Ark Water owners thank Jesus for 25 years in business

By Carol McIntire

Editor

Ark Water of Carrollton has been meeting the water needs of Carroll and the surrounding counties for the past 25 years. 

Rick and Diana Locke set up shop in a building at 131 E. Main St. in November 1996 and have been calling it their second home ever since. 

“It’s been a great experience,” said Diana, who manages the office. “Rick worked for a water company in Canton prior to that time. The Lord led him to open a store in Carrollton and we’ve been here ever since.”

Store Manager Mario DeCarlo has been there nearly as long, beginning his tenure with the company in 1999.

“I enjoy helping people and working with customers,” he said. “I really enjoy installing and servicing filtration systems.”

Bob Walters joined the staff in 2018, heading up  distribution.

Diana’s father, Pete Slates, now 93, longtime owner of Slates Sanitary Service, puts in a shift daily at the office, opening mail and providing “general supervision”.

Completing the staff are volunteers Pam Wells, Joette Rinkes and Dave Craig. 

The company offers water in various packing – everything from 16-ounce bottles to five gallon jugs, water filtration systems, water coolers and water softener salt. Ice melt for the winter season is also available for purchase. A major focus for the company is the installation and service of whole-house water filtration systems. “We offer testing for working water free of charge,” Locke noted, adding that testing for bacteria in water must be completed in a laboratory.

Asked what she attributes the longevity of the business to, Diana was quick to reply, “Keeping the Lord first in your life and listening to what He tells you.”

“I really enjoy the customers and meeting their needs and we truly appreciate our customer base as well as our family and employees,” she noted. The couple’s family, which includes J.D, Scott and Adam Lumley and Faith and Isaiah Locke have always been willing to lend a helping hand at the business when needed. 

“We are so blessed and we thank Jesus for 25 wonderful years,” commented Diana.

Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until noon. The business can be reached by calling 330-627-7778.