Testimonials

I have been in the water conditioning business for about 42 years.  I started off in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  At first it was a struggle.  I was alone with no help.  That all changed when Robbie Michels, the Regional Director for RainSoft came into my office.  He told me he would help me get my business off the ground.  He promised to hire and train me a sales crew.  He promised me higher closing averages and higher sales people retention.  He did everything he promised to a higher expectation than I thought was possible.  And the caliber of people he hired was simply amazing.  My personal sales closing average went up.  I learned a lot.  Because of Robbie, we went from not knowing what we were doing to $1.2 million in sales with 1 office back in 1980.  And we have consistently kept growing since then.  One of the biggest things we learned from Robbie was how to get our price up to where we were making money instead of losing money and still be competitive.  I remember writing the President of RainSoft a letter telling him what an asset Robbie was to the dealers.  He already knew.  I could confide in Robbie about my business that I wouldn’t do with anyone else.  I had total trust in him.  He always gave me his undivided attention.  And to me as a dealer, that was so valuable.  Robbie new every facet of this business.  It was great to know I had someone that I could count on to call for help when I needed it.  I wasn’t alone anymore.  And after going to company Regional and National meetings, I soon found out he was this way with everyone.  Many manufacturers have factory reps that come around, but they were no help.  A waste of time.  That was not the case with Robbie.  If you have the opportunity to learn from Robbie, don’t pass it up.  There is no one better at this business than Robbie.  You will come out way ahead. Whatever Robbie charges is not enough.  I have been very successful in this business because of Robbie Michels.

Bill Brownlee

President- CEO
Purasoft

Who is this kid and how is he going to teach me anything? Then the sales leader, the kid genius at 19, started speaking at the convention, fast, straight and with brutal honesty. Experienced sales managers and salesmen leaned forward to take notes. Me too! As a direct result, my sales went up. Way up. Our team went up to #1 dealer in the world, (of over 200 dealers). The company grew and Robbie became the best producing and highest paid Regional Manager in the decades old company! My advice when Robbie is speaking or writing: Pay attention!

Don Miller
Regional Manager West and International

#1 RainSoft Dealer Worldwide for 16 years.

I have been in business now for over 32 years, but when I started back in 1986 as a young salesman with no business experience I needed a lot of help and guidance. Robbie Michels was the RainSoft Regional Director and he was there to help in every aspect of the business. Im not sure how successful our business would of been without the kind of support we got from Robbie. To say that Robbie knows how to sell is an understatement! He is a master at it! In fact, he actually developed the actual sales presentation that was used by many dealerships and he trained the sales people.

Thats not all he was good at, he knew how to market the product, how to hire, train and manage a sales force. He was really good at it all. He just didn't tell you how to do something, he actually came in the office and did it! He helped develop every aspect of the business. Robbie has a way of making his point with very few words. His sales method is simple and therefore extremely powerful. He doesn't mince words and tells it like it is. Having Robbie by my side gave me the added courage and confidence to move forward and succeed. So, thank you Robbie for everything you have done, for your help and your friendship.

Abe Bahhage

President
Great Lakes Water Treatment Inc.

I began my career some 30 years ago. With no experience in the water treatment industry, I gravitated towards those who exhibited a high degree of knowledge, proven success, and the smarts that placed them at the top of this business. Those traits defined Robbie Michels, who at the time was working as the Regional Director for the Great Lakes Region. Robbie's story is unparalleled within the RainSoft family. His accomplishments are almost too numerous to list: hard earned results from a determined, goal driven individual. A true renaissance man, Robbie grabbed the reins in 1976 as a rookie salesman and didn't let go until illness sidelined him more than 30 years later.

A selfless man who trained hundreds that passed through the doors of his dealership as well as the corporate office. Many of RainSoft's most successful sales people were placed on their personal path of achievement by Robbie's determination to grow those that were willing to work and sacrifice. He led by example! Although we worked in different parts of the business, I would solicit Robbie for guidance whenever I needed a brain to pick. Never too busy to pick up the phone, he always took what seemed like an inordinate amount of time to listen and to counsel, no matter the subject, no matter the time of day. I am pleased and honored that Robbie solicited me to pen a few words on his behalf. Godspeed, my friend!
 

Andy Palframan

Sr. V.P. & GM at RainSoft Division of Aquion Inc.

The sales industry is known for self promoting, egomaniacs full of empty promises. Robbie Michels has always quietly stood out with his unwavering integrity and work ethic! While visiting Robbie's Regional Convention, I was impressed, not only with the quality of the top sales people and dealers, but the number of them that gave the credit for their success to Robbie. As a dealer myself, I could always count on Robbie to follow through with what he said he would do in a world where sales integrity is rare, with Robbie its a given.

Scott Meredith

President
Genesis Environmental Technologies Inc.

If I was ever going into a sales business war, the first person I would want on my side is Robbie Michels. He amazed me everyday!

Dave Cole

CEO Aquion Partners 
CEO American Finco Financial Services

Robbie Michels was the most influential person in my life other than my mother and father. He hired me as a RainSoft dealer in January 1993. His decisive action and leadership paved the way for my successful career for 22 years and 2 months. For many years as my Regional Director his inspiration led the way for my dealership to achieve Gold Circle Tiger Awards. Robbie's impact on my career allowed me to retire comfortably at age 60. I often told Robbie he was my John Grayson.

Eric Swenson

President
Environment Water Systems Inc.
Retired

No matter where we sent Robbie, sales went way up! And stayed up! Robbie put on more producing salesmen and dealers than anyone in RainSoft history. Robbie's salesmen and dealer retention was second to none. Robbie was the Creme de la Creme.

