ABOUT AQUASTORE
With over 40 years experience in 32 countries and 8 states and 2500+ installations, Florida and Texas Aquastore are the proven leaders in water storage and design-build wastewater treatment solutions.
WHO WE ARE
Florida Aquastore and Texas Aquastore are the premier companies for water storage and wastewater treatment across Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Florida, The Caribbean, and Central and South America. Since 1983, our advanced glass-fused-to-steel coating system has set the standard for both the private and public sector with liquid storage solutions for both Municipal and Industrial applications. As a licensed and bonded general contractor, we offer our customers complete design-construct storage and wastewater treatment solutions with guaranteed dependable performance, long life, and minimal maintenance costs. We are a family business that delivers the best product to the marketplace with client focused customer service. We have had the privilege of working with municipalities and multinational companies all over the world.
WHERE WE CAME FROM
Since 1975, Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc. has been a leader in providing water storage/wastewater treatment tanks and design-construct wastewater treatment systems for private developers, municipalities, and industrial customers throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Our experience in wastewater treatment began in 1975 when John Whelchel, founder and now Chairman, established Environmental Marketing Group (now known as Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc.) to represent several wastewater equipment manufacturers in the State of Florida. Within a few years Environmental Marketing group (EMG) became the exclusive Florida representative for the DAVCO package wastewater treatment plant. By combining the DAVCO package plant, local engineering, and their principal suppliers, Florida Aquastore began offering turnkey design-construct wastewater treatment systems. An operating division was added during the early 1980’s that managed over 100 operating contracts throughout the State of Florida.
In 1981, EMG changed its name to Florida Aquastore & Utility Construction, Inc. when it became a dealership for A.O. Smith Engineered Storage Products (now known as CST Storage), the manufacturer of the Aquastore glass-fused-to-steel tank system. John soon realized that the welded steel tanks that the industry historically used were having a problem with rusting due to the aggressive Florida and Caribbean salt-air environment. Faced with this rusting issue and seeking a solution to maximize the usable life of the wastewater treatment plants, John found his answer in the durability, low maintenance, and unmatched corrosion resistance offered by the Aquastore glass-fused-to-steel tank. This technological advancement allowed Florida Aquastore to expand the size and complexity of their treatment plant designs and offer a lower maintenance, cost effective storage solution in the region.
The infrastructure development in the Caribbean, Florida and Latin America combined with the exportability of the Aquastore tank and plant internals accelerated the company’s domestic and international expansion to where it is today. In 2005, the company’s operations expanded to include Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas and approximately ten years later, operations expanded further to include Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Today, our group of companies, with over 100 employees worldwide, is responsible for more than 2,000 installations in 32 countries.
PHOTO: John Whelchel, Founder of Florida and Texas Aquastore
WHERE WE ARE GOING
Our history has been built on the determination, dedication, expertise, and passion of our Aquastore family. Since 1983, our mission has not changed – to build storage tanks and treatment plants with the highest engineered quality, best installation service, longest product life and greatest value on the market – always putting the product and customer first! We are grateful for the important role that our company has played in critical water and wastewater infrastructure and welcome the opportunity to be your storage and wastewater treatment partner for decades to come!
With Gratitude,
The Aquastore Family
GIVING BACK
Every time we open our doors, we continue a commitment that's been growing since our establishment in 1983: a brighter future for our team members, our communities and the world we live in. The success of Florida and Texas Aquastore has been due to the fantastic trust, support, and faith that our clients have placed in us throughout our history. This success has given us the opportunity to “Give Back” to many wonderful organizations that are committed to leaving the world a better place than they found it.
Giving back to the community is such a focal point of our company’s mission that we have developed a monthly initiative to “Give Back” to communities and families in need. Through our “Give Back” initiative we have partnered with fantastic global organizations whose primary mission is to spread God’s compassion, grace, and kindness throughout the world. Together, we are bringing relief and hope to those during their most difficult times. We humbly thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued support!
