Landscape leader: Warren Gorowitz

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

Warren Gorowitz has always been passionate about the green industry, particularly in the area of sustainability in water management. With significant involvement and leadership spanning from his university days through his close ties with industry associations, both regionally and nationally, Gorowitz has a vested commitment to teaching, technology, water efficiency and environmental stewardship.

As a 22-year Ewing Irrigation veteran with extensive experience in water management, Gorowitz, who holds a bachelor’s of science degree in ornamental horticulture and an executive master’s of sustainability leadership degree, is currently the irrigation company’s vice president of sustainability. His responsibilities include the oversight of all sustainability initiatives, including Ewing’s environmental impact and broader sustainability efforts in the landscape industry.

Applying unending energies and skills to industry associations, Gorowitz has earned many titles. He’s currently vice president of the executive board of the Irrigation Association (IA) and is excited to be the president of that organization in 2018. “I look forward to being able to continue the positive work that the IA has done to be the recognized leader in promoting efficient irrigation technologies, products and services,” he says.

Gorowitz inspires green industry members to be more sustainable every day.

I’m a genuine, “what you see is what you get” person, and that is the foundation for who I am. Relationships are important to me, so I work hard to earn the trust in those around me. I do what I say I’m going to do and follow through on my commitments. I have found that being transparent is important to people. I’m not out to advance my own personal agenda, which has allowed me to be successful in my career.

Leadership is not something that you can take a class in or pass on a test. There’s a lot you can learn from others if you are not afraid to ask for help. I participate in industry associations, attend conferences and network with others because you never know who you’re going to meet and how they can help you.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the positive encouragement of my mother. Although she passed away in November of 2005, she taught me that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it and work hard. I’ve always been a hard worker because I am constantly striving to be better and help others to be better as well.

Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson had a lasting impression on how I approach my life not only in business but also personally. The premise of the book is about how we deal with change. As a good leader, you have to embrace change and be able to inspire others to do the same. To be successful in the world of sustainability, you’re often trying to get others to look at things from a different perspective, and this requires changing one’s mindset and viewpoint through patience and perseverance.

NALPs’ National Collegiate Landscape Competition is one of the most rewarding events because you have the opportunity to meet and work with landscape industry students from around North America who are competing against each other in various landscape competitions. To see their passion and excitement come alive and be among the future leaders of this industry is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader…they set out to make a difference.” I came across this quote from Conscious magazine and it exemplifies my motivation for leadership as I strive to make a difference in the lives of others. I realized early on in my career that it wasn’t about getting credit for everything I’ve done, it was more about how I could inspire others to be great.

The best learning comes when you try things outside your comfort zone and accept failure as an outcome, but also realize that it will make you a stronger person and a better leader in the long run.