In January 1975, Bob Shelton took a leap of faith. Armed with determination and a commitment to service, he founded Shelton’s Water—a water refining business here in Arlington, Texas. Fifty years later, Shelton’s Water stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of American entrepreneurship, thriving on the principles of quality, service, and innovation.
Starting a business from scratch was no small feat. “I didn’t know anything about running a company,” Bob laughs. “The first year was rough. I came close to losing everything.” Yet, through sheer grit and a commitment to hard work, he turned those early struggles into a flourishing enterprise.
Today, Shelton’s Water serves a wide variety of clients, from mom-and-pop restaurants to hospitals. Their systems improve water for homes, laundries, hotels, dry cleaners, hat makers, and food products covering areas from Houston to Oklahoma City and beyond.
Customers often don’t realize the untapped potential in their hands until Shelton’s Water steps in. One woman, now a loyal customer, used to intentionally shower at her gym because somehow its water was better than her home—turns out, that gym had a Shelton’s Water system. Not only is the majority of their equipment made in the U.S.A., something the company is very proud of, but its quality keeps machines running longer, increasing sustainability, conserving energy, and creating longevity for everything the water touches.
Bob’s unwavering commitment to service has made Shelton’s a household name. “We don’t just sell a product; we back it up with service,” he says. “Quality service means there’s always an answer, and we’ll solve it.” This dedication has built the kind of trust over 5 decades that is easily recognizable as the Shelton way.
At Shelton’s, the work is more than a job—it’s a shared mission and a source of pride for everyone involved—something elusive to many other companies. General Manager Sheryl Frank speaks with heartfelt admiration for Bob’s story. “He’s such a sweet person. He’s proud of what he’s accomplished, and he’s worked so hard to get here,” she says.
For aspiring entrepreneurs dreaming of building something to endure 50 years of service, Bob’s advice is both simple and profound: “Don’t sell something cheap. Sell something right. If you sell the right thing, your customers will keep coming back.”
As for what’s next, it’s no surprise that Bob’s passion for his work remains unwavering. “I’m going to work for a few more years yet. I still enjoy it,” he says with a smile.
Congratulations, Bob Shelton, on your 50 years of inspiring us all to dream bigger. The legacy of Shelton’s Water is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of really going for it, and the magic that happens when hard work meets heart. For every small business owner looking for a sign to keep going, Bob Shelton’s journey is a reminder that with grit, determination—and perhaps the right water system—anything is possible.
