Seminar Dates: November 13, 2025 8:00 AM
Seminar Cost: $45.00 Register Now
Seminar Description:
This seminar will delve into the process of retrofitting existing projects currently lacking Smart Controller technology to incorporate the latest advancements in controller technology.
Exploration of Rebate Funding Opportunities:
A thorough examination of potential rebate funding sources.
· Budgetary Considerations:
In-depth analysis of the financial implications, considering both upfront costs and ongoing communication expenses.
· Evaluation of Communication Costs vs. Upfront Costs:
A detailed examination of the trade-offs between ongoing communication costs and upfront investment.
· Communication System Evaluation:
A comprehensive assessment of the various types of current communication technology and its compatibility with the Smart Controllers on the market.
· Feasibility Analysis for Flow Sensing:
Examination of the feasibility of integrating flow sensing capabilities into the retrofit process.
· Considerations for Master Valve Integration:
Evaluation of the implications and considerations associated with incorporating a master valve into the upgraded system.
· Exploration of Mobile Applications:
Investigation into the potential applications and benefits of mobile technology in conjunction with Smart Controller systems.
· Labor Considerations for Retrofitting:
Deliberation on the labor aspects involved in the retrofitting process, including considerations for public versus private sector projects.
This seminar aims to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the retrofit process, addressing key considerations and potential challenges associated with the integration of Smart Controller technology into existing projects.
Learning Objectives:
1. Conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the viability of transitioning an ongoing project to incorporate smart controller technology.
2. Investigate and analyze the diverse communication alternatives accessible for the integration of smart controller technology.
3. Evaluate and identify potential rebate opportunities applicable to the project, considering all available options.
Mark Pedicone
Mark Pedicone has been in the landscape irrigation industry in Southern California for over 40 years. After attending Fullerton College, Mark graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture. He had a short stint managing a retail nursery. Mark entered the landscape irrigation field and he was hired by the Irrometer Company to be their landscape irrigation specialist. In the three years that Mark worked for Irrometer, he had a chance to experience many aspects of the landscape irrigation trade in Southern California. He got to work with the leaders in landscape architecture, irrigation design, distribution, and with many irrigation manufacturers. During this time Mark was one of the original founding members of the Southern California Xeriscape Committee and served with that group for many years.
Shortly thereafter, Mark was hired away from Irrometer to become the Southern California District Sales Manager for Rain Bird, where he managed the largest irrigation market in the country. During his time as D.M. for Rain Bird, he was awarded their District Manager of the Year award. Mark also served during this time as the President of the Southern California Turfgrass Council, an organization of landscape professionals involved in the turfgrass industry.
After serving for over 5 years in this capacity he went on to become their commercial product manager in charge of development of all turf commercial products. He worked on such products as Maxicom, PE valves, Backflow, RainCad and IDA, 1800’s and VAN nozzles just to name a few. After serving as product manager for 6 years, Mark left Rain Bird and worked as a Water Conservation Specialist working with numerous HOA’s and Property Management groups in Southern California helping them to develop water conservation plans and irrigation retrofit programs.
Mark then went to work for Hydro-Scape Products, where he started their Hydro-Safe/Specification division. He was directly responsible for the sales of some of the largest central control systems in this market including the City of Walnut, City of Irvine, La Dera Ranch, and Los Flores to name a few. He was then promoted to General Sales Manager and served in that capacity managing a sales force of nearly 20
outside salesmen.
From 2009 to 2016 Mark worked to help ET Water become one of the leaders in smart irrigation control systems as their Regional Sales Manager, Marketing Assistant, local Sales and Sales Support, and helped to develop their distribution business
for the company.
From 2016 to present Mark has been employed by Imperial Sprinkler Supply company and works within the Imperial Technical Services department as liaison between the division and manufacturers, as their business development sales person working with cities, municipalities, HOA’s and others.
