Richard Daigle has been a contributing member to the Green Industry for the past 30 years. His background reflects a diverse amount of experience and knowledge in all areas. In the 1977 he owned and operated a landscape and maintenance company which included the maintenance of the first Burger King chains in Southern California . At the age of 19 years old he had built up his maintenance company to over 60 Burger King chains, maintained the Grand Pree Raceways,and worked hand in hand with 50 property managers.  After his maintainance company was purchased by a large nationwide maintaince company he purchased a hundred acre wholesale nursery in 1980.  The nursery's customer base was mostly maintenance companies and landscapers in the surrounding Inland Empire in Southern California. He has owned and operated Basic Irrigation Parts since 1985 and Precision Contols in 1988 which had service contracts for wire tracking, clock repair, and valve rebuild for all Southern California Cal Trans.  In 1999 he bought all rights to Valcon Valves. Valcon Valves is one of the most used valve along the freeways in California today. Valcon valves can also be found at Sea World in California and Texas, Disneyland in California and Florida, Miller Brewery Companies and more.

 

Irrigator Tech Training School was established 7 years ago in 2001. Richard saw a real need  to further the careers for the basic landscapers in the Green Industry that serviced cities, schools, landscape maintenance, irrigation divisions, municipalities, and government / federal agencies.    

 

These classes teach the fundamental basics of what should be known in this industry. The classes provide a “Hands On” approach to teaching in addition to classroom lecture which provides a well rounded educational opportunity.   Irrigator Tech also continues with Advanced classes, Business classes,Certified Irrigation Repair Technician,Certified Irrigation Installer, Smart Water Certified and Backflow Certified AWWA and ABPA.

 

The CAI awarded Richard Educator of the Year in 2001 and since has received many others for his contributions in the industry.  Richard is involoved in many educational organizations one of which is the CLCA of California where he heads up the educational department.