Leading the Way in Water Solutions: An Introduction to Think Water and Managing Director Chris Rehm

Leading the Way in Water Solutions: An Introduction to Think Water and Managing Director Chris Rehm

At Think Water, we believe that water is our most precious resource. As a premier network of water management experts spanning Australia and New Zealand, we are dedicated to designing, installing, and servicing highly efficient water systems. Operating under the Independent Water Group (IWG) umbrella, our franchise network supports agricultural, commercial, industrial, Local Government, council and residential clients. What sets us apart is our profound local connection: our business owners live and work in their regions, deeply engaging with their communities through local events, initiatives, and grassroots sponsorships.

We pair this community-based expertise with the formidable buying power of leading brands and strategic support of a unified international organisation. We do not just supply products; we engineer comprehensive, premium solutions and advice with a steadfast focus on sustainability and conservation for the environment, protecting our native flora and fauna for generations to come.

Driving this vision forward is Chris Rehm, Group Managing Director and Brand Ambassador. Chris’ leadership is rooted in a 34-year bedrock of hands-on industry experience. His extensive professional career is the very backbone of his approach to guiding Think Water, granting him a profound, 360-degree understanding of the irrigation and pumping sector.

Chris’s journey has spanned nearly every level of the industry. Beginning as a business owner in the Hardware Industry, he went on to hold varying roles and levels of responsibility within the reseller network at McCrackens and then Total Eden. Driven to understand the entire supply chain, Chris expanded his expertise into the manufacturing channel. During his impactful tenure at Davey as a Sales Manager, he immersed himself in the operational ecosystem, working closely with key internal stakeholders across engineering, marketing, quality control, warehousing, and credit control. This cross-functional collaboration provided him with a deep appreciation for how manufacturers and suppliers operate and what drives their success.

Chris Rehm
Managing Director | Think Water

Empathy, Mentorship, and a Culture of Care

All of these diverse, lived experiences primed Chris for a highly challenging and rewarding transition to Think Water. He brings a distinct advantage to the executive team: he has walked in the shoes of our Franchise Partners and suppliers across all roles and responsibilities. Throughout his career, Chris has crossed paths with numerous mentors and industry veterans who have shaped his perspective. Because of this, his leadership philosophy is refreshingly grounded. He firmly believes that positioning oneself as the “smartest person in the room” is never a productive stance; instead, he values continuous learning, listening, lived experience, and providing genuine empathy to our Franchise Partners and Preferred Suppliers.

Chris is the first to acknowledge that he does not do this alone. He leads a highly talented head office team and is immensely proud of their daily work ethic and the unwavering support they provide to the network and to one another. At Think Water, a culture of care is paramount. We care for each other, our Franchise Partners, and our communities. We care about uncompromising quality, and we are dedicated to providing the best solutions to safeguard our environment.

Driving Strategic and Operational Success

This holistic understanding of the industry, paired with an absolute commitment to organisational growth across all arenas, is why Chris and his corporate team are continually driving and delivering on major strategic projects. Under Chris’s direct leadership, Think Water is leading and implementing multiple software integrations and comprehensive ERP projects designed to streamline operations and build a resilient framework for the future.

A standout example of this forward-thinking approach is the ongoing development of Drip 2, our proprietary AI platform designed to drive learning, technological support, and operational excellence across the entire group.

In addition to these structural transformations, Chris and his head office team are deeply focused on providing robust, everyday operational support to our business owners through three key pillars:

  • Continuous Upskilling via ‘The Hub’: We have launched our online learning platform, The Digital Hub, aimed at supporting our Franchise Partners—both the owners and their staff—to continually upskill. This platform ensures our teams keep up with the latest in technology, strict compliance, and complex governance, including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
  • Continuous Franchisee Training: We provide all levels of training to all levels of employees based on their skills. From entry to mid level to high level, Think Water covers it all. This is evidenced by our offerings in the arenas of Fiscal training; Foundations training for new comers to the industry; to Business Development etc.
  • Comprehensive Health & Safety Integration: Understanding that safety extends beyond a checklist, we have introduced a unique, group-wide Health & Safety App. This cutting-edge tool supports our people across every single touchpoint of the business—from the retail showroom floor and workshop to complex project management sites and warehousing operations.
  • Comprehensive Marketing Support: We offer not just marketing from a National level, we work closely and in partnership with our Franchise Partners and Preferred Suppliers to ensure they are at the forefront of new marketing techniques and knowledge.
  • Expert Human Resources Support: Navigating employment legislation is a vital area for any business owner. Chris and his team provide direct access to specialised HR support through the head office, seamlessly backed by two external contractors who are deeply aligned with our specific industry. This ensures our Franchise Partners receive the very best service and up-to-date knowledge regarding evolving legislation and employee rights.

By pairing these advanced, corporate-led initiatives with an empathetic, people-first leadership style, Chris Rehm ensures that Think Water remains a resilient, progressive market leader dedicated to the mutual success of our entire network.