In this episode of The Sprinkler Nerd Show, host Andy Humphrey starts off with an unapologetically bold greeting to illustrate the power of authenticity and grab listeners’ attention. He gives a personal shout-out to friends, mentors, and colleagues he connected with during the week—highlighting the importance of real human relationships in an increasingly AI-dominated world.

From there, Andy explores the rapid growth of AI and how it’s poised to deliver personalized, mass-produced podcast content—comparing it to Walmart’s ability to provide inexpensive, standardized groceries. But just as many people still prefer organic, home-cooked meals, Andy argues that listeners will continue to value authentic, human-created content. He emphasizes that AI, while a remarkable tool, simply can’t capture the spontaneous quirks and genuine emotion inherent in a show crafted by a real person.

Ultimately, Andy encourages creators (and listeners) to lean into their unique perspectives and passions. By embracing technology where it’s helpful but maintaining the “handcrafted” essence of podcasting, we can build deeper connections and a vibrant community that values the human touch—something no AI can replicate.

Hello, friends!

I wanted to take a moment to share a quick update on what’s happening this week. I’ll be traveling to Calgary and Edmonton, Canada, for the SiteOne Landscape Supply One Stop events. On Tuesday, I’ll be at the Calgary event, and then on Thursday, I’ll attend the Edmonton event. After that, I’ll head back to the airport Thursday night and fly home on Friday.

I had to adjust my travel plans a bit, departing from Grand Rapids instead of my usual airport because, upon my return, I’ll be meeting up with my daughter. We’re headed straight to a volleyball tournament in LaPorte, Indiana—an exciting way to wrap up the week!

If you’re in the Calgary or Edmonton area, I’d love for you to stop by the SiteOne events. Please make it a point to say hello! It’s always a pleasure meeting industry professionals, and I’d love to hear what’s happening in your world.

An Update on Project Harmony

For those of you following my journey to bring affordable wireless soil moisture sensors to market, I wanted to share some exciting news. We’ve successfully deployed a few hundred beta sensors—yes, handcrafted by yours truly! The beta launch has been a huge success, and if you’d like to learn more about Project Harmony, visit harmonyanalytica.com.

If you’re interested in participating in the beta program, you can receive a sensor and Wi-Fi hub for just $100. Simply visit harmonyanalytica.com/beta to sign up.

I’m also looking for industry professionals who want to integrate wireless sensors into their business. I’m even considering launching a private group for beta users. In this group, I’d share everything I’ve learned on this journey, and together, we could build the next generation of water analytics and landscape insights.

Behind the Scenes of Sensor Development

What’s fascinating about bringing sensors to market is that the biggest challenge hasn’t been the measurements—it’s been the manufacturing process. I’ve learned so much about 3D printing, epoxies, potting materials, and even things like glue types and vapor smoothing chambers.

Right now, it’s a 2-to-1 process—for every two sensors I manufacture, only one makes it to the field. Many work perfectly but have small cosmetic blemishes, making them unsellable based on current standards. This is one idea I’m considering for the beta group: offering these fully functional but slightly imperfect devices at no charge for testing and learning.

If you’re curious about how wireless sensors work, how they can add value to your business, and how we can revolutionize the industry together, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s create the next wave of innovation outside of the traditional wholesale landscape manufacturers.

That’s my week ahead! I look forward to meeting any of you who are in Western Canada at the Calgary or Edmonton SiteOne One Stop events. Stop by and say hi—I’d love to connect.

Thanks for listening, and let’s keep innovating!

In this episode, we uncover a remarkable story hidden in plain sight: Ronald Wayne, the often-overlooked third co-founder of Apple. While Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak achieved legendary status, Wayne’s name is hardly mentioned in the tech world—even though he helped draft Apple’s original partnership agreement and designed its first logo. After just twelve days, he chose to walk away from his 10% stake in Apple for a mere $800, a decision that would come to symbolize both the enormity of risk and the unpredictability of life.

