July 6, 2021
Lorne Haveruk on the importance of always giving 120 per cent
Lorne Haveruk
“I was sitting with my wife in California, where it’s very dry, just having a little drink and watching the sunset,” reminisces the Principal of the Toronto, Ont.-based Diamond Head Water Management Services. “Then, up pops a sprinkler head out of the lawn, does it’s watering and drops back down. My wife looked at me and said ‘wow that’s amazing, you should do that up in Toronto.’”
And so, he did. After months of research, Haveruk decided to start Diamond Head Sprinklers, in 1989. Before that, he had been an avid member of the ski industry and developed a strong understanding of snow making, water, pumps, electrical, plumbing and distribution — the building blocks for his business.
As he developed the company, Haveruk quickly realized freshwater for future generations would become a pressing issue.
“That’s why I started Diamond Head Water Management Services two years later in 1991,” says Haveruk. “The idea was to help teach people how to use water properly. That’s my biggest thing: don’t waste water.”
He started by teaching his own staff. Since then, Haveruk has taught over 400 irrigation companies and countless students through Landscape Ontario’s school of irrigation (part of the association’s annual Professional Development Seminar Series).
“It’s an intense program [at Landscape Ontario]. You get to hear about it, touch the products and then go to the greenhouse — build it, tear it apart, build it again, troubleshoot it and everything,” explains Haveruk. “By the end [students] will walk out having so much knowledge that their head will hurt.”
Haveruk hopes to provide students with a robust understanding of water systems and products in a concise and cohesive manner. As a Certified Irrigation Designer, irrigation contractor, landscape irrigation auditor, golf irrigation auditor, auditor practitioner for California and Nevada and lead associate, he certainly practices what he preaches. “When I want something, I go 120 per cent,” says Haveruk. “Do what you’re passionate about — that’s what I tell other people. It’s the most important thing because ultimately, it’s what makes you get out of bed on a Monday morning.”
For those looking to enter the field, Haveruk believes the easiest way to learn about irrigation, or whatever they’re interested in, is to get involved. He urges others to jump into the working world but also supplement their learning with classes and conferences that can help with networking and professional development.
“The school of irrigation is pretty amazing,” says Haveruk. “I’m really proud of the fact that I’ve been able to help, teach and point people in the right direction.”