HydroPoint, a provider of smart water management solutions, appointed Eric Santos as vice president of professional services. In this role, Santos will lead HydroPoint’s Professional Services organization, supporting customers with scalable water management programs, technology deployment and measurable water conservation outcomes.
Santos brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in irrigation, water management and service delivery across the green industry. Most recently, he served as founder and president of Epic Irrigation Service and Management, where he provided irrigation auditing, consulting, training and smart water management services to commercial and residential clients. Prior to Epic, Santos spent nearly three decades with ValleyCrest Landscape, which later merged with The Brickman Group to become BrightView Landscape Services, where he rose to vice president of irrigation services and led large-scale water management and conservation initiatives, technical training programs and irrigation best practices across the organization.
Santos holds more than 13 irrigation and water management certifications, has served on numerous industry boards and advisory committees and is an active instructor for ReScape California and Las Positas College. In 2025, he was inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting contributions to irrigation education, innovation and water efficiency.
At HydroPoint, Santos will play a critical role in supporting the company’s continued growth by helping customers deploy water management technology at scale, aligning field operations with smart water data and achieving meaningful water conservation results.
“Eric’s expertise, leadership and passion for water efficiency are a strong match for HydroPoint’s mission,” said Paul Ciandrini, chief operating officer. “As we scale our solutions and expand our impact, his leadership will be instrumental in helping our customers succeed and in advancing smart water management across the industry.”
Bailey Nurseries announces the passing of Gordon Bailey, Jr.
Bailey Nurseries announced the passing of Gordon (Gordie) Bailey, Jr., third-generation family leader and longtime industry advocate, who died Jan. 29 — at age 90 — at his home in Newport, Minn.
For nearly 70 years Bailey worked at Bailey Nurseries, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth, culture and long-term vision. Known for his humility, deep knowledge of plants and unwavering belief in people, the company stated his influence extended well beyond the company to the broader horticulture industry.
“Gordie believed that success in this industry starts with people and plants,” said the Bailey family. “He cared deeply about creating opportunity for others, advancing innovation and growth within horticulture and stewarding the land and communities he loved.”
A respected industry leader, Bailey served as president of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for both MNLA and the American Nursery and Landscape Association. He also served as a trustee for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation, Saint John’s University and Carpenter Nature Center, among other organizations.
In addition to his leadership roles, Bailey was known for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for horticultural research and education. He spearheaded the Tour de Hort, cycling 2,100 miles across the United States to raise $1.25 million for the Horticultural Research Institute, and later climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at age 79 to help fund the construction of a girls’ school in Nairobi, Kenya.
A zealous plantsman, he was passionate about environmental stewardship, introduction of new genetics and growing great plants. His contributions include selecting notable varieties such as Frontyard Linden, Wildfire Winterberry and Shamrock Littleleaf Linden.
Bailey’s family added that he “was a humble, thoughtful and hardworking man who lived a full life. In his memoir, “Filled with Gratitude,” Bailey shared his perspective that leaves us with words to live by now and into the future:
“I am filled with gratitude as I have looked back on my life in writing this. I have so much to be grateful for, and so many to be grateful to. Gratitude is much like love in that it is never expressed enough.”
Plans to celebrate and remember Bailey’s life will be shared at a later date.
Ruppert Landscape promotes new Virginia branch manager
Ruppert Landscape has promoted Cynthia Corrales to branch manager in the company’s Fairfax, Va., landscape maintenance branch.
Corrales has been with Ruppert Landscape for more than a decade, joining the organization in 2014 as a receptionist in Gainesville, Va. She quickly advanced to branch administrator and later to area manager and then associate branch manager, where she played an integral role in building strong client relationships and supporting operational growth. She recently relocated to the Fairfax branch, which was established in early 2025 to accommodate growth in the Northern Virginia market, to continue building their team and operations.
“Cynthia brings a rare combination of operational expertise, relationship-building skills and a true commitment to her teams,” said Ethan Brown, region manager. “Her steady leadership and deep understanding of our business from both the administrative and operational sides make her the ideal person to lead our Fairfax branch as it continues to grow.”
In her new role, she will oversee branch operations, cultivate client relationships and support the continued growth of Ruppert Landscape’s maintenance presence in the Northern Virginia market. The Fairfax branch offers a full range of commercial landscaping services, including landscape maintenance, design and enhancements, turf care, irrigation management, pond and lake management, snow removal, arbor care and outdoor lighting and décor.
Massey Services promotes Michael Swanson to regional vice president
Massey Services, a provider of pest management and landscape industry services, promoted Michael Swanson to regional vice president. In this role, Swanson will lead the regional management team overseeing operations in Greater Houston, South Central Texas, North Texas, Oklahoma and The Villages.
Swanson began his career in the pest and lawn industry in 1987 with Middleton Lawn and Pest Control Company, which was acquired by Massey Services in 2009. Since joining Massey Services, he has played a pivotal role in expanding and developing multiple regions, including Florida’s East Coast, North Central Florida and The Villages.
In 2010, Swanson was appointed regional manager of the North Florida Region, covering the Jacksonville market. He transitioned to Central Florida in 2014 as regional manager of the North Central Region and, in 2023, was appointed to lead The Villages region. Throughout his career, Swanson has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence and fostering a culture of high performance, according to the company.
“Mike brings a great combination of operational expertise, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to developing people,” said Tony Massey, president and CEO. “We have seen significant growth in the markets that Mike has managed through his ability to build, develop and inspire high-performing teams that are committed to total customer satisfaction.”
