Thomas Lee Kuehnel was first exposed to the valve industry when he was involved in the highly competitive sales of fluid control systems for various manufacturing concerns in Houston, Texas. Tom went on to become a founding member of a manufacturer of construction equipment that at his departure, had grown its annual revenues from $100,000 to over $50 million.
Tom became the President and an owner of Harper International in 1995. Following his vision for growth and success, Tom and Deborah Kuehnel started Harper Control Solutions, Inc. in 2012. As a result of Tom’s background in manufacturing and mechanical systems, Tom continues to be responsible for innovations in valve control techniques. He successfully implemented many innovative solutions by applying his expertise to solve real life fluid control problems when engineers and customers have turned to him and Harper Control Solutions for answers. Known as an industry legend, his style of sharing solutions with those working with him to solve difficult challenges has been essential in developing a team of dedicated sales and support staff.
In his role as President and Chief Operating Officer of Harper Control Solutions, Tom created the strategic plan for the operations of the company and provides leadership in overseeing all aspects of the operations of Harper Control Solutions. He has a strong focus on customer service, the reinforcement of location service support, maintenance and emergency service. Tom, along with Harper Control Solutions, is proud of its team members’ dedication for growing a strong, technically adept, family owned company with a commitment to first class customer service and superior product knowledge.
Thomas Lee Kuehnel‘s Notable Projects and Accomplishments
Developed Automatic Breach Control Valve (post 9/11), PRV Station Design, Control Systems for Tank Level Control for the World Trade Center, 911 National Memorial Fountain, AOL Time Warner, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Aria Resort & Casino, etc. Developed, designed and implemented automated control systems.
Tom is often requested by industry associations and leading consulting engineering firms to lead seminars for discussing trends and issues surrounding valves and total system design with valves and pumping stations. Tom is an active member of many national professional organizations including:
- The American Society of Plumbing Engineers
- American Society of Sanitary Engineers (previous member of the International Building Code/ Fire Code Review Committee)
- American Water Works Association
- Water Environment Association
- American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers
- The Society of Fire Protection Engineers
- Connecticut AWWA
- New England Water Environment Association
- New York Water Environment Association
- New Jersey Water Environment Association
Some of the local professional affiliations include:
- New Jersey AWWA
- New York AWWA
- North Jersey Water Conference
- South Jersey Water Professionals
- New Jersey Water Association
- Long Island Water Conference
- Hudson Valley Water Conference
(ASPE, ASSE, AWWA, WEA, ASHRAE, SFPE).