H2O-Matic is an individual propriety, owned and operated by Rick Battaglia. The following story reveals how he became an irrigation contractor.

    Rick didn’t set out in life to work in the irrigation industry. After graduation from High School his dream was Aviation. After attending Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics he began his career as a Maintenance Technician with Apollo Airways in Santa Barbara California. In the late 70’s and early 80’s it was difficult for the airline industry. As each airline he worked for failed, he searched for another. From Apollo he when to work for Carol O’ Conner “Archie Bunker” in Burbank, California, then to Pacific Coast Airlines back in Santa Barbara. Just before Pacific Coast Airlines was to close its doors for good, Rick landed a Job with US Air in Los Angeles in 1985. From there he held different positions in maintenance, including; Maintenance Inspector, Lead Mechanic and Line maintenance mechanic in 7 different cities and 6 different states. Finally he came to rest in the wonderful city of Charlotte in 1989.

    After living in a condo on Lake Norman for 3 years, Rick and his wife Michelle purchased a house in Concord NC soon after the birth of their first child. During the first year at that home, Rick decided to install an irrigation system and that appeared to put him at a cross road that would ultimately change his life. After installing this first system, he was quickly asked to help friends and neighbors with installing theirs. One thing lead to another and the next thing he know he had an impressive list of clients. His company was featured on HGTV’s “Designers Landscape”

    As each year passed his business grew until in 1999 the business was too big to operate properly and continue to work for US Air. At that time his company was installing about 130 systems a year. The 18 hours a day seems weigh heavy on Rick’s mind with 2 children, Rick and Michelle decided to give up one or the other. After thinking and praying about the decision, they agreed to accept an offer to sell from a large landscape contractor in Huntersville North Carolina, that was interested in expanding into Irrigation.

    As time past Rick realized he still had a passion for the irrigation business and the personal contact that owning such a business provides. When he was offered a buy out from US Airways he made the decision to leave aviation and return to irrigation. Since that day he has never looked back. The business has flurished and prospered. Rick has received great personal satisfaction being able to meet and interact with the community and share the blessings God has provided.

    Today Rick operates H2O-Matic Irrigation in a manner that offers the Quality, Service and Customer Satisfaction that can’t be matched.