Conserva Irrigation Franchise Opportunities’ Post

Chris Keating of the Toro Company and former President of the Irrigation Association of New Jersey (1996) reaches 50 years in the irrigation industry milestone! Chris installed his first irrigation system in Bergen County, NJ in 1974 while working with JB Landscaping-Hazlet, NJ; the week prior to his 19th birthday. Around that time, he attended his first IANJ Field Day and became enamored with IANJ. Chris started his own irrigation business in 1978 as part of a Garden Center in Holmdel called Jack & the Preacher’s. In 1980 he merged his business into Middletown Sprinkler Company and went to work with Bob Dobson. Chris earned his CIDs (Residential-1987 and Commercial-1988). He has always been active in the IANJ and has taught countless classes, chaired the Education Committee and became President of the IANJ in 1996. After relocating to Richmond, VA to manage the irrigation business of Virginia Turf & Irrigation, Chris served on the National Irrigation Association's Membership Committee for 10 years and was asked to join their Board of Directors in 2007. In 2010, he was asked to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Irrigation Foundation and eventually became Chair. He remains heavily engaged to this day, recently hosting the E3 program and supporting Toro’s sponsorship of that initiative. He worked in Toro distribution for Storr Tractor Co. (Irrigation Sales), Virginia Turf & Irrigation (Irrigation Manager, General Manager) and Smith Turf & Irrigation (General Manager, VA) prior to his current District Sales Manager role with the Toro Company. He was honored by the Green Industry of North Carolina with their “Friend of the Green Industry Award” in 2013. This honor was for creating and supporting the first Water Symposium held at NC State. Chris continues to lead, mentor and educate; we are fortunate to have him in our industry. Please join the IANJ in congratulating Chris on his undeniable accomplishments and his selfless contributions to our industry.