Q and A with the Experts - DuraTrench
A Conversation with Joshua P. Sowa, PE, Manager, Eric'sons Design & Applications Division
What inspired the launch of a dedicated design division at Eric'sons?
Over the years, our projects have become increasingly custom and complex. Forming a dedicated design division was a natural evolution of our customer-first mindset. This new group centralizes our design support expertise and allows us to focus specifically on helping architects and engineers create effective trench drain solutions, especially for complex radius applications through our TrueRadius™ curved drain system.
How does this division align with Eric'sons' long-term goals?
Our goal is to be known as the most trusted name in linear drainage. To do that, we need to make design and specification easier and more accessible for professionals. This division is focused on supporting the design community-less on selling products and more on providing valuable, project-specific solutions.
What new capabilities does Eric'sons Design & Applications Division offer?
Previously, design support was handled by our sales reps, who also had to manage quotes and project logistics. Now, we have a team solely focused on design-people with specialized knowledge who can provide deeper, more consistent support to architects, engineers, and design-build contractors.
What problems is the division aiming to solve?
Many designers simply don't know where to start when it comes to linear drainage selection, especially on curved or complex designs. This division serves as a resource for early design decisions, detailed support, and a simplification of the specification process while addressing each project's needs.
What are the priorities for the first 6-12 months?
We'll work closely with our sales team to identify design opportunities and take over the technical support side, freeing them up to focus on sales. At the same time, we're streamlining our specification process and growing the team to work directly with more designers nationwide.
What kind of expertise are you building the team around?
Our team is comprised of people with backgrounds in architecture and engineering-professionals who understand the pressures and expectations designers face. Their firsthand experience allows them to speak directly to those needs and simplify the path to effective drainage solutions.
How will success be measured?
With our proprietary ODIS specification and quoting system, we can track how often our products are specified, by whom, and in what markets. That data will help us refine our approach and better serve each segment of the design and construction community.
What excites you most about this new chapter?
We're excited to deepen our relationships with designers, deliver expert solutions to project-specific challenges, and bring innovation to the forefront of the drainage industry-especially in curved and complex drain applications.
As seen in LASN magazine, July 2025.
