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Matt Cooper, Contractor Account Manager on Notable Men

FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE

Matt Cooper

Contractor Account Manager, Rain Bird Corporation

“I attribute my success to hard work and the leadership I have experienced throughout my career. Working with both good and challenging leaders has taught me valuable lessons that have shaped my management skills and knowledge.”

BASED IN
Bel Air, MD 21014
INDUSTRY
Irrigation & Landscape Management

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About

Matt Cooper is a Contractor Account Manager at Rain Bird Corporation, serving the Mid-Atlantic territory across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. With more than 20 years of experience in the irrigation and landscape industries, Matt specializes in irrigation design, installation, sales, and account management. In his current role, he works closely with contractors and distributors, helping provide effective irrigation solutions while building strong professional relationships throughout the region.
Before joining Rain Bird in 2022, Matt spent more than seven years with Outdoor Illumination, Inc., where he served as Division Manager and oversaw irrigation-related operations within a landscape lighting business. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly 12 years as an assistant golf course superintendent at facilities including Hampshire Greens Golf Course, The Ridge at Castle Pines, and Mountain Branch Golf Club. These experiences helped Matt develop expertise in landscape management, planting plans, soil science, agronomy, and the practical application of irrigation systems.
Matt studied Golf Course Management, Soil Science and Agronomy, Plant Pathology and Entomology at the University of Maryland and earned an associate degree in Golf Course Management in 2005. He also holds certifications as a Certified Pesticide Applicator and Professional Fertilizer Applicator through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Throughout his career, Matt has emphasized hard work, continuous learning, trustworthiness, and honesty, encouraging professionals entering the industry to gain hands-on experience, learn from others, and continue developing their skills and education.

Key Areas Of Focus

  • 01. Irrigation Design & Installation
  • 02. Irrigation Sales & Account Management
  • 03. Water Management

IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Q and A

  1. 01

    What do you attribute your success to?

    I attribute my success to hard work and the leadership I have experienced throughout my career. Working with both good and challenging leaders has taught me valuable lessons that have shaped my management skills and knowledge.

  2. 02

    What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

    The best career advice I’ve received is to remember that work will still be there tomorrow. Work is important, but so is life, so I’ve learned not to worry unnecessarily and to maintain a healthy perspective.

  3. 03

    What advice would you give to young men entering your industry?

    Work hard, listen to others, and be a sponge for knowledge. Stay curious, keep learning, and continue your education to build your skills and grow throughout your career.

  4. 04

    What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

    One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding people willing to do hands-on, blue-collar work. There is a growing need for workers who are willing to get their hands dirty and take on physically demanding jobs.

  5. 05

    What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

    Trustworthiness and honesty are the most important values in both my work and personal life. I believe in being dependable, transparent, and true to my word.

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