Our SOLitude Family

James Brown

James Brown

Field Operations Manager

James Brown is a Field Operations Manager serving Solitude in the St Louis and Nashville areas. He helps oversee the maintenance and installation of floating fountains and submersed diffused aeration systems to help improve water quality and circulate client waterbodies.

James earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, in 20213. He has extensive experience leading small and large teams in various operation environments ranging from emergency operations security, logistics, and customer service.

James has been serving in the military for the last 22 years. He started his military career in the Army serving as a reconnaissance specialist. Since 2002 he has been serving with the Arizona National Guard. Most of the time was spent in a military law enforcement capacity, with an emphasis on Force Protection. Most recently he has been serving as an Operations Manager for a Civil Engineer Unit. His job there involved the maintenance, restoration, and sustainment of National Guard Facilities. James has deployed to the middle east four separate times in support of military operations.

Raised in Phoenix, Arizona James spent all his time outdoors playing soccer, baseball, football. He taught martial arts in the Phoenix area for over 15 years. James recently earned his 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo. James and his wife, Lydia are raising their 4 kids, two boys and two girls.

Doug Wells

Operations Manager, Aquatic Specialist

Doug Wells is an Operations Manager and Aquatic Specialist serving Illinois. Doug has over a decade of experience in the aquatics industry and has managed hundreds of lakes and stormwater ponds for HOAs and private residences across the Chicagoland area. He holds numerous certifications and has extensive knowledge of sustainable management solutions like aeration, shoreline buffers, and more. He has a passion for providing a solution to our customers and educating them on their waterbody. 

Doug has a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of South Mississippi. He resides in a southwest suburb of Chicago with his wife, three children, and two dogs.

Thomas Purdom

Operations Manager, Aquatic Specialist

Thomas is the Operations Manager and Aquatic Specialist in the Midwest. He enjoys working with clients to help them reach their lake or stormwater pond goals. Thomas ensures each client receives prompt and effective service throughout his region.

jennifer-bonzani

Jennifer Bonzani

Business Development Consultant (Southern IL, MO, KS, NE)

Jennifer Bonzani is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant who focuses on building relationships with property management companies and private property owners. She has extensive knowledge about the science of lake and pond management and takes pride in working with HOAs and residential groups to beautify their water resources, increase property values, and enhance the overall enjoyment of the community. Jennifer graduated from Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Science degree and presents regularly to stakeholders and community members.

Chris Broch (IL, WI)

Business Development Consultant

Chris is a Business Development Consultant and Aquatic Specialist in Chicago, IL. Chris works with clients to build custom management plans for their lakes, stormwater ponds, and fisheries. He enjoys helping clients achieve the goals of their waterbody whether that be algal bloom management or aquatic weed control. Chris is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to promoting eco-friendly and holistic strategies that help enhance aquatic environments while staying within budget.

Prior to joining SOLitude, Chris worked in consultative sales in higher education and the food industry. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts from Carthage College.

Chris lives near two large bodies of water in Illinois and enjoys spending time on the water with his family. Chris is also a long-time member of “The Lumberjacks”, a non for profit environmental Ecology Group in Evanston, IL, where he works on restoring the canal banks that lead into Lake Michigan.

Jay Bagley

Business Development Consultant (TN)

Jay Bagley is a Business Development Consultant based out of SOLitude’s Nashville, TN office. He helps ensure the goals of SOLitude’s Midwestern clients are exceeded and serves as a helpful resource for colleagues in the execution of large and high-profile water resource management projects.

Prior to joining SOLitude, Jay worked in the industry with a private firm that served clients in Georgia and South Carolina. Jay has several SePRO and Aquamaster certifications and maintains close relationships with many industry partners valued by SOLitude.

Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time outdoors and can often be found hunting and fishing.

Ethan Hendren

Business Development Consultant (OH)

Ethan is an Aquatic Specialist and Business Development Consultant for Ohio where he helps lake and pond owners and managers achieve their ideal waterbody through sustainable management programs.

He found his way into the aquatics industry through his previous and ongoing exploration of sustainable agriculture. He is marked by his exceptional ability to foster meaningful relationships with his clients and the commitment he has to find the ideal solution for challenges of any size. Before embarking on this exciting role, Ethan amassed nearly twenty years of experience in various sales, sales management, and operational roles in the automotive world.

Ethan’s passion for his work extends beyond the office. During his free time, he immerses himself in the world of organic agriculture and gardening, demonstrating his unwavering devotion to sustainability. His areas of expertise include Korean Natural Farming, the Soil Food Web, JADAM, biomimicry, and regenerative farming techniques. He is also a fervent advocate for understanding our relationship with microbiology and the impact it will have on future generations of agriculture. This dedication to the preservation of our natural resources not only enriches his life but also allows him to teach and inspire others to embrace environmentally friendly practices. Ethan is an active member in several communities focused on soil fertility and is currently conducting research into the behaviors of mycorrhizae helper bacteria.

Ethan resides near the Hocking Hills of southeast Ohio, and if you’re lucky to spot him in the wild, his dachshund puppy, Fisher, will more than likely be by his side.

We Work Together To Offer Exceptional Service

SOLitude was built by the hard work, dedication & passion of aquatic experts in lake management to find solutions for communities and clients.

Definitely Using SOLitude Again!

This year’s spraying was the most effective we have ever had. We will definitely use your company again next year!

Lesa C.

Lake Resident, Indiana

SOLitude Made A Huge Difference

Thank you for jumping on our request to have the weeds looked at and treated. It has made a huge difference in the short couple of weeks since the crew was out spraying.  All of us on the SW corner of the lake greatly appreciate the approval and quick execution of the treatment!

Matt P.

Lake Resident, Michigan

A Great Experience

SOLitude makes the work seamless. They send monthly notices so you know they have been on site and recommend products or services you may not have considered, but will help reduce maintenance in the long run. Our local SOLitude representative is always quick to respond, very helpful, and stands by their products and services. Overall, working with them is a great experience and recommended highly.

Diane Rehkop

Community Manager, MO

#1 Choice for Lake Management

Great client relations and very professional & knowledgable service teams. #1 choice for lake/pond clean-up, treatment, and removal of invasive species (among other services).

Rachel Peoples

Private Landowner, IL

Fully Met My Needs – Outstanding!

Finding a company in St Louis to service central Illinois residents is quite difficult, but SOLitude fully met my needs to repair my fountain. The service crew was very friendly, efficient, and professional. I would definitely use SOLitude again, and I have already referred a neighbor to them. OUTSTANDING!

Linda Kuehn

Private Landowner, St. Louis, IL

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