 2, 2026
Hard water can dry your skin, dull your hair, and damage laundry. Learn how mineral buildup affects your home and how water softening helps protect it.
By 7016420049 November 3, 2025
Learn how to troubleshoot common water softener problems like low pressure, salt bridging, and odors. Get expert maintenance tips from Douglas Water Conditioning.
Two hands holding water softener resin in the shape of a heart with text
By 7016420049 October 8, 2025
Compare water softeners, reverse osmosis, and whole-house RO systems. Learn how each improves water quality and which is right for your home with Douglas Water.
By 7016420049 September 8, 2025
Get to Know: Matt Long - Owner All of the gentlemen that run Douglas Water Conditioning have a special place in my heart, each teaching me different lessons in their own way. But if I had to pick a favorite 'Douglas Dad', it would be Matt Long. He's the guest star on all my TikToks, the first to celebrate your wins, and has a way of offering guidance - even when you've made a mistake - without making you feel defeated. I've learned so much from this company, but more importantly, I've learned what a great place it is to work. There's a unique family and friends dynamic at Douglas Water Conditioning, and no one embodies that better than Matt Long Matt started working at Douglas Water Conditioning when he was 21 years old. A young dad on the job hunt, he came across a help-wanted ad in the local paper: Salt delivery driver needed at Douglas Water Conditioning. Matt and his friend both applied. "Funny thing was, my friend got hired right away. I wasn't hired immediately - they needed a few more days to think about it." As a young employee, one of the biggest challenges Matt faced was being reserved. "I was quiet." he admits. But that didn't stop him from pushing forward.
By 7016420049 August 11, 2025
Douglas Water Conditioning & Plumbing Solutions keeps your softener running at its best. Learn why regular inspections matter - tune-ups just $59.99.
By 7016420049 July 1, 2025
Get to know Mike Lanni, owner of Douglas Water Conditioning, as he blends family values with modern leadership to deliver exceptional customer care.
By 7016420049 June 2, 2025
Thinking about buying a water softener or filtration system on Amazon? Read this first. Discover the hidden risks of online water treatment shopping and learn why working with a trusted local expert like Douglas Water Conditioning ensures quality, safety, and long-term support.