Mick Hogan was guest speaker at the Rotary Club meeting. Mick grew up in Waaia, attending St Mary's in Nathalia. Left school aged 15 years and commenced an apprenticeship at Konigs in Shepparton. During his mechanical apprenticeship completed year 10.
Returned to family dairy farm but was more interested in machinery side. Branched out into hay contracting but was impacted by the drought. Took up laser driving, started earth moving, considering it better then milking. Bought an excavation business in Waaia, later moving the business to Numurkah.
Worked with Goulburn Murray Water on their water efficiency program. Business grew working on G.M. Water $2.2billion future flow connection program, replacing wheels with meters making outlets more efficient.
Strategies include everything from channel maintenance, channel lining, lasered channels, polypipe systems through to a fully automated pipe and riser system using patented Hogan Pressure Seal Riser system.
Business now has 40 employees from initial 4. Transitioning forward with developers, with focus to keep work force employed.