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#160 - Zigging While Others Zag

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

Release Date: 03/22/2024

#183 - For Immediate Release, Patent US3808385 show art #183 - For Immediate Release, Patent US3808385

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

For immediate release—breaking news, kind of. In this solo episode of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, Andy dives into what seems like a revolutionary product: a mechanical rain sensor that requires no batteries, no Wi-Fi, no firmware updates—just pure, functional design. It shuts off irrigation during rainfall and turns it back on when conditions dry out, all thanks to hygroscopic discs that expand and contract to trigger a simple switch. This device sounds like the newest drop in water-saving technology—until Andy reveals the twist: it's not new at all. In fact, it's based on US Patent...

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#182 - Approachable 2-Wire with Rain Bird's Steve Barendt show art #182 - Approachable 2-Wire with Rain Bird's Steve Barendt

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

YouTube Short:    Summary In this episode of the Sprinkler Nerd Show, host Andy Humphrey sits down with Steve Barendt from Rain Bird to explore the company’s new ESP 2-Wire Controller—a product that’s making 2-wire irrigation systems significantly more approachable for contractors who may have previously avoided them due to complexity.   The Origin of the Conversation Andy first encountered Steve at the IA Show, where Steve delivered an impromptu 2-minute elevator pitch on the new controller. That pitch sparked Andy’s interest in Rain Bird’s new approach to...

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#181 - Ohio Goes Wireless show art #181 - Ohio Goes Wireless

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

Andy introducing wireless sensor technology to Ohio and riffs about the "RHYTHM" of the landscape.

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#180 - Behind The Scenes - Making LoRaWAN Soil Moisture Sensors show art #180 - Behind The Scenes - Making LoRaWAN Soil Moisture Sensors

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

In this episode, Andy shares his process for manufacturing LoRaWAN wireless soil moisture sensors.

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#179 - Project Harmony Advisory Team show art #179 - Project Harmony Advisory Team

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

      What does the future hold for your landscape business?   Well, if you ask nine experts, you’ll get 10 different answers. Some say we’re heading for a lush, thriving growing season; others predict drought conditions. Some insist we’ll get just enough rain this year—and someone else insists it’s never enough. Let’s be honest, nobody really knows...   But now...there is one surefire way to future-proof your business and how you manage high asset value crops:   Harmony Analytica.   Harmony is the FIRST sensor analytics platform made for...

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#178 - Bespoke or A.I. show art #178 - Bespoke or A.I.

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

In this episode of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, host Andy Humphrey starts off with an unapologetically bold greeting to illustrate the power of authenticity and grab listeners’ attention. He gives a personal shout-out to friends, mentors, and colleagues he connected with during the week—highlighting the importance of real human relationships in an increasingly AI-dominated world. From there, Andy explores the rapid growth of AI and how it’s poised to deliver personalized, mass-produced podcast content—comparing it to Walmart’s ability to provide inexpensive, standardized groceries. But...

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#177 - Canada & Project Harmony Update show art #177 - Canada & Project Harmony Update

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

Hello, friends! I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update on what’s happening this week. I’ll be traveling to Calgary and Edmonton, Canada, for the SiteOne Landscape Supply One Stop events. On Tuesday, I’ll be at the Calgary event, and then on Thursday, I’ll attend the Edmonton event. After that, I’ll head back to the airport Thursday night and fly home on Friday. I had to adjust my travel plans a bit, departing from Grand Rapids instead of my usual airport because, upon my return, I’ll be meeting up with my daughter. We’re headed straight to a volleyball tournament in...

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#176 - Let's Go Out To Dinner And See a Forecast show art #176 - Let's Go Out To Dinner And See a Forecast

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

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#175 - Apple’s Forgotten Founder: Ronald Wayne’s Secret to Tomorrow’s Money show art #175 - Apple’s Forgotten Founder: Ronald Wayne’s Secret to Tomorrow’s Money

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

In this episode, we uncover a remarkable story hidden in plain sight: Ronald Wayne, the often-overlooked third co-founder of Apple. While Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak achieved legendary status, Wayne’s name is hardly mentioned in the tech world—even though he helped draft Apple’s original partnership agreement and designed its first logo. After just twelve days, he chose to walk away from his 10% stake in Apple for a mere $800, a decision that would come to symbolize both the enormity of risk and the unpredictability of life. I share how my son, Drew, and I stumbled upon Wayne at an...

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#174 - The Sandbox Adventure show art #174 - The Sandbox Adventure

The Sprinkler Nerd Show

Today, I’m sharing the story of my six-month recharge. Six months that pulled me out of my comfort zone and into a world of new challenges, new skills, and new possibilities. This wasn’t a vacation—it was six months of diving into the sandbox, experimenting, and solving problems I’d never faced before.   And here’s the thing: If I can do this, you can too. So, join me on this creative adventure as we look ahead to 2025 and all the possibilities waiting for us.   This is the story of my six-month recharge —-- six months that transformed how I think, work, and approach...

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More Episodes

In the latest episode of the "Sprinkler Nerd Show," host Andy shares his insights on the importance of being unconventional in the irrigation and landscape industry. Below are key thoughts highlighted from the discussion:

  • Embrace Unconventionality: Humphrey emphasizes the need for businesses to stand out by being the "orange in the apple bin," advocating for a distinct approach to conventional industry practices.

  • Question the Status Quo: He encourages listeners to think differently by asking unique questions to clients, proposing innovative solutions, and redefining the customer interaction experience to set themselves apart from competitors.

  • Redefine Industry Standards: By adopting unconventional methods, such as integrating advanced technologies like soil moisture sensors, businesses can lead the market and force competitors to follow their innovative practices.

  • Zig When Others Zag: Humphrey highlights the advantage of going against the grain, suggesting that by choosing less traveled paths, businesses can find shorter lines to success, symbolizing less competition and a more distinct market position.

  • Challenge Perceived Limitations: He inspires businesses to question why certain practices are avoided in the industry and to explore these areas as potential opportunities for innovation and differentiation.

  • Change the Game: Humphrey posits that by being unconventional, businesses can not only set new trends but also change the rules of the game, compelling even large competitors to adapt to these new standards.

  • Seek Opportunities for Innovation: The discussion suggests looking for what is missing in current offerings and exploring unconventional solutions that could potentially change the future of the industry.

  • Encourage a Mindset of Exploration: By sharing his upcoming vacation plans and the prospect of unconventional thoughts it might inspire, Humphrey models the behavior of seeking inspiration from outside the industry to bring fresh ideas to one's business.

  • Value of Continuous Learning: Ending on the note of appreciating his audience for seeking knowledge through podcasts, Humphrey underscores the importance of continuous learning and staying open to new ideas as a way to achieve unconventional success.

This summary captures Andy Humphrey’s message of leveraging unconventional thinking as a strategic tool for differentiation and leadership in the irrigation and landscape industry, encouraging businesses to innovate and redefine industry standards.