When you're just starting a business, the last thing you want to hear is someone telling you that your dreams won't come true. Chris Kuran, the founder and president of Waterstone, got that news early on when a banker bluntly told him, “You’re probably not going to make it.†But Chris and his family didn’t let that stop them. As Chris often says, “Kurans don’t quit.†That determination has been the driving force behind Chris and his wife, Darcy, ever since they decided to start a plumbing company back in 1999. Despite having three young kids, they were confident that their hard work and perseverance would lead to success.
“We’ve had our fair share of lean times,†recalls Chris. “Mac and cheese became a staple in our household during those early days.†Chris, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a Marine Corps veteran, was determined to turn things around. Fast forward twenty years, and Waterstone has become the leading manufacturer of luxury kitchen faucets across North America.
The early days were challenging but also filled with learning opportunities. After leaving the Marine Corps, Chris returned to Orange County and started a plumbing business with his father. After four successful years, they sold the business and Chris joined another plumbing manufacturer. However, the entrepreneurial spirit within Chris never faded. He met a friend who was ready to retire and owned some manufacturing equipment. Together, they founded Waterstone. Initially, the company focused on selling parts and components to larger manufacturers that specialized in drinking water filtration systems. One day, a client asked if Chris could design a more aesthetically pleasing filtration faucet in custom finishes. Without hesitation, Chris responded, “Sure, we can do that. We’ll figure it out somehow.†That moment marked the beginning of Waterstone’s shift towards producing high-quality filtration faucets with customizable finishes.
In 2001, Waterstone brought in Steve Kliewer, a product engineer who would help bring Chris’s vision to life. Their collaboration blended art and technology seamlessly. “We’re true faucet enthusiasts,†says Chris. “I love visiting friends’ homes to check out their faucets. I’m always inspired and try to understand how things work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to anticipate what the market needs, and it shows in our designs.â€
As kitchens transformed into central gathering spaces for families and friends, Waterstone adapted by expanding its range of faucet options to match modern kitchen layouts and styles. In 2005, Waterstone ventured into the kitchen faucet market. However, offering faucets alone wasn’t enough. To provide customers with a cohesive look, Waterstone launched a unique collection called “Suites.†These faucets and accessories come in traditional and contemporary styles, all matching perfectly in terms of style and finish. By providing complete collections under one brand, Waterstone eliminated the need for customers to mix and match products from multiple lines. Each Suite reflects a distinct design aesthetic inspired by experiences from Chris’s youth. For example, the Annapolis suite honors the U.S. Naval Academy and the nearby city of Towson. The Hampton suite pays tribute to Chris’s visits to his first duty station in the Marines. The Hunley suite is named after a Civil War submarine, while the Parche represents one of World War II’s most decorated ships. Finally, the Fulton suite draws inspiration from steamboat innovator Robert Fulton.
In 2010, Waterstone achieved a major milestone with the introduction of the PLP Pulldown kitchen faucet. This industry-first innovation featured a unique “Positive Lock Pulldown†design, which included a locking mechanism to secure the sprayer handle in place. A counterbalanced hose ensured smooth operation and prevented snapping back. Once finished, the sprayer effortlessly returned to its original position and locked securely. This patented design eliminated the common issue of sagging sprayers found in many competitors' models. Not only did these faucets function exceptionally well, but they were also visually stunning. The traditional-style PLP Pulldown remains Waterstone’s top-selling product to this day.
Waterstone takes immense pride in being made in the USA. Both Chris and Steve are passionate about supporting domestic manufacturing and job creation. “To produce the highest quality luxury faucets, you must do it here,†explains Chris. “You simply cannot achieve the same level of quality 5,000 miles away.†From raw materials to finished products, Waterstone operates as a vertically integrated factory in Murrieta, California.
So, why California? While it’s one of the most challenging states for manufacturing, it’s also an ideal place to live. “This is our home,†says Chris. “I grew up in Orange County and always find my way back to California. Where else can you ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon?†The entire Kuran family—Chris, Darcy, their four children, and Zoey the dog—are proud Californians.
“Why would we go anywhere else?†asks Chris. “We want to create jobs. American manufacturing jobs are vital to our economy. It’s tough, but we’ve managed to achieve record sales every year.â€
Record sales are impressive, but space constraints prompted a move to a larger facility in 2015. Expanding operations meant hiring more staff, which was a priority for the company.
“Here, we’re like a family,†says Darcy. “Our employees spend so much time at work, so we strive to make it feel like home. We provide growth opportunities and encourage personal development. Our team is one of the main reasons Waterstone is so successful.â€
That sense of camaraderie is evident in the company’s products. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched. This dedication to excellence has made Waterstone a favorite among designers, architects, high-end builders, and homeowners seeking the best.
Now, two decades into their journey, Waterstone continues to innovate. This year, the company has introduced several new faucet designs. Building on the success of the PLP Pulldown line, Waterstone launched a slimmer version with modern industrial knurling, perfect for urban lofts. The Yorktown Kitchen Faucet Suite, released in late 2018, offers a fresh perspective with its flat, mirrored surfaces and angular elements. Combining modern minimalism with a touch of tradition, the Yorktown is truly groundbreaking.
Twenty years ago, when someone said it couldn’t be done, Chris, Steve, and Darcy set out to prove them wrong. Through hard work, pride, and American ingenuity, they’ve built a legacy. From humble beginnings to becoming the creators of the world’s finest kitchen faucets, their story is a testament to perseverance and innovation. That’s the Waterstone Way.
Today, Waterstone continues to thrive, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the world of luxury kitchen faucets.
Triangular glossiness meter,Triangular metal glossiness meter,Triangular paint glossiness meter
CHNSpec Technology (Zhejiang)Co.,Ltd , https://www.chnspec360.com