Executive Biography of Taft Gaddy
Taft Gaddy is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Artesian Water Partners (AWP), LLC.
Gaddy oversees the strategic direction of AWP which provides clean water solutions to encourage healthy drinking water habits. AWPˇ¦s portfolio includes:
„« Manufacturing and distribution of natural alkaline water,
Mr. Waterman. Mr. Waterman is targeted at combatting
Childhood obesity and improving the health of children; &
„« Manufacturing, assembling, designing, & distributing water
purification/filtration systems.
25 years ago, Gaddyˇ¦s interest in clean water solutions was piqued by learning about the chemicals in water during a job interview for a water solutions sales position. Gaddyˇ¦s curiosity became a passion as he began researching his local Detroit water plant. As Gaddyˇ¦s research concluded that the chemicals used to clean water result in sediment that negatively impacts our water supply, Gaddy became passionate about positively impacting the American water supply. Working with Federal, state, and local authorities, Gaddy campaigned to reduce, and if possible eliminate, dangers to our water sources.
With the understanding that it will take decades to undo the abuse inflicted on our water sources, Gaddy identified natural clean water sources, like artesian water, as mitigation to the toxic drinking water supply. Researching artesian waterˇ¦s benefits to the human body triggered Gaddy to impact the health of future generations by providing children access to artesian water as early and often as possible.
Gaddyˇ¦s strategy is to replace sugary drinks with artesian water using characters, Mr. Waterman & Friends, to directly market to children. Gaddy developed a kidˇ¦s water product, Mr. Waterman, under the AWP umbrella which also has Waterman Classic for adults. Gaddy branded the concept with a comic book and cartoon that promotes healthy drinking and eating habits.
Gaddyˇ¦s passion for educating others about the global water supply culminated in the development of a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative, STEAM H2O 4 Life which:
„« Strengthens core skill sets required for
„« hydrological science--mathematics, statistics, geology, physics, computer science, chemistry & biology;&
„« food science--agriculture, chemistry & biology;
„« Advocates drinking natural alkaline water to combat childhood obesity;
„« Promotes and educates on the benefits of clean water and food; and
„« Advances innovative and sustainable concepts to improve the quality of the global water and food supply.
Gaddyˇ¦s expertise in advancing innovative and sustainable concepts to improve the quality of the global water supply is recognized internationally with accomplishments that include:
„« Participating as a judge in the 2015 Berkley Spring Water competition to promote a green, healthy planet;
„« Producing, in conjunction with the National Childrenˇ¦s Museum, a play promoting healthy water drinking and eating habits to children;
„« Collaborating with Bowie State University and the University of the District of Columbia to create a curriculum for underserved communities to promote
„« hydrological science--mathematics, statistics, geology, physics, computer science, chemistry & biology;&
„« food science--agriculture, chemistry & biology;
„« Developing a private label water for BMW of Sterling, Sterling, VA;
„« Leading Avita Bottled Water company out of bankruptcy in 2013.
„« Appearing on the Good Time Kids TV show in Chicago. (https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1449445705298054&set=vb.1423910427851582&type=2&theater
„« Creating Illinois Water Resources in Chicago which distributed residential, commercial
and industrial water purification/filtration systems;
„« Partnering with world renowned physicist Dr. Barry Shorthouse of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan to design and develop a reverse osmosis system. The innovative system included an ultra violet light which removes bacteria and purifies water;
„« Leading a Congressional task force under Congressman John Conyers to research water solutions for Haiti. In 1993, the task force created a process to use collected refuse to create steam. The steam generates electricity to provide power to the shantytowns as well as a desalination plant that would produce clean water for the nation. Due to government unrest, the solution was not implemented. However, the process is still being considered for other nations and could be implemented in Haiti; and
„« Becoming the first African American to be awarded a franchise with, then industry
giant, Water Resources International of Phoenix AZ in 1990.
A native of Detroit, MI, Gaddy attended Bowie State University and is a Graduate of The National Automobile Dealership Management Academy in McLean Virginia Gaddy is the father of 4 sons and the grandfather of 2 children.
2015 JUDGE AT THE INTERNATIONAL BERKELEY SPRING WATER TASTING COMPETITION.
OUR BRAND MR WATERMAN ACHIEVED WORLD WIDE RECOGNITION AS A ICON AT THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND RESTAURANT SHOW NEW YORK.
PARTICIPATED AT 2015 HOWARD/WHUR TOTS 2 TEENS AS A SPONSOR WASHINGTON DC
APREARED ON THE GOOD TIME KIDS TELEVISION SHOW IN CHICAGO
Founder/President|
Waterman Systems, Inc
From January 1992 to Current • 34 year(s)
Responsible for all aspects of sales of water systems to households and businesses, oversees financial transactions and provides technical assistance.
Visionary/Founder/CEO|
Artesian Water Partners LLC
From January 1992 to Current • 34 year(s)
Oversees strategic direction providing clean water solutions, manufacturing and distribution of natural alkaline bottled water and water purification systems.
Conflict Resolution Consultant|
Making a Difference Everyday (M.A.D.E.)
From April 2009 to December 2013 • 4 year(s)
Developed and implemented conflict resolution plans for grades 6-11 and anger management programs at Detroit schools.
Staff Secretary|
Detroit City Council
From September 2008 to April 2009 • 1 year(s)
Served as community liaison between council members and residents, coordinated regional business economic summit with multiple government levels.
Mortgage Loan Specialist|
Best Mortgage
From June 2006 to September 2008 • 2 year(s)
Specialized in marketing programs for senior homeowners, demonstrated expertise in HUD/FHA lending practices and built professional referral networks.
Title One Coordinator/No Child Left Behind|
TWW and Associates
From October 2005 to June 2006 • 1 year(s)
Responsible for design and implementation of conflict resolution, life skills and anger management in citywide after school programs.
Corporate Consultant|
Wayne County Community College
From October 2004 to November 2005 • 1 year(s)
Negotiated and won contracts with UAW Ford to develop Associate Degree Programs for Ford Motor Company in conjunction with UAW.
Consultant|
Detroit Public Schools
From August 2003 to June 2005 • 2 year(s)
Implemented the Second Step Violence Program at predetermined city high schools, adhered to program implementation guidelines.
Used Sales Manager|
Prestige Lincoln Mercury
From December 1999 to September 2002 • 3 year(s)
Responsible for all aspects of dealership maintenance including staff hiring, training, marketing campaigns and inventory management.
Coordinator|
Highland Park Community College
From February 1990 to February 1992 • 2 year(s)
Developed Associate Degree Programs and training for UAW workers at Chrysler, General Motors and Ford Motor Company.
