Richard Daigle has been a contributing member of the Irrigation Industry for over 46 years. His background reflects a diverse amount of experience and education. It all started in 1977 while attending Glendora High and participating in the Landscape Department's ROP Program. Bit by the "Landscaping Bug ", he went on to own and operate a landscape maintenance and nursery company from 1977-1983 before branching out to start Basic Irrigation Parts. This parts business was based on the idea that repair parts, in labeled bags, was a much-needed necessity.
Basic Irrigation Parts became a division of Precision Controls, the first company to refurbish brass impact heads for Cal Trans and other government companies. Richard & Marcie continue to support companies through Daigle & Associates, their rep firm that has been serving the Irrigation Industry since 1988.
In 1999, Richard acquired Valcon Valve Company intending to restore and manufacture the well known valves, check values and solenoids. Valcon has been used by Cal Trans, private universities, and amusement parks nationwide since 1942.
In 2001, Richard had a dream and a goal to start an educational school to teach basic irrigation concepts to all service "Irrigators", technicians, plumbers and contractors in all fields. It was developed to allow landscape contractors to reach their career goals and the mission statement is “Raising the Professionalism in the Green Industry.” Richards wanted to assist with making his beloved students knowledgeable in elementary techniques and practices. Coupling hands-on instruction with classroom theory was the only way to succeed.
Today, Irrigator Tech has grown to offer a full range of classes with certification in areas that include Back Flow, Irrigation Auditor, Irrigation Repair, Irrigation Installer, and SmartWater and more. These classes educate many cities, schools, government agencies, business owners, property managers, municipalities, and maintenance companies. Irrigator Tech has over 6,700 students.
He cared very deeply for every single one of his students. The love was mutual from his students.
They enjoyed the experience Irrigator Tech offered and Richard made himself available seven days week to them. Richard could also be found helping people come closer to God by posting motivation speeches on social media platforms.
He traveled over 375,000 miles teaching with marvelous stories and experiences with the students he loved unconditionally.
Richard served as President of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Inland Empire Chapter from 2008-2014 . He served on CLCA’s Education Committee at the state level for his term years.
In 2005 Richard founded The Green Industry Hall of Fame. His desire and dreams were to honor all those professionals in our Green Industry. These professionals have made contributions through inventions, techniques, and educational support for the betterment of our industry. Richard did not want anyone to be forgotten that contributed to the betterment of the Green Industry. Please visit the non profit organization http://www.greenindustryhalloffame.org
In 2013 Richard started The Association of Latino Landscape Professionals, ALLPRO.org. ALLPRO is an association he felt important to offer for the Spanish speaking Irrigators.
Recently at both the GIHOF dinner and the Landscape Expo Tradeshow Richard was able to see many of his students and peers. He was extremely ecstatic to have been able to visit with them all. His knowledge and love for this Industry will live on forever.
Richard has been married to his wife and company partner, Marcie Daigle, for 34 years. He has a daughter, Mckenna, and a son Eric. Three stepchildren; Megan, Grant, and Drew. We love you and life will never be the same.
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