The Future of ILD is Bright!
After almost 25 years at the helm of International Leak Detection (ILD), the time has come to pass the torch! After an extensive search for a suitable organization to continue the successful journey of ILD, I’m pleased to introduce… Great River Group!
As we contemplated the future of ILD, of utmost importance was the continuation of the business for employees and clients. The Great River Group is a growing family of businesses that are on the path to becoming a total service company for the construction industry and building owners, from the ground up (and below!). The organization values the unique identity of each company within its portfolio. Preserving ILD’s legacy – our name, team, and culture – was especially important to us.
Joining an excellent group of companies within the Great River Group creates a true win-win: new opportunities for the various teams and added value for our clients. Looking ahead, the continued growth of the Great River Group, with additional businesses and services, will further strengthen its position across North America. Exciting times lie ahead!
I’m pleased to introduce the new President of ILD, Krista Gnatt. After a thorough search, we selected Krista who joins ILD with vast knowledge of buildings, roofing and waterproofing. She has been involved in the building industry from all facets including general contracting, waterproofing contracting, and material sales and services. She will be a great leader who will maintain ILD’s leadership position in leak detection and enhance our footprint in the waterproofing/roofing commissioning and testing field. Welcome Krista!
As I look back, the past 24 years have been a wonderful and rewarding journey. ILD would not have come this far without the help of many. To start with, my spouse and partner, Vicki, who was/is a big part of ILD’s legacy. Over the years, Vicki ventured out on testing projects from coast to coast – sometimes crisscrossing the country several times in one week. Vicki became ILD’s best EFVM® technician and a dedicated mentor for many of our new technicians. On top of that, she also served as the company’s financial officer, managing everything from invoicing to payroll as the business expanded.
It’s important to acknowledge our past and present ILD team members, all of whom have played a big part in the success of the company. Our present team are the best of the best in both field work, sales and support, and their dedication to ILD is truly appreciated. I am excited for what the future holds for our team under its new ownership and leader. The best is yet to come!
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge ILD’s first group of customers. To our clients and supporters, thank you for your support over the years. Introducing something new to the marketplace is not an easy task, especially when it has to do with finding pinholes! In the beginning, not everyone was a believer in our technology, but over time we demonstrated our expertise and ability to walk the talk. Thank you for becoming believers and long-term clients. We appreciate your trust and how you helped spread the word about our exclusive technology at conventions and project sites, and with designers and membrane manufacturers.
I would also like to extend our thanks to those companies that came along after ILD introduced and demonstrated that electronic leak detection is a valid quality control method. In many ways, you further validated both our pioneering work and the EFVM® test itself. We’re proud that our team has consistently delivered through solid reporting and proven results. Looking ahead, I hope there may be opportunities for greater collaboration across the industry – perhaps even through an association dedicated to advancing knowledge and strengthening this important facet of building services.
All of us at ILD are proud that we were able to introduce the electronic leak detection concept to North America and make it an acceptable standard for leak/integrity testing. Our due diligence in the startup phase and introduction of the EFVM® test created confidence in the roofing and waterproofing sector and is now included in many project manuals/specifications for new and existing buildings.
And so, you may ask, what is next for Chris and Vicki? We will remain owners as part of the Great River Group ownership team, and we will consult with and support Krista in her new role. We’re still available for advice and support for customers (our contact information will not change!), and we look forward to some time to “smell the roses” or as a born Dutchman might say, “smell the tulips”, and explore a new future.
With appreciation,
Chris Eichhorn