Omaha, Neb. – PeopleService has finalized the acquisition of Minnesota-based Preferred Controls, bringing together proven expertise that supports safe and reliable water and wastewater service in communities throughout the Midwest. The deal was completed December 1.
For nearly 40 years, PeopleService has worked alongside local community leaders and operators to ensure residents have water they can trust. By adding the SCADA and automation capabilities of Preferred Controls – a respected provider based in Albany, Minnesota with an office in Minot, North Dakota – PeopleService is positioned to help communities respond to challenges faster, prevent service disruptions and build greater resilience for the future.
“Water and wastewater systems are at the heart of every community,” said PeopleService President Chad Meyer. “Preferred Controls shares our belief that people deserve dependable infrastructure they never have to think twice about. By joining forces, we’re able to support more communities with the level of care and reliability they count on every day.”
Beyond expanded technical capabilities, the decision to move forward together was also rooted in a shared approach to customer service. Both companies recognize that responsiveness and follow-through are ongoing challenges in the industry and believe communities deserve better. PeopleService and Preferred Controls are aligned in their commitment to being accessible, proactive and deeply invested in the success of the communities they serve — building trusted relationships designed to last.
“Our focus has always been on standing alongside the people who keep water flowing,” said Harold Desautel, founder and president of Preferred Controls. “That means being responsive, accessible and committed to doing right by our customers. PeopleService shares that same customer-first mindset, and together we’re building partnerships designed to last while providing even stronger support for Midwest communities.”
Preferred Controls has been supporting water, wastewater and industrial systems since 1998, helping operators stay connected to what’s happening in real time. Their team will remain in place and continue operating under the Preferred Controls name while collaborating closely with PeopleService. No operational changes are planned for customers or employees during the transition, ensuring stability, continuity and the same trusted relationships both teams have built.
Chad Meyer’s father, Al, started PeopleService in 1997. Since then, it’s grown into a leading provider of contract operations, monitoring and maintenance services for municipal water and wastewater systems. Their teams support communities across the Midwest by protecting public health and the environment, expanding local capacity and ensuring long-term system sustainability.
Preferred Controls’ automation and integration expertise strengthens that mission even further. In addition to SCADA and plant automation, Preferred Controls brings its Preferred Alarm technology, a satellite-based monitoring solution for water and wastewater applications.
Together, PeopleService and Preferred Controls will continue helping communities stay ahead of issues, reduce downtime and build more resilient water and wastewater systems for the future.
“At the end of the day this is about people,” Meyer added. “It’s about showing up, being responsive and exceeding expectations for the communities and operators who rely on us. When you build relationships the right way, you earn trust for the long term — and that’s exactly what this partnership is about.”