Chris Buttenham to Share Employee Retention Strategies at WWETT 2026
Reins, an innovative technology company known for its commitment to empowering privately owned businesses, has announced that its co-founder,
Chris Buttenham, will be delivering a presentation at the
2026 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show (WWETT). This prestigious event is recognized as the largest annual gathering of professionals from the wastewater industry and will take place in
Indianapolis from
February 16-19, 2026.
The WWETT Show is set to attract over
13,500 industry experts and
550 leading suppliers who will present their products and solutions across a vast
300,000 square feet of exhibition space. The event aims to serve as a hub for networking and learning, and Buttenham’s session titled "
Breaking the Cycle: How to Reduce Employee Turnover" is particularly relevant in today’s labor market.
Addressing Employee Retention Challenges
Employee turnover poses a significant challenge for the skilled trades sector, especially with the current labor shortage making it crucial for companies to retain their top talent. Buttenham will address this pressing issue during his session, scheduled for
February 16 from
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. As he emphasizes, the retention of skilled employees is not just a want but a necessity for successful business operation in the field of wastewater management.
"For many smaller contractors, the fear of losing talented individuals can be incredibly worrying," Buttenham states. "However, this problem is not insurmountable. By cultivating loyalty through innovative approaches to employee equity, employers can take proactive measures to maintain their workforce."
Innovative Approaches to Employee Equity
During his presentation, Buttenham will outline practical strategies tailored for contractors that can enhance employee engagement and investment in the company’s future without the sole reliance on salary increases, which can be detrimental in competing against larger private equity-backed firms. The goal is to enable companies to align their employees’ ambitions with their long-term business objectives.
"Wastewater contractors need to acknowledge that their workforce is their most valuable resource, and they should actively prevent turnover through meaningful incentives," explains Buttenham. He will discuss how introducing innovative equity solutions can help retain key employees without compromising the company's control to external investors.
The Role of Reins
Founded in 2023, Reins aims to assist privately-owned businesses in effectively retaining vital personnel by providing unique owner-like benefits and incentives that encourage employees to contribute to the overarching success of the business. Their flagship solution, the
Modern Agreement for Rewards and Equity (MARE) program, is designed by attorneys, ensuring all agreements are customizable and legally binding, stored securely in the Reins software for compliance.
Buttenham's participation in the WWETT Show underscores Reins’ mission to help independent businesses thrive within a competitive market. Business owners can establish tailored incentive plans swiftly and efficiently, ensuring that they not only attract but also keep talent committed to their growth.
For more information on Reins and the MARE program, you can visit their official website at
myreins.com. With the insights shared by Buttenham at WWETT 2026, companies in the wastewater sector will be better equipped to overcome turnover challenges and foster a dedication among their employees that supports both individual and organizational success.