It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Hoveln, a long-time Hunter Industries team member and respected figure in the green industry. Hoveln passed away on November 21, 2024, at the age of 65.

Hoveln joined the green industry in 1978 at age 19, working for an Arizona landscape company before moving to Colorado two years later to work for CPS Distributors. In January 1990, he was recruited to Hunter Industries. Over the next 34 years, Hoveln excelled in a variety of roles at the global irrigation manufacturer — from sales and field management to product management and marketing — ultimately becoming the company’s expert on commercial rotors and valves.

Throughout his career, Hoveln made significant contributions to Hunter’s product lineup and helped advance the irrigation industry in meaningful ways. He was instrumental in the redesign of Hunter’s popular PGJ Rotor as well as the launch of the company’s Blue Nozzles for the best-selling PGP® Rotor.

Hoveln also spearheaded the release of Hunter’s first pressure-regulated sprinkler body, designed specifically for the PGP and I-20 Rotors to deliver water-efficient performance. This product has since become integral to Hunter’s environmentally conscious portfolio. Additionally, Hoveln served as a dedicated corporate ambassador, generously sharing his vast product knowledge and industry expertise with all who visited Hunter.

“While he had a lot of knowledge, Steve never stopped learning. He would ask questions, take classes, and travel to learn new markets. And that’s why he was the go-to for so many people in and out of our organization for how to fix something, how to get something done, what to do next,” said Kelsey Jacquard, Hunter Category Manager and Hoveln’s manager. “He was a great listener, a great advisor, and so generous with his time.”

Outside of work, Hoveln was deeply committed to his community, giving his time and energy to aiding and uplifting others. Through Builders Without Borders, he helped construct homes, repair roofs, and fix plumbing for families in Tijuana, