---
title: "Conserva Irrigation’s Justin Richards Wins Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/b7dd3822-65da-4ec6-9bc8-c3cde5c425bf
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20240919_conserva_irrigations_justin_richards_wins_ann_hunterwelborn_circle_of_excel.html
category: "Lawn & pest"
industry: "Home Services"
segment: "Lawn & pest"
published: 2024-09-19T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T18:37:50.657Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556909114-f6e7ad7d3136?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Conserva Irrigation’s Justin Richards Wins Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award

**TL;DR:** Justin Richards, an operations manager at Conserva Irrigation, has won the Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award for his commitment to sustainability and community support. Richards has demonstrated leadership in business operations and water conservation efforts in the Fort Lauderdale market.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-09-19. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20240919_conserva_irrigations_justin_richards_wins_ann_hunterwelborn_circle_of_excel.html).*

## Story

Richards has been with Conserva for the last five years in the Fort Lauderdale market demonstrating his leadership in business operations, community involvement and his empowerment of others to improve irrigation practices for better water conservation. To support irrigation professionals and homeowners alike, Richards began sharing entertaining, instructional and educational videos on YouTube nearly three years ago and recently launched his SprinklerDude website to reach a wider audience.

"Justin’s commitment to sustainability and community support perfectly aligns with the values we honor through the Ann Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award," said Warren Gorowitz, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at Hunter Industries. "His innovative approach to water conservation, environmental stewardship, and his impact on the local community makes him a true leader and an inspiration within the industry."

In addition to his environmental efforts, Richards has spearheaded initiatives to support the local community, contributing time and resources to charitable projects focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. His passion for both business excellence and environmental responsibility has set a new standard for franchisees across the Empower Brands network.

“I’m deeply honored to receive the Hunter-Welborn Circle of Excellence Award from Hunter Industries, as it reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and social responsibility at Conserva and SprinklerDude,” said Justin Richards of Conserva Irrigation of Fort Lauderdale. “I’m especially grateful to Conserva Irrigation and Juan and Ellie Lamonaca for their unwavering support in allowing me to film and share our work, which is not the norm. Their belief in my vision, along with the encouragement from the corporate office in Richmond, has been instrumental.

Having seen firsthand Hunter Industries' dedication to sustainability, I’m proud of our strong relationship and excited to continue promoting water conservation and stewardship together.”

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Home Services (sector)
- community involvement (topic)
- sustainability (topic)
- award (topic)
- Empower Brands (company)
- Conserva Irrigation (company)
- water conservation (topic)
- Justin Richards (person)
- Warren Gorowitz (person)
- Hunter Industries (company)
- Juan Lamonaca (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20240919_conserva_irrigations_justin_richards_wins_ann_hunterwelborn_circle_of_excel.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/b7dd3822-65da-4ec6-9bc8-c3cde5c425bf).