I share how my son, Drew, and I stumbled upon Wayne at an afterparty during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This unexpected meeting led to an eye-opening conversation about everything from historical shifts in monetary policy to Wayne’s current passion for investing in silver. Drawing on Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, he argues that today’s fiat currencies are on shaky ground and sees silver as a tangible asset that may protect wealth when paper money loses its luster.

Throughout our chat, Wayne’s calm conviction and life experiences shine through. He exemplifies the power of informed decision-making, a willingness to pivot when necessary, and an unwavering commitment to charting one’s own course. Despite leaving behind what could have been billions, he found fulfillment in engineering pursuits and personal independence.

Tune in to hear my reflections on Wayne’s journey and the lessons we can all draw from his story. If you’re curious about his detailed thoughts on the future of money, stick around for the recorded audio of our conversation with Ronald Wayne himself. It may be a bit difficult to hear at times, but it’s worth the listen if you want to glean insights from one of Apple’s most intriguing figures.

• I invented new IoT products. I developed a wireless cloud solution to connect industrial weigh scales to the cloud—something that hadn’t been done before.
• I learned to set up a Raspberry Pi. This opened the door to new technical possibilities.
• I dove into LoRa. I explored how this long-range wireless technology is shaping IoT.
• I attended the largest LoRa conference in Amsterdam. It gave me a front-row seat to the next big technology curve.

TL;DR:::::::

1. Embrace an Open Mindset: Keeping an open mind is crucial for discovering new opportunities and innovations.
2. Importance of New Conversations: Engaging with new people and ideas can lead to significant breakthroughs.
3. Technology and Innovation: Encountering groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize the irrigation industry.
4. Overcoming Initial Bias: It's essential to look beyond initial skepticism or bias towards new ideas and products.
5. Creating Luck: Luck is often the result of continuous effort and openness to opportunities rather than mere chance.

In this episode of the Sprinkler Nerd Show, host Andy Humphrey discusses the concept of keeping one’s “eyes wide open” as a way to stay receptive to new ideas, opportunities, and innovations, particularly within the irrigation and landscape industry. He emphasizes the importance of an open mindset in both personal and professional contexts.

Andy begins by explaining that expressing thoughts out loud helps him remember them better. This episode serves as a reminder to himself and his listeners to stay open-minded. He introduces the concept of "eyes wide open," which he describes as the practice of seeing beyond what we want to see and remaining aware of what actually exists and what possibilities might be available.

He recounts an experience from earlier in the day, where he had an unexpectedly profound conversation with an entrepreneur developing innovative technology outside the United States. Initially hesitant to engage, Andy decided to attend the meeting with an open mind and was amazed by the groundbreaking software technology relevant to his industry. This encounter reinforced his belief in the value of being open to new ideas and perspectives.

Andy highlights how easy it is to dismiss new products or ideas, especially when one is loyal to a particular brand or has had negative experiences with other brands. He notes that often, people approach new conversations with a closed mindset, either out of habit or preconceived notions. This can lead to missed opportunities and hinder progress. By contrast, approaching interactions with an open mind allows for potential discoveries and innovations.

He uses the example of his industry, where brands like Rain Bird or Hunter are predominant, and how professionals might resist considering products from other brands due to brand loyalty or preconceived biases. He stresses that it’s crucial to entertain new ideas and test new products to stay ahead in the industry. This open-minded approach can lead to significant advancements and better solutions.

Andy also addresses the concept of luck, challenging the common perception that successful people are merely lucky. He argues that what appears to be luck is often the result of numerous efforts and opportunities seized over time. By keeping their eyes wide open, individuals can create their own luck through continuous learning and openness to new possibilities.

This podcast episode is a motivational reminder for professionals to maintain an open mind and actively seek new knowledge and experiences. Andy encourages his listeners to engage with new people, explore new technologies, and be willing to entertain meetings and conversations that might initially seem unimportant. He believes that this mindset will lead to personal and professional growth and ultimately contribute to shaping a successful future.

In conclusion, Andy Humphrey’s message in this episode is clear: staying open-minded and receptive to new ideas and opportunities is essential for innovation and success. By embracing an "eyes wide open" approach, individuals can overcome biases, discover groundbreaking technologies, and create their own luck through continuous effort and engagement with the world around them.