Conserva Irrigation Names Industry Veteran To Lead Training Initiatives for Franchisees

“If you’re lucky, someone special comes into your life and makes a positive impact that alters the course of your business,” said Conserva Irrigation President and Co-Founder Russ Jundt. “Chris Keating is exactly that for Conserva. His institutional knowledge and business acumen, combined with his passion for the industry, have helped shape our entire business model. We are so blessed to continue this relationship beyond Toro and into Chris’ retirement.”

For the last 50 years, Keating was a leader in the irrigation industry, beginning in 1974 as irrigation manager at a landscape company in New Jersey. His wide-ranging experience includes owning a nursery-irrigation company and a gym franchise, and serving as president of the Irrigation Association of New Jersey, treasurer of the Carolinas Irrigation Association and as a board member of the Irrigation Association. Most recently, he volunteered for 14 years on the Irrigation Foundation’s Board of Trustees, chairing the Careers Task Group and the IA Professional Mentor Program.

Keating said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue his work teaching and training at Conserva Irrigation. “Industry training is close to my heart, and the Conserva franchisees appreciate the information and put it to great use,” he said. “What is unique to Conserva is their adherence to industry best practices. They endeavor to do the right thing, while they also strive to do things right. I've often said they are a ‘force multiplier’ for everything good in our industry, and I hope to add more strength to that statement.”

Keating begins work as an industry consultant at Conserva Irrigation this month.