Meet The University Sprinklers Team

Ron began his business career at age 11 delivering papers for the Nanaimo Daily Free Press. At age 13 he began working at the family business, Nanaimo News, a retail store selling books, magazines, nautical marine charts and topographical maps. Three years later he began working for Eaton’s as a sales clerk in small appliances. After high school, Ron completed a degree in Geological Engineering at UBC. In the summer of 1983 he installed an irrigation system for his parents’ yard. His older brother David thought that since they needed summer jobs, it would be a good idea to see if any of our neighbors would like a system. A passion for irrigation was awakened, and University Sprinklers was born.

Ron’s early business days taught him that great customer service is the key to success. Since then University Sprinklers has grown to a staff of 60 people, installing over 800 systems a year, serving Hope to Whistler. Exceeding his customer’s expectations was the principal factor that led to University Sprinklers’ growth. Ron understood that University Sprinklers’ reputation is only as good as its past customers believe it to be.

Email: ron@universitysprinklers.com

David has been involved in irrigation system installation and service for over 29 years.  He is a past president of the IIABC, Current IIABC Certification Board Member, and holds every certification they offer, save one. He has been an active instructor for their courses, including a co-developer of one of the IIABC’s most recent certifications – the Certified Irrigation Scheduler course. He holds a number of other certifications and designations from other associations including the IA, BCWWA & BC Electrical Safety Authority. David also holds distinction as an EPA Watersense Partner, for his dedication to water conservation techniques.

David is also a BComm graduate from UBC. He is a father of three daughters, kept busy between business and the hockey rinks & dance studios of the Lower Mainland.

In addition to being VP, David covers all commercial projects, as well as the Sunshine Coast and Bowen Island.

Email: david@universitysprinklers.com

  

Whalen Bishop has been with the company since 2008 when he started as a Foreman Assistant. Whalen is an honors graduate from Thompson Rivers University and is a certified Irrigation Designer (Residential). He also is a certified low voltage technician, Cross-connection control specialist and Certified Irrigation Scheduler. Whalen’s love for irrigation design has been fostered by the company’s commitment to water conservation. Recently, Whalen became a Professional Accredited Rainwater Harvester through the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), and CANARM, the Canadian Association for Rainwater Management. Whalen is very excited about rainwater’s future relationship with irrigation design. He is also President-elect for the Irrigation Association of BC (IIABC).

Whalen is also a husband to an amazing wife and has three incredible children. Recently, Whalen became a Board Member of the Sardis Children Centre, a non-profit organization that provides a superior pre-school program, along with before and after school daycare for his children. The best part of his day is the projects his daughter brings home to share.

Whalen is our man in the valley, covering Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission, as well as Maple Ridge.

Email: whalen@universitysprinklers.com

Martin has a long history as a horticultural professional, having been in the business since 1989. He began installing and servicing irrigation systems in 1994. He loves hiking, camping, gardening and all things outdoors, and loves that he gets to work outside all day long. Martin also has two wonderful kids, and has a passion for business and public relations.

He is a Certified Low Voltage Electrician, an IIABC Certified Irrigation Designer and an IIABC Certified Irrigation Scheduler. He also holds a Cross Connection Control Certificate.

Martin is our Sales Representative in Pitt Meadows, North Delta, North Burnaby and New Westminster, Langley & Aldergrove, and Service Technician for Burnaby, New West, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

Email: martin@universitysprinklers.com

Andrew has an extensive background in irrigation, having worked for his family’s irrigation company from age 16. In 2003, Andrew started with University Sprinklers as a service technician, and has worked his way up within the ranks. He particularly enjoys working with customers, designing new systems, implementing upgrades, and generally doing what he can to exceed customer expectations. Andrew holds his Irrigation Service Technician Level I ticket, and has taken several courses in fundamental and advanced irrigation design. He is also a certified cross connection control tester.

Andrew takes care of the Tri-City Area: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.

Email: andrew@universitysprinklers.com

Instagram: @universitysprinklers_coquitlam

 

Jeff has over fifteen years of irrigation experience in residential, commercial and municipal properties. In addition to obtaining his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Western Ontario, Jeff is also an IIABC Certified Irrigation Designer (Residential), Certified Irrigation Scheduler and Certified Irrigation Technician II.

Jeff works with clients, builders and landscapers to design, supply and install IIABC Certified Irrigation systems as well as low-voltage landscape lighting systems while he focuses and takes pride in providing his clients with a commitment to top quality service and attention to detail.

Jeff covers North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the Sea To Sky Corridor. 

Email: jeffrey@universitysprinklers.com

Chad Smith handles all field staff and is a key part of our field staff training program. He has been with University Sprinklers since 2002, when he started as a Foreman Assistant. He was drawn to University Sprinklers because they provide opportunity for growth, and they like to reward and promote hard workers like himself. He also loves to work outside, and gladly trades the discomfort of four months of working outside in the winter for the other eight months of working outside in our mild BC climate.

While Chad enjoys both commercial and residential work, he gets huge satisfaction in working with the hands-on residential customer who enjoys spending a whole lot of time in their garden. He holds his Irrigation Technician Level 2 certification and is also a Low Voltage Certified Technician. Chad works with homeowners in White Rock and South Surrey.

Email: chad@universitysprinklers.com

Preston has been with University Sprinklers since 1997 and has installed over 2500 systems in Greater Vancouver. He holds many industry accredited designations and certifications, including Certified Irrigation Designer, and Certified Low Voltage Electrician. As Residential Sales Manager, he enjoys meeting new customers daily, and developing not only positive business relationships, but many lasting friendships as well. His absolute commitment to 100% customer satisfaction continues to bring him greater success each year. Preston loves being Dad to his beautiful daughter Haley, Dad (in law) to Ash, and ‘Papa’ to his granddaughter Sawyer.

Preston is in charge of clients in the City of Vancouver, and South Burnaby.

Email: preston@universitysprinklers.com