John R. Grayson

Founder and President
RainSoft Water Conditioning Company

I have known Robbie Michels for over 35 years and worked with him for about 28 of those years. His training and motivational skills were apparent from the very beginning of his career with RainSoft. When I was President of RainSoft, Robbie's regions were consistently the top producing and top growth regions year after year. Even when we sent him to another region, it too was eventually on top. No matter where we sent Robbie, things got done! 

Robert Ruhstorfer

CEO

RS Holdings LLC
DBA's Culligan of DFW, Houston, and Weatherford TX.

Past President 
Water Quality Association

I had heard stories of Robbie Michels and the great success he was having developing a direct sales region in the midwest. Soon, I not only got to meet Robbie, but I had the great pleasure of working with him on a regular basis for about a decade. Robbie always understood what we were trying to build was actually very simple, it was basic. Robbie knows the direct sales business is hard. Robbie showed us all early on that even though the business is hard, it is really quite simple. Keep it basic. Don't complicate things. Have a simple plan and stick to it. If you do all these things and work hard you can reach heights that will amaze even the biggest dreamers.

Tim Randolph ll

President
Florida Energy Water and Air

As Robbie's accountant and friend for over 40 years, I know without doubt, he is the best sales person that the water conditioning business has ever had and his positive attitude led him to tremendous financial gains and sales growth. His success will rub off on you too!

William Graul

Certified Public Accountant

I have known Robbie Michels for over 20 years and can't imagine a more qualified person to teach about sales and sales management. He has always supported our sales efforts and helped us become one of the top producing offices in the world. On a personal note, he is one of the most outstanding individuals I have had the pleasure to know.
 

J.M. Toblin

General Manager
A & B Marketing

Robbie Michels is the real deal. He earned everything anyone could want and he earned it all starting with nothing. He was never given anything but opportunity. Robbie has been my Regional Manager, Partner, my Mentor, and most important my friend for almost 40 years. Robbie's attitude, energy, and knowledge of the direct sales business has motivated me, and contributed to my success and the success of my company. Thank you Robbie.
 

Tim Randolph Sr.

Founder and CEO Florida Energy and Air

#1 RainSoft Dealer World Wide for 25 years.

It has been my privilege to work with Robbie Michels for many years in the Water Treatment Industry. His knowledge and experience have proven to be invaluable. He is a battle tested and proven Champion in our industry who understands the day to day challenges faced by business professionals. Robbie has earned a reputation for sales and marketing success that few can claim. His experience ranges from the sales rep in the field, the executive boardroom, and to all points in between.

Mason "Buddy" Miles

President 
Daystar Marketing

 I met Robbie Michels in 1981 at the beginning of my RainSoft career. Over the last 37 years I have witnessed Robbie set the best example of how dreams can come true. He demonstrated that you can start your career as a sales person, move up into a dealership or become a corporate Regional Manager making over $1 million per year. Early in his career as a sales rep, he was always a top producer. As a Regional Manager he built the largest network of dealers worldwide. I remember my father putting his arms around Robbie and saying, "Robbie, you're going to go places". He did. Robbie is the Creme De La Creme of our RainSoft family.

Joel J. Brow

President
Coastal Energy Water & Air

I have been in the direct in home sales business for over 30 years and have never met anyone that has mastered the industry like Robbie Michels. From dealer and business development, to working one on one with sales reps, Robbie is a Champion. I have learned more from watching Robbie interact with sales reps, business owners, and his peers than anyone else I have ever worked with. His mastery of sales psychology, emotional and logistical sales approaches, and people skills, makes Robbie a true Champion. If his mastery in sales is not enough, he is also the father of 2 adopted daughters who adore their dad beyond words. He is a committed, loving father and husband and I am a better man today because of my friend Robbie Michels.

Peter Rushmore

Regional Director
RainSoft

I had the opportunity to attend a water demo training seminar conducted by Robbie Michels in North Carolina. It was the most impactful and powerful sales training seminar I've ever been to in over 15 years with RainSoft. Robbie was able to show the group simple techniques and tactics that made all of them more successful.

Peter Fantino

Director of Marketing and Managing Partner 
Florida Energy Water and Air

Thank you for being a fantastic mentor to me. I truly valued your insight and knowledge.

Chris Sims

President
Aqua Systems of Alabama

I have been in the water treatment business for nearly 30 years. I consider Robbie Michels a pioneer in the water treatment industry. I consider Robbie a confidant and a friend. Robbie's knowledge is information anyone in the water treatment industry should have within arms length.

Randy Williams

President and CEO
RainSoft of Huntsville

Being a lifelong student of the direct sales profession I am truly excited about this. Robbie has had an immeasurable impact on guiding sales people, sales managers, and business owners to achieve extraordinary success. What Robbie talks about is not something he read out of a book, or gained out of a class, but it's what he has successfully lived for decades! His experience, knowledge, work ethic, and passion for the sales profession is an inspiration. Robbie has had a profound impact on my career and success and he is sure to have the same impact for you.

Joe Holstein

President
Quality Home Services

Robbie Michels is a good friend. He is sincere and honest. He has always been a man of word and diligence. His understanding and experience of running all aspects of our business was impressive. His professionalism commanded respect from his peers. Robbie is a remarkable communicator, an outstanding closer, and an exceptional motivator. Robbie's outgoing and positive personality would energize a group. Robbie is always someone you can count on and he was an added value to our organization. Robbie told me opportunities don't just happen, you create them! It was a pleasure working with Robbie.

Antoine Elias

Europe, Middle East, and Africa Regional Director
RainSoft