Why Water: A Journey with Jacob Bertrand

Jacob Bertrand’s Journey from Environmental Curiosity to Engineering Leadership at Ovivo

In a conversation with Jacob Bertrand, Engineering Manager at Ovivo USA, we learn about his early passion for environmental science. His journey is a testament to where curiosity and conviction can lead.

His Journey:

Born in Oklahoma in the United States, Jacob Bertrand studied Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. Early in his career, he landed a job at Texas Instruments (TI), a pivotal step that would shape his future in water treatment. Over eight years, he held a variety of engineering roles at TI, gaining experience across multiple systems: exhaust, air and gas, and most notably, water and wastewater.

It was during his tenure at TI that he led one of the company’s most significant projects. As the scope owner responsible for everything from city water supply coordination to the ultrapure water (UPW) and wastewater systems, he worked closely with Ovivo as the UPW system provider, a decision that eventually led to him joining the company.

Though he hadn’t initially set out to work in water, looking back, it makes sense. His favourite school courses, thermodynamics, chemistry, and environmental science, had already pointed him in this direction. Even in high school, he participated in creek erosion control projects that instilled in him the importance of being conscious of the environment. “I still remember the poster on the wall that said Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” he recalls.

The Significance of Water

Water isn’t just a utility, it’s a mission. Over the past decade, Jacob has seen firsthand how water treatment impacts the environment. “I completed projects that saved 10, 50, and even 100 gallons per minute,” he notes. “I’m now privileged to work on projects at Ovivo that are ten times as impactful for our environment.”

His focus now is on making systems more efficient, helping customers reduce water usage while improving operations. It’s not just about cost savings; it’s about being responsible for a finite resource. “Working in water lets me live my values,” he says. “We’re not just improving operations; we’re helping our clients be better stewards of the environment.”

Why Water with Ovivo?

What drew Jacob to Ovivo wasn’t just the technology; it was the people. “Responsiveness sets Ovivo apart,” he says. “As a former customer, I know how rare it is to get that level of service.” Whether it’s answering an email or adapting to a customer’s unique requirements, Ovivo’s culture of support and flexibility stands out in the industry.

Internally, that same spirit fuels team development. He’s deeply passionate about mentoring and growing talent, helping others expand their skills just as he did earlier in his career. His leadership has helped shape a team that’s agile, well-rounded, and deeply committed to delivering value for clients.

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

When asked about the future, he doesn’t hesitate: water reclaim is where it’s headed. “In the semiconductor industry, we’re seeing a growing emphasis on wastewater reclamation,” he explains. While ultrapure water remains critical, the volume and complexity of wastewater requests are growing rapidly, and Ovivo is evolving with them.