I was a plumber for years before getting into irrigation. Sounds random, but the skills overlap more than you'd think—pipes, pressure, water flow, problem-solving under the ground where you can't see what's going on.

What drew me to irrigation specifically was the challenge. A well-designed system is invisible but makes all the difference. Too little water and plants suffer. Too much and you waste resources (and money). Getting that balance right—especially in Melbourne where we go from drought to flood in a week—that's the art of it.

These days I spend half my time designing and installing smart irrigation systems, and the other half rescuing tired, patchy lawns. Turf renovation is oddly satisfying—there's nothing quite like seeing a dead lawn come back to life after the right treatment.

I'm also passionate about water efficiency. Melbourne's had its share of water restrictions, and clients want to know their irrigation is smart, not wasteful. That's where tech comes in—weather-responsive controllers, moisture sensors, drip systems. We're not just turning sprinklers on anymore.