A career rooted in the green industry

Editor’s note: Jim Huston passed away on April 3, 2025. He submitted this column in late March, and this will be his last original one in Lawn & Landscape. As a tribute to him, we will run his past columns throughout the rest of 2025.

I met John Newlin almost 30 years ago. He’s been a client and friend ever since. John has helped me to better understand the intricacies of the irrigation business. He’s also helped me develop a number of software programs. The path that his career has taken and his commitment to his family, his team and his industry provide an excellent example for others to emulate. Here’s a brief look into his story.

John Newlin’s career in irrigation and the green industry is a testament to hard work, innovation and adaptability. From his early days balancing a corporate job with part-time work to becoming a leader in irrigation technology and best practices, John’s journey showcases the evolution of a professional dedicated to efficiency, customer satisfaction and industry growth.

A Humble Beginning

John’s path to irrigation wasn’t conventional. Between 1995 and 1997, he worked nights as a team leader for Schneider National Carriers. Seeking to fill his extra hours, he ventured into the green industry part-time. By 1998, he made the leap into full-time business ownership, forging a career that would span decades.
Though he had experience in major corporations like Dow Chemical and Schlumberger, John discovered that the corporate world wasn’t for him. His passion for hands-on work, likely instilled through his time on the family farm, set him on the path to entrepreneurship.

Building a Business

John and his wife, Elaine, co-own their business, though Elaine maintains a separate career as a court reporter. Together, they built an operation that thrives on specialization, offering:

• Irrigation installation & maintenance
• Lawn care services
• Low-voltage lighting installation & maintenance

Over the years, John’s business has adapted to industry advancements, integrating smart irrigation technology and improving service efficiency.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many business owners, John has faced significant challenges, particularly in maintaining a reliable workforce. Labor shortages have been a recurring issue, but his ability to adapt and implement smart business strategies has helped him navigate these hurdles.
One of the key strategies John embraced was mastering general and administrative overhead recovery, ensuring that his business remained financially stable. Other major turning points in his career included:

1. The 2008 Recession: While this economic downturn hurt many businesses, it actually strengthened John’s operation by increasing demand for service-based clients.
2. Prepaid Contracts: This strategy improved cash flow and helped retain long-term customers.
3. Hindsite Software Implementation: An early innovator in software usage, John integrated Hindsite Software to streamline business operations.
4. Hydrawise WiFi Controllers: These controllers enhanced service efficiency, offering customers modern, tech-driven irrigation solutions.
5. Upfront Pricing Model (aka: flat-rate pricing): Transparency in pricing improved customer trust and satisfaction.

Leadership & Industry Influence

John’s impact extends beyond his own business — he has played an influential role in the irrigation industry at large. He has served as President of the Irrigation Association and was a member of its board of directors, helping shape industry standards and policies.

Additionally, he holds three Irrigation Association Certifications:

• Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC)
• Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT)
• Certified Landscape Auditor (CLA)
  

Beyond credentials, John is also a respected trainer for the Irrigation Association, passing on his expertise to the next generation of professionals.

Embracing Innovation

John’s success is rooted in his willingness to adopt new technologies and stay ahead of industry trends. His business was an early adopter of various software solutions, including:

• The Bid Suite Bidding and Estimating Software
• Hindsite Software
• SiteOne E-Commerce
• Hydrawise WiFi Controller

By integrating smart irrigation monitoring technology, John has been able to provide cutting-edge service, ensuring water conservation and system efficiency for his clients.

A Strong Team Behind the Business

A great leader is only as strong as his team, and John has built a reliable group of professionals, including:

• Di Keyser – Office Manager
• Brian Lance – Irrigation Manager
• Jason Belfiore – Senior Service Technician

During peak seasons, his company employs 15 team members, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality service delivery.

Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead

John’s career is built on two fundamental principles:

1. Networking is crucial – The relationships he’s built over the years have contributed to the success and growth of his business.
2. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth measuring – Data-driven decisions have helped him optimize operations and remain competitive.

As he looks to the future, John is focused on retirement planning, training the next generation of irrigation professionals and enjoying more travel opportunities. His legacy in the industry is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Conclusion

John Newlin’s career in irrigation is a shining example of how passion, adaptability and strategic thinking can lead to long-term success. From his early days on the family farm to shaping industry best practices as an Irrigation Association leader, John’s influence continues to make a lasting impact on the green industry. As he transitions into the next phase of life, his contributions will remain a benchmark for aspiring professionals in the field. 

Once retired, he plans to assist other irrigation contractors implement effective systems and practices. One such system will be flat-rate pricing. It has helped John improve customer service, simplify his billing process and increase profitability. Never one to remain idle, John’s going to shift gears and enjoy the fruits of a very successful career while helping others to achieve the same.