Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Robert Summers Of Root Quencher Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Navigating Software Can Be Challenging: From websites to marketing platforms, I’ve invested in solutions that didn’t deliver the expected value. The lesson here is the importance of seeking guidance before committing to software, ensuring that it truly aligns with business needs and goals.
As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Summers.
Robert Summers, visionary innovator and the driving force behind Root Quencher, has revolutionized the world of plant care. As the founder of Root Quencher, he has harnessed his passion for gardening and sustainability to create a groundbreaking deep surface watering device. With an unwavering commitment to both botanical health and water conservation, Robert’s invention exemplifies his dedication to transforming how we nurture and sustain our natural environment- including our front yard, garden, and more.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I was raised in Pasadena, CA by my highly-educated, and hard-working set of parents. My mother was a chemist and my father an engineer. Despite their own intellectual excellence and dedication to hard work, I was never pushed that hard. Still, I knew their unvoiced expectations were high.
Outside of their careers, they both held a deep passion for gardening and were obsessed with doing it to the best of their abilities (which of course, involved science). They even continued their education to delve deeper into gardening. They used their knowledge to mix their own fertilizers to tend to each plants’ unique nutritional needs.
I supposed their obsession with gardening and learning exactly what plants need rubbed off on me. This passion led to the invention of Root Quencher, a subsurface watering innovation that effectively water plants that help them thrive.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
I wish I could say that the inception of our organization was an effort toward positive social impact, but in the beginning, my wife and I really just wanted to save our own fruit trees. In doing so, we created a device that just so happens to support water conservation efforts. Though that wasn’t our initial plan, we were incredibly excited to discover the impact our organization could make by sharing Root Quencher products with the world!
At Root Quencher and In Deep Irrigation, we are not only committed to water savings, but also help with the development of local farms, educating on the importance of growing your own food, and educating the benefits of composting and recycling. Subsurface watering is just a part of the greater picture; for us it is a commitment to making sure more people understand the importance of not wasting our most precious natural resource — water.
This is not something we just say to make sales. For us, it is bigger than that, which is why we help others set up compost brewers, host free educational events, and why we practice what we preach on our own farm through a year-round greenhouse, subsurface watering, utilizing homemade compost tea, and more.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
The backstory of our efforts started when my wife Maria and I received news from arborists, horticulturists, and other specialists who all told us our fruit trees were past the point of being able to revive. These trees were very sentimental to me because they were the ones my parents had so carefully cultivated and nurtured for over 50 years. Most of the professionals told us that they were beyond saving and the best we could do was tear them out and start anew.
We weren’t willing to give up yet, though. We did extensive research, met with specialists, and decided to develop our own solution. What we came up with was a device that provided the unique hydration and nutritional benefits of each tree- Root Quencher, and now the Root Quencher Spike and Root Quencher Jr., to meet all landscaping and garden needs.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
At first, our subsurface watering device was just for us, but the results were so outstanding that we knew we had to share it with the world. A year after installing our prototypes, we recognized that we had something truly innovative and dynamic from other watering devices. Using Root Quencher on our own landscape helped our trees thrive with the fruit yield at the highest we had seen in many years, the leaves were healthy, and the growth no longer appeared to be stunted. So we agreed to patent our device, committed to manufacturing it in the United States, and named it Root Quencher.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
At first, we couldn’t help but question whether or not we were simply consumed with pride or if our innovation was really as great as we thought. So we conducted a focus group. The results were as we thought; people shared it was a wonderful product! From there, we did a lot of praying and sought out the wisdom and counsel of an IP Atorney, CPA, Investment Counselor, and others.
Of course, that was just the beginning. It was much like putting the pieces together where we had to source a US-based manufacturer, determine a pricing strategy, build a website, make packaging decisions, and hire a team of professionals to help us carry out other business-related tasks.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
We are still a relatively young company so everything is still new and interesting at this point. That being said, there is not a single event that stands out in my mind. Instead, I find the most interesting and notable story to be those of the people we have been lucky enough to have met along the way. Root Quencher has put some truly incredible people on our path, each with a story that has contributed to our growth — from our CAD designer to our CPA and IP Attorney, we have been led to some of the most amazing professionals we could hope for. Perhaps, that is not the type of story you had hoped for in asking that question, but for us, it is definitely the most significant.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?
