The Sprinkler Nerd Show

At the Hunter Industries Contractor Training Event hosted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andy sat down with irrigation contractors and technology leaders to explore one big question: What is the future of irrigation going to look like? In this documentary-style episode, you'll hear from contractors with decades of field experience, including three generations of Grapids Irrigation, contractors adapting to smart controllers and cloud-based monitoring, and the people building the next generation of tools at Hunter. Featuring conversations with: Aaron Katerberg of Grapids Irrigation, Brandon Dietrich of Garpio Group, Jason from Smith Lawnscapes, Hector Avalos of Pro-Mow Landscaping, Tony Tiscareno of Grapids Irrigation, and Scott Allison from Hunter Industries. Topics include: Flat-rate pricing and running a more profitable service business Smart controllers, Wi-Fi, flow sensors, and remote monitoring Why water savings and technology matter more than ever New cloud-based design tools like Hunter's My Design Landscape The differences between irrigation in Michigan and Florida Why, after 20–30 years in the business, contractors still love what they do The tools are changing. The technology is changing. The people who make irrigation work are still the story. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend in the irrigation industry.

Behind every irrigation controller, valve, and system component is a team of engineers and product managers working to improve the tools contractors rely on every day. In the final episode of this three-part series from the Rain Bird Irrigation Pro Summit, Andy Humphrey talks with members of the Rain Bird team about how irrigation products are designed and how contractor feedback shapes the future of irrigation technology. Steve, a Rain Bird product manager, shares insights into the development of modern controller platforms, two-wire systems, and connected irrigation management tools. Maggie and Matt from Rain Bird discuss valve technology, integrated valve modules, and how product innovation happens within one of the irrigation industry's most recognized manufacturers. This conversation highlights how collaboration between contractors and manufacturers continues to drive innovation in irrigation. In This Episode How Rain Bird develops irrigation controllers Two-wire technology and system diagnostics Valve innovation and integrated valve modules (IVM) How contractor feedback influences product development The future of irrigation technology Featured Guests Steve Barendt— Rain Bird Product Manager, Controllers Maggie Saulsby — Rain Bird Product Manager, Valves Matt Cooper — Rain Bird Contractor Account Manager (CAM), Mid Atlantic

Today's irrigation contractor does far more than install sprinklers. Modern irrigation companies are managing water, integrating technology, and running sophisticated service businesses that combine field expertise with connected systems and data. In this second episode of the Rain Bird Irrigation Pro Summit series, Andy Humphrey speaks with several contractors working in the field today about how the role of the irrigation contractor is evolving. Steve from Quench Irrigation discusses water management, smart controllers, and the growing role of sensors and connected technology. Travis and Andy Childs share practical insights from decades of experience installing and troubleshooting irrigation systems. And Alex from Morgans Irrigation talks about how modern irrigation businesses are using automation, CRM systems, and new service models to improve customer communication and operations. Together, these conversations paint a picture of the modern irrigation contractor — a combination of technician, water manager, and technology operator. In This Episode Smart controllers and cloud-connected irrigation systems Water monitoring and irrigation management Two-wire troubleshooting and electrical diagnostics Training technicians and improving system reliability Using CRM systems and automation in irrigation businesses Featured Guests Steve Pereira — Quench Irrigation Travis Childs — Morgans Irrigation Andy Childs — Landscape Maintenance Services Danielle and Denise - Landscape Maintenance Services Alex Morgans — Morgans Irrigation

In the first episode of this three-part series from the Rain Bird Irrigation Pro Summit, Andy Humphrey sits down with Walter Mugivan, owner of Aqua Mist Irrigation, who has more than 50 years of experience in the irrigation industry. Walter installed his first irrigation system in 1968 — digging trenches by hand and working with early hydraulic valves long before modern irrigation technology existed. In this conversation, Walter shares how the industry has evolved over the decades, from early sprinkler systems to today's advanced controllers, flow management systems, and large-scale pump stations. He also shares advice for contractors entering the industry and explains why understanding the fundamentals of hydraulics and system design still matters today. This episode is a reminder that irrigation innovation didn't happen overnight — it was built through decades of learning, experimentation, and improvement. In This Episode What irrigation systems looked like in the late 1960s The evolution of controllers and sprinkler technology Pump stations and stormwater irrigation systems The importance of hydraulics in irrigation design Lessons from more than 50 years in the industry Featured Guest Walter Mugavin Owner, Aqua Mist Irrigation

In this episode of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, Andy Humphrey sits down with Justin Wilson, founder of American Irrigation in Georgetown, Texas. With nearly three decades in the irrigation service business, Justin shares how he built a company that now runs 17+ service trucks and completes thousands of irrigation jobs each year. Justin explains why "the service business is the people business," emphasizing that successful companies must care for both their customers and their team members. The conversation dives into practical lessons from the field—how quality inspections and training help maintain standards across a large team, why many irrigation problems come down to simple issues like poorly installed sprinkler heads, and how contractors can build long-term customer trust. Andy and Justin also explore the future of irrigation, including smart controllers, the challenges of managing thousands of different systems, and the growing pressure on water resources. Justin argues that contractors will need to shift toward more efficient irrigation methods, better system design, and prioritizing which landscapes truly need water. The episode wraps with advice for contractors: stop searching for the "perfect technician" and instead invest in training the next generation of irrigation professionals.

TXT Andy and say what's up? 208 908 3229 -- Hey friends, welcome back to The Sprinkler Nerd Show. Today, I want to take you down a slightly different path. This one's not about technology. Not about sensors. Not even about irrigation. It's about something more fundamental… something that shapes how we lead, how we teach, and how we grow. It's about the power of not knowing. Have you ever noticed what happens when someone asks you a question? What do you do? You probably give them an answer. That's what we've been trained to do. We associate knowledge with value. We think: if I have the answer, I'm helpful. I'm smart. I'm a good leader. But I want to challenge that today. What if giving the answer actually ends the conversation too soon? See, when we hand someone an answer, we're closing a door. We're wrapping it up. Putting a bow on it. Done. Solved. Move on. But growth doesn't happen in the answers. Growth happens in the thinking. In the wondering. In the exploration of possibilities. So what if, instead of handing out answers like candy, we responded with questions? Imagine this: Someone asks you, "What should I do about this issue in the field?" And instead of launching into your best advice, you say: "What options have you considered?" "What's the outcome you're aiming for?" "What do you think will happen if you try that?" Now, suddenly, you're not just giving a solution—you're creating space for discovery. You're not the answer key. You're the guide. That's leadership. That's coaching. That's power. Because when you help someone think—not just tell them what to think—you unlock something in them. You give them a skill they can use forever, not just an answer they'll forget tomorrow. And here's the twist: Not knowing isn't weakness. It's wisdom. It's humility. It's the birthplace of insight. So next time someone comes to you looking for an answer, try holding back. Ask a question instead. Keep the door open. Let the conversation breathe. Because the power of not knowing... might just be the greatest tool you have. Thanks for listening, and I'll catch you next time. Intro audio source: America, "You Can Do Magic"

Reference Link: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec981d8c-cd1d-4c13-961a-76cf9cf32ecb

For immediate release—breaking news, kind of. In this solo episode of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, Andy dives into what seems like a revolutionary product: a mechanical rain sensor that requires no batteries, no Wi-Fi, no firmware updates—just pure, functional design. It shuts off irrigation during rainfall and turns it back on when conditions dry out, all thanks to hygroscopic discs that expand and contract to trigger a simple switch. This device sounds like the newest drop in water-saving technology—until Andy reveals the twist: it's not new at all. In fact, it's based on US Patent 3,808,385, filed in 1972 and granted in 1974. That's over 50 years ago. And the core concept of the mechanical rain sensor hasn't changed since. Andy breaks down how the device works, why it's still effective today, and what it says about the pace of innovation in the irrigation industry. He challenges contractors and tech developers alike to ask the big question: why are we still using 1970s technology in 2025? Could we create a smarter, data-driven rain sensor that actually logs rainfall events, provides historical context, and informs better irrigation decisions? If so—why hasn't anyone built it yet? Key Highlights: Breakdown of how the moisture-responsive switch actuator works Benefits for contractors: simplicity, reliability, zero maintenance Installation and adjustment tips Why the current state of rain sensors is a wake-up call A challenge to the industry: let's rethink how we track rain and respond to it Andy closes the episode with a call to action for all Sprinkler Nerds: always ask why. Why things work the way they do, why they've stayed the same—and how we can make them better.