OUR TEAM
FLORIDA AQUASTORE
matt whelchel
CEO & Director of Wastewater
Matt is the CEO and Director of Wastewater of Florida Aquastore. Matt earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree with Civil Engineering and Environmental concentration from Vanderbilt University, E.I.T. certified. He received his master’s degree in international business from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. He has over 25 years work experience in civil engineering, construction, wastewater treatment design, and environmental consulting. He is an expert in all facets of glass-fused-to-steel storage tank construction and design. Mr. Whelchel has worked in the field as a tank builder, project manager, estimator, sales manager, wastewater treatment product development, and general management. Matt’s focus is on the strategic direction of the company and emphasizes the hierarchal business principles of Safety, Quality, Customer & Employee Experience, and Profitability. These principles, listed in order of importance, are the foundation from which all decisions and strategies arise.
marcelo sicuro
Vice President
Marcelo is the Vice President and General Manager of Florida Aquastore. Marcelo holds a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, E.I.T. certified. His multi-lingual abilities include English, Spanish and Portuguese. Marcelo has over 25 years of experience with glass-fused-to-steel water storage tank design and installation. Marcelo works closely with the client’s design engineers to ensure that the tank is designed to meet the client’s needs. Marcelo is also responsible for overseeing logistics, quality control, safety, project management and the on-site installation team.
Nick Hartofilis
President & Director of Sales
Nick is the President and Caribbean Sales Manager of Florida Aquastore. Nick has a versatile background with the company, starting with the role of CFO/COO where he was responsible for financial reporting, tax, corporate treasury, and legal/regulatory compliance. Since 2015, he has served Caribbean municipalities and companies in finding cost-effective, long-term, and low-maintenance storage and treatment solutions. Understanding the critical nature of water infrastructure in the region, Nick is intently focused and committed to ensuring that the customer’s needs are met throughout the life of the project and beyond.
Nick earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Economics from Duke University and a Master of Business and Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Nick is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida and maintains a GF-7 Tanks and Towers Contractor’s License in New Mexico.
Tracey Jackson
CFO & COO
Tracey is the CFO & COO for Florida & Texas Aquastore. Tracey is a Certified Public Accountant, having earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Florida State University. Tracey has over 30 years of experience with various roles in Accounting and Finance, in both public accounting and private industry, as well as technology consulting. While his primary responsibilities include financial reporting and forecasting, Tracey is also heavily involved with corporate operations, HR and legal and corporate treasury. Excellent customer service has been a consistent priority for Tracey throughout his career, and he carries that forward for both Florida and Texas Aquastore customers.
OUR TEAM
TEXAS AQUASTORE
Charlie Gage
President
Charlie is the President of Texas Aquastore bringing with him 30 years of industry experience. Charlie grew up in the Blue Steel family and began his Aquastore career with Empire Harvestore in 1993 working as a tank builder and on a concrete crew. In 1994, Charlie had the calling to serve and joined the United States Marine Corp where he reached the level of Staff Sergeant E6 and learned his core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. After serving our country, Charlie returned to the Aquastore family garnering considerable hands-on knowledge of every aspect of concrete foundation construction, tank and dome installation, CET construction and construction management. Charlie is relied on by the entire Aquastore dealership network for his expertise in all facets of tank construction and oversees builder training across our group of companies. Charlie employs a “lead from the front'' management style across all office and construction activities for Texas Aquastore.
Chad Callahan
Service Director
Chad Callahan has been with Texas Aquastore since its inception in 2005 and has been in the tank business for 33 years. His in-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices is a result of his experience ranging from Tank Builder to VP of Operations. As Service Director, Chad leads the company’s service department to manage the customer experience with inspections, rehabs, and preventative maintenance for Aquastore tanks. Chad is also responsible for developing and implementing service procedures and maintaining customer relations.
Michael Harvey
Construction Manager
Michael Harvey has been with Texas Aquastore since its inception in 2005 and and brings 27 years of experience in the Aquastore tank industry. As Construction Manager, Mike leads the execution of field operations, overseeing crews, schedules, and on-site activities to ensure each project is delivered safely, on time, and within budget. His strong leadership, clear communication, and problem-solving abilities—paired with exceptional time management and adaptability—make him an invaluable member of the Texas Aquastore team.
brittney smeltzer
Controller / Contract Administrator
Brittney joined Texas Aquastore in December 2023 as the Controller/Contract Administrator. She seamlessly blends her native Texas roots with a background in office management and accounting. Known for her professionalism, friendly demeanor, and exceptional organization skills, Brittney is the driving force behind the financial success of the Texas Aquastore team, ensuring everything is managed with diligence and welcoming touch.
Interested in joining the Aquastore team?
Our expert team is ready to help.
We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Please use the form below or contact us one of our main offices.
FLORIDA AQUASTORE
(561) 994-2400
sales@florida-aquastore.com
4722 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd, Suite C-102
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
TEXAS AQUASTORE
(903) 870-5000
sales@texas-aquastore.com
3873 Old Hwy 6
Van Alstyne, Texas 75495