Despite the many social, economic, and technological changes, Peacock Water has beaten the odds to not only survive but to thrive.
Over the past 70 years, water treatment has changed dramatically. In the 50s and 60s, customers who needed their water softened would contract with a company like Peacock Water to have an “exchange tank” water softener delivered to their home. Once the softener lost its capacity to soften water, the large metal tank would be replaced with a regenerated tank. Today, water softeners regenerate automatically in the home. Modern softeners and RO Systems can treat water in your home using small tanks and no electricity. Third generation family businesses are a rarity. Less than 50% of family business survive the shift from first to the second generation, and even fewer survive transitions after that. Peacock Water has seen not one, but two generational transitions. Tim H. Peacock (Neldon’s son) returned from the Vietnam War in 1972. He decided to work with his parents, and it immediately became clear that he had a knack for business. During his tenure at Peacock Water, he oversaw tremendous growth. His involvement allowed Neldon and Alice to retire. Tim’s sons, Tim J. and Andy, worked at the family business in summers during high school and college. After graduating from college, they each found work in other industries. Eventually, in 1998, both brothers came back to Peacock Water to work with their father.