Industrial and petrochemical plants worldwide rely on trusted partners to provide filtration solutions that keep operations running.
Meeting these demands requires quality products, adaptability, speed and an unwavering commitment to service. Few companies embody these qualities as well as Sparkling Clear Industries (SCI).
Founded in 1985 by Dave Johnson, SCI began as a residential water treatment business before expanding into bottled water and ultimately establishing itself in the industrial market.
"It was a tough time to start a business," Johnson recalls, referencing Houston’s recession following the 1980 oil bust. But SCI adapted. "Customers look for vendors that solve problems, not create them. If we can’t find a way, we’ll make a way." This mindset became the foundation of its success.
In the early years, Johnson and his wife, Annette, personally drove across the country using the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers to track down vendors. Their dedication to supplier relationships helped SCI break into the industrial market.
To stand apart from competitors, SCI prioritized fast delivery by using its own trucks — a practice that continues today. The sales team has even personally delivered orders to ensure customers get what they need when they need it.
Johnson compares business to a snake rather than a straight line. "You may go through some curves and offer different services as proper market strategy, but you’re always moving forward." This flexibility has allowed SCI to thrive through shifting market conditions.
Key milestones include selling the bottled water business in 1991 to focus fully on industrial filtration, acquiring a large facility in Clute, Texas, and moving its Houston office to a 30,000-square-foot warehouse in 2021. Today, SCI is a major stocking resource for filtration products, including one of the largest inventories of diatomaceous earth in Texas.
SCI has built lasting partnerships with major industrial and petrochemical plants, even shipping materials as far as Argentina and Madagascar. In Argentina, SCI supplied a comprehensive process water system for a chemical plant capable of handling 2,640 gal per minute. This included multimedia filters, water softeners, carbon filters, anion and cation demineralizers, a chlorine house, a neutralization system and multiple pump skids — demonstrating SCI’s expertise and global reach.
Employee dedication has been a cornerstone of SCI’s success. Accounts Payable Manager Amber Schoen, with the company for 26 years, started as a temp hire and stayed because "it felt like family." She’s guided SCI through three major software upgrades, keeping the company efficient and organized. Sales Manager Russ Williams, with SCI for 29 years, credits the company’s consistency, reliability and ethical practices. "It’s challenging, fun and gives us the chance to be creative while working with good people," he said.
Joey Crocker, Clute sales manager, joined SCI 35 years ago as a dedicated young employee. He recalled a tough industrial softener media rebed project that required round-the-clock effort from the SCI team, showcasing its commitment. "I’m most proud of the personal relationships built with clients and vendors," he said.
SCI’s dedication to going the extra mile remains a defining feature of its culture. From same-day delivery for morning orders to emergency deliveries on holidays, SCI takes pride in putting customer needs first. "Our customers know they can rely on us," Johnson said. "If it takes a little extra effort to make it happen, we’ll do it. We aim to be partners to our customers, not just treat them like dollar signs."
Integrity remains at the heart of SCI’s values. As the company looks ahead, it continues to embrace change. "We’ve weathered many industry shifts, and our only limit is our ability to move forward," Johnson said.
As SCI marks 40 years, it remains committed to what matters most — solving problems, serving customers and getting the job done.
For more information, visit sparklingclear.com.
