Toro Water Management team member, Rob Starr, was inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Starr was one of eight individuals honored over the weekend for contributions to the Green Industry.
Starr has extensive experience in advanced engineering, manufacturing technology and operations management. He joined The Toro Company in 2006, adding to the company’s expertise in water management innovation.
In addition to Starr’s technical skills, he is a tireless advocate for water management and efficiency. His enthusiastic, larger-than-life personality ideally fits his role as an ambassador for The Toro Company, and a relentless promoter of causes related to outdoor water conservation. Starr spends countless evenings and weekends speaking to the public about ways to save on outdoor water use. He was at the center of the creation of the first-of-its-kind weekly radio show, The Water Zone, to inform the public about water-related issues. He continues to produce and host the show five years later. In addition, Starr has been instrumental in educating and working with influencers, legislators and government agencies to develop standards and practices for efficient water management. Even with all this, Starr is a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.
“We are proud of Rob’s outstanding achievements and contributions to the Green Industry,” says John McPhee, general manager for Toro’s Irrigation Business. “He and all of those inducted are truly deserving. Their effort and dedication have made a lasting impact on the industry for the betterment of all.”
The Green Industry Hall of Fame was created in 2005. Inductees are recognized annually for contributions that have changed the industry through their work, inventions and innovation. Andy Bowden, principal of Land Concern, Tom Donnelly, president of BrightView Landscape Development, Rose Epperson, arborist at West Coast Arborists, Inc., Steve Hazzard, founder of Organic Control, Inc., David House, retiring president of Village Nurseries, Thomas House, past president and CEO of Village Nurseries, and Stephanie Landregan, director of UCLA Landscape Architecture Extension were also inducted for 2019.
The Water Zone radio show can be heard every Thursday at 6 p.m. PT on NBC News Radio stations KCAA 1050 AM, 102.3 FM and 106.5 FM. Podcasts can also be found at http://waterzone.podcast.toro.com/.