Over the past ten years, I have installed, repaired, and maintained residential and commercial irrigation systems, learning the business from the ground up – starting on the outside and working as an installer and maintenance technician, learning every aspect of outside ground irrigation techniques and processes.
After several years of intense training and experience, I became co-owner of an Irrigation Company concentrating on the business end, while continuing to engage face-to-face with my customers and maintaining my expertise as an installer and service provider.
Coming full circle, I have now formed my own company that will ensure your irrigation needs are professionally met in a way that is mutually beneficial to each and every customer.
Todd Hancock, Owner/Operator
O’Fallon HS Walk of Fame Inductee
In 2014 I was totally surprised to find out that my high school golf coach, Dan May, nominated me to be inducted into the O’Fallon HS Walk of Fame for accomplishments in golf during high school, college, and outside events. These pictures represent the ceremony at half time of the HS basketball game where the award was presented and afterwards for some cake and drinks hosted for family and friends.
Golf League
One of my most favorite sports in which to participate and relax is playing golf. I took up the sport in grade school, played in high school, and played on a scholarship in College. I knew I wanted to sponsor a golf team, so the next several pictures represent the Thursday Night League team I sponsor at Tamarack Country Club. I have a great time with some good friends.
Fishing at my favorite retreat
Another sport I have learned to enjoy is fishing. A friend of mine has a retreat on the Lake of DuQuoin where I can relax, swim, fish, and at the end of the day, enjoy a beautiful sunset.
In The News!
The following story was published in the February 13th, 2019 edition of the O’Fallon Weekly Newspaper.
The 1992-1993 Panther Boys Golf Team was recognized for their achievements on Friday.
The Golf team had a record of 20-0-1 and were Edwardsville Invitational Campions, Conference Champions, IHSA Sectional Champions – the first in school history – and 11th place in the IHSA State Tournament.
The head coach for the 1992-1993 team was Dan May and assistant coach was Jeff Yates.
Student athletes on the golf team included: A.J. Adams, Jason Akley, Brian Bent, Brian Conley, Jeff Johns, Andy Villegas, Rob Reidelberger and Todd Hancock.
All athletes were recognized during the Friday halftime ceremony and given plaques.
The following interview was published in the July 1st, 2015 edition of the O’Fallon Weekly Newspaper.
Year Started:
I started this business in December 2014; however, over the past ten years, I have installed, repaired, and maintained residential and commercial systems, learning the business from the ground up. I worked as an installer and maintenance technician, learning every aspect of ground irrigation systems while working for another irrigation company. After several years of intense training and experience, I became co-owner of an Irrigation Company concentrating on the business end, while continuing to work face-to-face with my customers and maintaining my expertise as an installer and service provider. Coming full circle, I have now formed my own company that will ensure your irrigation needs are professionally met in a way that is mutually beneficial to every customer.
Can you tell us a little more about your business and what products and services you offer?
We are a specialized business concentrating only on installing, maintaining, and repairing new and existing irrigation systems. With that focus, we strive to provide unmatched quality and workmanship in all aspect of irrigation services from design, installation, spring start-ups, summer system checks to annual winterization.
Along with customer pleasing service, we use the highest quality products such as PVC Pipe instead of Poly, individual valve boxes, bigger and heavier gauge wire and larger capacity controller in case the customer wants to add additional zones later. These are just a few examples of the quality provided to the customer. We don’t want to have to come back in a year to repair a system that was just installed, costing the customer more, just because lesser quality products were used. In fact, a percentage of our business is repairing systems that were not installed by our company. We have built our business on performing the job right the first time.
For existing systems, in the Spring we “start up” the system. Our process is to come out, inspect your system and if everything is working correctly, we charge one flat fee. If we do find a problem that requires additional work, the customer will be notified and approve any additional work/costs before the work is started. With repairs to existing systems, the process is the same.
For new installations, I personally meet with each customer, assess their needs, and together we will determine what the best way is to meet those needs to include installing “drip” systems for your flower beds. Before any work is accomplished, a proposal is written, sent for the customer’s review, and if agreed, signed by both parties. Many times, we provide several options for the customer in the form of a proposal. That way, they have options to include design of the installation and cost. Our goal is to ensure that the customer is fully satisfied with the finished product.
At the customer’s request, we can come out anytime between your sprinkler spring opener and fall winterization and adjust your system. As winter approaches, it is necessary to prepare your irrigation system for the cold weather before it freezes.
What motivated you to open your own business?
After graduating from Lincoln college and going on to Western Ill University, I knew that whatever I did, I wanted it to be in my hometown. I am a lifelong resident of O’Fallon/Shiloh and a 2014 inductee into the O’Fallon High School Walk of Fame. I knew I wasn’t fit for a “desk” job – love the outside and wanted a profession that would allow me to be outside. After learning the “irrigation” business, I also knew I wanted to establish a business where I could interact with people and provide unmatched quality and workmanship in all aspects of the irrigation business. I am proud to represent my community.
Any suggestions for someone interested in opening a new business?
Do not underestimate the time, effort, and money it requires to start a new business from the ground up. First, you absolutely have to love what you do – you will be devoting most of your time to every aspect of the business in order to make it a success. Second, you must be prepared to make sacrifices. By that I mean, you will be working weekends and, when not physically working, thinking about the next step in the process. Third, there will be changes along the way – you won’t get everything right the first time. Don’t be afraid of change. And finally, you must have a strong support system and excellent employees to ensure the highest quality of work. In the end, however, if you are doing what you love, it is all worth it.