MJSI, Inc. – Innovation in Water Conservation

I’m not what you call a great “do-it-yourselfer”.  In fact, I’m a Bozo when it comes to home repairs.  On occasion, I’ve nearly killed myself with power tools.  However, necessity is having a commode out on the weekend, in the countryside, with guests coming. The toilet was running water, and in trying to fix it, I broke the arm of the thing that holds up the ball thing.  Toilet now out of commission. Wife very unhappy.

I went to Menards (as in “save big money at Menard’s”) in Michigan City with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. I thought maybe I could buy just the arm and the float and replace that.  I picked up a little basket and went strolling down the aisle and looked for the signage that led to plumbing supplies.  On arrival at that aisle I was immediately drawn to a video — running on some kind of small flat screen affixed to the shelf.  It was a demo of MSJI, Inc.’s HydroClean product (tag line: “Smarter Flush Techology”).  Before my consumer cynic could kick in, watching the video 3 minutes later I was half-sold by the benefits: easy, no tools required, video help online.  Better yet, it saves water, and, less than $15!  I picked one up and while staring dumbfoundedly at what appeared to be something put there Just For Me, a Menard’s employee asked if I had everything I needed.  

I said I hoped so and asked him if the HydroClean product worked.  He was positive, said he had heard good things, and that a local  hotel had replaced all their commodes and saved thousands of dollars. “Really no tools? I queried.  He said maybe just a wrench for the water intake. He also suggested I put a bucket under things so as not to get water all over (a suggestion that worked and saved me a messy clean up).  Anyway, I bought HydroClean.

I came home, still with fear in my heart.  Plumbing is something you don’t want to screw up!  I read the instructions and performed the steps, and 15 minutes later I’m flushing perfectly.  No drips, cuts off without running on, etc.  I’m saving water and money already. Didn’t have to pay a plumber!

Innovation comes in many forms doesn’t it?  It’s not just products, it’s also how you sell them, and the consumer experience.  MJSI has clearly been thoughtful about the entire chain of events inherent in innovation delivery.  Much bigger companies often don’t begin to get this right. They drop the ball somewhere between the product and the consumer.  Look at MJSI for the how-to: First, they have a good product that is different in a useful way (saves water, saves money, easy to install).  Second, they got my attention with a clever and punchy video (using a cheap playback device at point of sale, I’ll be going back to see who’s doing that).  Next, the retail shop supported their claim.  Finally, it all worked as promised.   I didn’t even need the online video, the paper instructions were good enough. MJSI is doing it right. Check out their unique story: http://www.gomjsi.com/about.html

And, my wife came  home and found it all done, no mess, and time to get ready for guests with no stress. 

Innovation doesn’t get any better than that.