Hall Of Fame Inductees

 

The individuals nominated should have made a significant impact or positive influence that assures the future of our industry in the lives of generations to come.

 

Once nominated, an individual’s biography and photo are updated on the site, and he or she is placed in the polls for voting. At the end of the year the committee takes into consideration the votes and decides which candidates are inducted.

 

Those with a star (*) next to their name below were either inducted posthumously or have passed away since being inducted.

 

Nomination Qualifications

  • Person with integrity and passion
  • Minimum 20 years in industry
  • Someone who has developed  or invented  new technology
  • Has made contributions that resulted in change
  • Contributed to mankind’s needs in his field
  • Provided education and encouragement  with self-sacrifice
  • Changed the industry

Raul Gonzalez   -   Vice President - Industry Relations

Raul Gonzalez has dedicated more than four decades to advancing the irrigation and landscape industry through leadership, education, and professional service. His career began with 12 years in irrigation wholesale distribution, starting as a delivery driver for a Buckner authorized distributor in Los Angeles before gaining experience with three additional Southern California distributors.

In 1982, Raul joined Ewing Irrigation Products and was entrusted with opening the company's first Southern California branch—the tenth Ewing location overall. Located in South El Monte, California, the branch opened in April 1983 and marked the beginning of Ewing's expansion into Southern California. Since that time, Ewing has grown into the nation's largest family-owned distributor of irrigation, landscape, and bulk material supplies, with more than 250 locations across 29 states and now entering its fourth generation of family leadership.

Raul began his career with Ewing as a Branch Manager before advancing to Southern California and Nevada Regional Manager. As the company continued its national expansion, he transitioned into the marketing department, where he led local and national trade show coordination while supporting numerous customer education and public relations initiatives throughout the country.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Raul has presented technical education programs to landscape and irrigation professionals in both languages, specializing in irrigation system evaluation, troubleshooting, and water management.

Throughout his career, Raul has been deeply committed to professional development and industry service. He has been an active member of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) at both the local and statewide levels and has served as a certified instructor for the Irrigation Association. He earned certification as a Landscape Irrigation Auditor (LIA) and also served on the board of the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, supporting the EPA WaterSense initiative and sustainable landscape practices.

As a member of Ewing's Education Department, Raul traveled throughout the United States providing educational programs for contractors, irrigation professionals, and industry associations. His training focused on improving technical knowledge, professional skills, and water-efficient irrigation practices. He also became a regular presenter for Ewing Service Professionals, delivering instruction in irrigation, water efficiency, presentation skills, customer service, and leadership, helping strengthen the company's commitment to exceptional customer service across its nationwide network.

Today, Raul continues to contribute to the industry by working with Ewing's Learning and Development Department to develop enhanced training curriculum for service professionals and future company leaders.

Throughout his career, Raul Gonzalez has remained committed to improving the irrigation and landscape profession through education, mentorship, leadership, and service. He considers it both an honor and a privilege to contribute to an industry that has provided him with a rewarding career while helping others succeed.