Fifty-One Years and Countless Bonds: Celebrating Jeff Deming

Fifty-one years is a long time. More than that, it's an era marked by growth, change, and countless stories along the way. In a world where staying at a company for five years feels rare, dedicating over FIVE DECADES to a single line of work is nearly unheard of.

So 51 years ago, Jeff Deming took what was supposed to be a quick summer job at an irrigation supply company in San Leandro before heading off to study journalism. Instead of going back to school, he fell in love with the industry and stuck around, building a truly remarkable career.

Now, on August 28th, 2026, Jeff's officially hanging up his hat and stepping into a well-earned retirement.
 

Here's a little background on Jeff.

Rising quickly from store manager to regional operations leadership, Jeff showed early on that he not only understood the business but lived it. Over the next five decades, he held a variety of leadership roles across some of the industry's most respected organizations, ultimately serving as Vice President of Sales and Operations before taking on district leadership responsibilities with Heritage Landscape Supply Group.

Along that journey, Jeff did what he always did. He expanded the company's footprint and boosted those numbers. We like to use the motto "Legacy Delivered" at Heritage. And that's what Jeff has done since he started in this industry. He built a legacy rooted in trust, handshakes, and being there for people.

Off the clock, Jeff continues to work. But it's a different kind of work. It's a passion he holds very dear. His heart belongs to his wife of 42 years, Rose. Together, they share two children, Tyler Deming and Daylen Bruns, and two young grandsons, ages 9 and 18 months, who are ready to kick off his next big adventure in life.

Jeff has surely touched many lives along the way these past 51 years. And here's what a few of his long-time colleagues and friends had to share as he prepares to celebrate his retirement:
 

Darlene Hunn

"After decades in the irrigation industry, Jeff Deming is retiring and closing an extraordinary chapter in a career defined not only by his knowledge and accomplishments, but by something far more meaningful: his gift for people and relationships.

Jeff has always had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued and appreciated. He has a genuine talent for recognizing people for who they are and celebrating their accomplishments. Whether you were an employee, customer, vendor, or industry colleague, Jeff had a way of making you feel important and appreciated.

That gift for connection has been one of Jeff's greatest contributions to the industry. He has built relationships that go far beyond business transactions- lifelong relationships built on trust, respect, friendship, and genuine care for people. His relationships with employees, customers, and vendors are a testament to the kind of leader and person he has been throughout his career.

And then there is Jeff's remarkable knowledge of the irrigation industry. His experience, understanding, and perspective have been developed over many years, and his knowledge has been a tremendous resource to countless people throughout the industry. He has seen the industry evolve and has played an important role in shaping it along the way.

What people will remember most about Jeff, however, is not simply what he knew or what he accomplished. It will be the impact he had on people.

Jeff's retirement will leave a significant void in the irrigation industry. He will be terribly missed by the many employees, customers, vendors, friends, and colleagues whose lives he has touched throughout his career.

While Jeff may be retiring from the industry, the relationships he has built and the people he has influenced will carry his legacy forward.

His mark on the irrigation industry will not be forgotten.

Jeff, thank you for the knowledge you have shared, the relationships you have built, and the countless people you have encouraged and inspired along the way. Your career has been about much more than irrigation; it has been about people.

And that is the legacy that will last."
 

Mike Perilman

"I had never met Jeff before I came to Imperial in 2012. Then we got together at an event, and it was like we had been old friends forever. We quickly realized we knew a lot of the same people and had a lot of the same connections.

Jeff has always had a great reputation in this industry as a true stand-up guy, and for good reason.

Over the years, we've built a great friendship. We've bounced a lot of ideas, issues, and sales stories off each other, and Jeff has always been someone I could count on. More importantly, Jeff has always had time for anyone who needed help.

The industry is going to miss Jeff. We need more people like him.

Jeff, enjoy your retirement. You've earned it, and you deserve every minute of it!

Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for the friendship over the years.

Your friend always,
Mike Perilman"
 

Kim Marty

"It has been a pleasure to work with Jeff over the past 42 years. There have been many changes over these years, but I have been glad to have shared them with Jeff.

Seeing how he loves to tease and always saying 'just kidding' in case you are taking him seriously. It has also been fun to tease him back by putting up tombstones on his beloved Dodgers' stadium seats in the front office when they didn't win. Ah, you should see his reaction...priceless!

What I really appreciated about Jeff is that he always got back to you with answers in a timely fashion. Also, if you had a different idea than him, he would listen, think it over, and consider your suggestions.

I know his next chapter will be full of fun with family and friends. Wishing him all the best!"
 

Bill Payne

"Jeff Deming has had a lasting impact on both my professional career and my personal life. I had the privilege of working for Jeff at a previous employer, and one of the most difficult career decisions I ever made was telling him I was leaving to join Imperial.

When the opportunity arose for Jeff to join our team, I was genuinely excited to work alongside him again. Starting with little more than the relationships he had built over the years, Jeff helped establish our presence in Northern California, building a strong team and creating a formidable organization. His fingerprints are on so much of what Imperial became, and his influence continues to be felt today.

Jeff taught me the importance of relationships in our industry. He was instrumental in shaping how I approach business, showing me how to balance the interests of our company, our customers, and our suppliers to achieve fair, equitable, and sustainable outcomes for everyone involved.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff is one of the most loyal and caring people I have ever known. He is the kind of friend everyone hopes to have, always putting others first and never forgetting a birthday, holiday, or anniversary. He consistently takes the time to reach out and makes people feel valued.

There is no one more deserving of a wonderful retirement than Jeff. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him and proud of everything we accomplished together. Thank you for your friendship, leadership, and lasting influence.

Enjoy the next chapter, Jeff. You've earned it."
 

Retirement isn't the end.

Reading through these memories and inside jokes paints a clear picture for anyone who never worked alongside Jeff. You don't have to know him long to see how deeply he's woven into the lives of those around him. That's what makes him such a remarkable person and a great friend to everyone he meets.

Thank you for 51 incredible years, Jeff, from all your friends, colleagues, and everyone at Heritage. May the next 51 years bring you as much joy and fulfillment as you've given to everyone around you. Enjoy every single moment of your next adventure!