The 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023

Robert J Rebori: A Renowned Name in Manufacturing and Water/Wastewater Industry

The 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Follow in 2023

Robert J Rebori | The Most Inspiring Business Leaders in 2023

With a passion for manufacturing and field installation, Robert J Rebori founded Bio-Microbics, Inc., where he currently reigns as President. With a remarkable career spanning over 35 years, Mr. Rebori has dedicated 33 of those years to the realm of water and wastewater. 

Not content with a single venture, Mr. Rebori also assumes the esteemed position of Chairman of the Board at Smith & Loveless, Inc., having previously served as its President. His academic prowess shines through with a degree from Rider University in New Jersey. 

But what sets Mr. Rebori apart is his penchant for seizing unconventional opportunities. Every job he undertook, starting from the tender age of 16 in 1974, was one that others overlooked. In April of 1996, when faced with the task of creating a company from an R&D product, he saw it as another chance to demonstrate his ingenuity. And so, he birthed the name BioMicrobics, an embodiment of scientific brilliance, and laid the foundation for a thriving company. 

Transforming the Water/Wastewater Industry 

During the period spanning from December 1982 to April 1996, Mr. Rebori immersed himself in the realm of central collection and treatment. With an unwavering commitment, he embarked on numerous projects involving system installations, encompassing both union and non-union environments, and prevailing wage projects. His endeavors extended not only across the United States but also reached international shores, including Mexico, the Bahamas, and a significant Super Fund site. 

Throughout his extensive experience, Mr. Rebori observed persistent challenges that plagued the industry. The lengthy process of system sizing and quoting, the delays in equipment delivery to job sites, and the laborious and costly assembly of equipment all weighed heavily on his mind. Moreover, he noted with concern the inadequate training provided to equipment operators, who were tasked with operating and maintaining intricate machinery. 

Driven by a deep-rooted desire for change, Mr. Rebori recognized the pressing need for a decentralized approach—a paradigm shift towards simple, low-cost, and robust systems. He fervently believed that the world required a transformative solution that would streamline processes, alleviate financial burdens, and empower equipment operators with comprehensive training. 

Challenges In Developing Sustainable Water Treatment Solutions  

Mr. Rebori faced unique challenges in developing sustainable water treatment solutions worldwide. To meet global standards, BioMicrobics, Inc.’s products undergo extensive testing and certification. This includes continuous monitoring of land-based and marine-based systems, as well as collaboration with universities for third-party validation. The company boasts an impressive array of certifications, surpassing any other company worldwide, ensuring the highest quality and reliability of their solutions. 

Remote Support and Innovative Installations 

Even during periods of strict lockdowns in foreign countries, BioMicrobics, Inc. remained committed to assisting communities remotely. Through channels like email, WhatsApp, and Zoom, the company provided support and guidance. They facilitated the release of numerous designs for shipment, ensuring continued progress in sustainable water treatment solutions.

One notable achievement was the installation and successful start-up of an experimental 160,000 gallons per day (600 cubic meters per day) wastewater treatment plant in the Llembe district near Durbin, South Africa. This project garnered such success that a video showcasing the system and its impressive results was produced just two days after start-up. Notably, the system showcased in the video, named MyFAST, proved to be highly efficient and did not require a full-time operator. To view the captivating three-minute video, search for “South Africa MyFAST” on YouTube or visit the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jXUXNj5rJU&t=6s. 

Leaders in Sustainable Water Management 

BioMicrobics, Inc. utilizes membrane bioreactors to treat blackwater and graywater to standards exceeding rainwater cleanliness. This enables flexible disposal methods for small spaces and retrofitting projects. The company is actively involved in water reuse initiatives, including the notable Net Zero Water project at Miami University, showcased in a documentary available on YouTube (The documentary, available on YouTube under “Miami University Net Zero Water” or through the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQsSMjJHf1I, showcases a dormitory where water is reused for toilet flushing and washing, with even the professor demonstrating the safety of drinking the treated water). BioMicrobics, Inc. also implemented their own product for treating office wastewater and received a technology award for a winery project that reused 1.3 million gallons of water. Their innovative solutions establish them as leaders in sustainable water management, turning wastewater into a valuable resource.  

Global Impact and Marine Expertise 

With an impressive track record, BioMicrobics, Inc. has successfully deployed over 80,000 systems across nearly 90 countries, leading to numerous success stories. Apart from the examples mentioned earlier, such as hotels in Jamaica, Mexico, Argentina, India, and award-winning systems in France, the company’s impact extends to the United States and Canada. 

BioMicrobics, Inc.’s expertise also shines in the marine sector, with their wastewater treatment systems implemented on floating fishing camps in Canada and their InTank ballast water treatment systems. The company’s exceptional capabilities are highlighted in the TV documentary “The Mighty Servant,” which can be viewed on YouTube via the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GXE3TjIla8. This documentary showcases the successful deployment of BioMicrobics, Inc.’s systems on the vessel and its sister vessels, which are regarded as some of the most complex systems in the world. It is an impressive testament to their ability to deliver reliable solutions even during challenging times like the pandemic. 

Commitment to Innovation, Collaboration, and Safety 

In addition to maintaining its own laboratory and research and development test center, BioMicrobics, Inc. actively engages in third-party demonstration sites. These collaborations allow the company to showcase the effectiveness and reliability of its products in real-world applications, providing valuable evidence of their capabilities. 

Moreover, BioMicrobics, Inc. places a strong emphasis on safety. All their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure compliance with safety standards, including UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and EU (European Union) standards. By prioritizing safety testing, the company ensures that their systems meet the necessary requirements and provide customers with peace of mind regarding the reliability and security of their installations. 

Strategic Growth and Streamlined Solutions

BioMicrobics, Inc. has undergone a strategic growth strategy through acquisitions, encompassing all three of its companies. Subsequently, significant investments of time and resources were dedicated to developing these acquired products into comprehensive product lines. The focus was on enhancing their ease of assembly, shipping, installation, and operation, streamlining the entire process. Through these efforts, BioMicrobics, Inc. has successfully transformed these acquisitions into robust and user-friendly solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers. 

Contributing to a Sustainable Future 

Water reuse and cost-effective infrastructure are pivotal factors driving the water treatment industry, and their significance is expected to grow even further in the future. Drawing a parallel to the adoption of washing machines and dryers a century ago, which are now ubiquitous and used reliably by everyone, wastewater treatment and reuse are poised to follow a similar trajectory. 

Mr. Rebori recognizes the noble nature of the wastewater treatment field, as it contributes to both environmental preservation and the well-being of communities. By addressing water and environmental challenges, BioMicrobics, Inc. and its team are actively involved in finding solutions that make a positive impact. Their work in wastewater treatment and reuse aligns with the objective of promoting a sustainable future, where resources are conserved and environmental issues are mitigated. 

Through their dedication to water treatment and environmental stewardship, BioMicrobics, Inc. is playing a significant role in solving crucial water and environmental challenges, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable world. 

Quotes:  

“We manage by the 3 P’s. Our Products, Policies, and People make the difference including all of the people we work through around the world. 

Better Water, Better World. 

We make Simple, Robust, Low-Cost solutions. 

We have expertise taking our standard components in different quantity and combination to solve the most difficult treatment problems.”