1ST-YEAR WINNER
PaveDrain LLC
Milwaukee
Industry: Manufacturing
Founded: 2008
Projected 2018 revenue: $3.5 million
pavedrain.com
For years, Douglas Buch worked as a consultant for Erosion Control & Stormwater Solutions, so he knew the importance of infiltrating stormwater back into the ground.
Buch came up with the idea for what would eventually become PaveDrain, a permeable articulating concrete block system that creates a performance pavement ideal for maximizing on-site stormwater capacity.
The pavement integrates its patented arched reservoir that allows for a more natural infiltration path, recharging local groundwater and reducing first-flush pollutants.
It also allows for more installation flexibility than almost any paving product on the market.
PaveDrain is ADA compliant and manufactured in the U.S., Buch said. It is available in different colors, and can also be heated with cable ducts to melt snow or ice.
Buch made the decision early on to locate his company at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee.
“I like to refer to the Global Water Center as the ultimate place to connect the dots: people, products, projects,” Buch said.
Where do you see the most opportunities for your company?
“Northern markets, because of the pending (road) salt issue. Florida is also starting to grow because of the importance of getting water back into the ground as opposed to letting it run off. ”
– Douglas Buch, president.