During the initial phases, we had this ambitious idea of incorporating an auger into the base of the Root Quencher, envisioning a self-drilling mechanism that seemed ingenious to me. Despite some reservations from my team, I was enamored with the concept. The moment of truth came when I eagerly attempted to drill it into compacted soil. To my chagrin, it became evident that the auger was no match for the hard ground, and my lofty self-drilling dream came crashing down. That 3D mockup had dazzled me, but reality had other plans. This misadventure taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of practicality over mere innovation, and the significance of heeding the wisdom of my team.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
In the early stages of our company, a supportive focus group validated interest in our product. Encouragement poured in from those who championed our endeavor — a U.S.-made product led by a CEO who was both a woman and a minority. Their belief mirrored our LLC’s values of honesty, collaboration, and education-centric growth.Root Quenchers now stand not only as a product but as a symbol of communal learning and progress. Thanks to these mentors, success transcended the product itself, embracing a broader ethos of positive transformation and conservation.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
In our journey, we’ve encountered limited backing from local authorities and governments. We feel that it’s crucial for the community, society, and politicians to prioritize water conservation as a paramount concern, given the critical importance of efficient utilization of our invaluable natural resource. Additionally, recognizing the significance of plant and tree health, promoting the effective and proper use of water, and advocating for soil health can contribute significantly to addressing the core of the issue we aim to solve. By collectively focusing on these aspects, we can establish a foundation for sustainable practices that not only address immediate challenges but also pave the way for a greener and more harmonious future.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Embracing sustainability and environmental consciousness in business can absolutely drive profitability in profound ways. While we’re still in the process of embedding these values in our market, the potential impact is unmistakable. Take, for instance, a hypothetical story of a landscaping company adopting eco-friendly practices: By transitioning to electric or low-emission equipment, implementing water-efficient irrigation methods, and prioritizing organic fertilizers, the company not only reduces its carbon footprint but also attracts a growing clientele that values sustainability. This shift could position the business as an industry leader, fostering customer loyalty and setting higher price points for premium eco-conscious services. As consumer preferences align more closely with sustainability, the company’s commitment not only benefits the environment but also propels it toward substantial success.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Marketing Insights Matter: The search for an effective marketer has been a journey. Over the past three years, I’ve engaged with five agencies and numerous individuals, all in pursuit of someone who shares my enthusiasm for analytics and business success. Through this process, I’ve learned that not all marketers prioritize data-driven strategies, and finding the right match is crucial to aligning marketing efforts with measurable results.
- Navigating Software Can Be Challenging: From websites to marketing platforms, I’ve invested in solutions that didn’t deliver the expected value. The lesson here is the importance of seeking guidance before committing to software, ensuring that it truly aligns with business needs and goals.
- The Power of Influence Is Essential: A surprising revelation was that success isn’t solely dependent on product quality. Gaining visibility and influence in the market often requires financial investment. It became apparent that having a remarkable product is just the first step — building relationships and allocating resources for market influence is equally essential.
- Breaking Barriers in a Traditional Industry Isn’t Easy: The irrigation business revealed itself as an “old boys club,” posing hurdles to innovation from outsiders. Overcoming resistance within the industry proved challenging, particularly among contractors who showed reluctance to embrace novel solutions. This experience underscores the need for persistence and strategic partnerships to drive change in established sectors.
- The Digital Sphere Is Essential and Takes Resilience: Social media’s impact was unexpectedly intense. Engaging with trolls and facing negative comments proved tougher than anticipated. Navigating social media requires a thick skin, as dealing with detractors demands a balanced approach between addressing concerns and maintaining a resilient stance.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
It all comes down to honoring legacies of the past and making a legacy for yourself. Root Quencher was born out of the desire to honor the legacy of my parents. I see deep watering, composting, rainwater collection/usage, reclaimed water, and moisture-sensing irrigation devices as exciting frontiers in the irrigation industry. Innovation doesn’t need to be a scary thing, we can use the knowledge and technologies we have today to fix the mistakes of the past, simplify processes, and honor legacies of others, all while making a name for ourselves.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The golden rule — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This quote has been my guiding principle, especially in business. Even when faced with those who might take advantage, I’ve upheld honesty and fairness, and ultimately, this approach has proven rewarding and sets a strong ethical foundation often lacking in today’s business world.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
Mark Cuban is a powerful business strategist with fascinatingly diversified interests. I’d love to have the chance to sit down to a meal with him and draw on his expertise.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can stay in touch with us by signing up for our newsletter, where we share gardening tips and tricks and special offers or by following us on social media.
Newsletter Sign-up: https://rootquencher.activehosted.com/f/1
Instagram — @rootquencher
Facebook — @rqindeepirrigation
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Robert Summers Of Root Quencher Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.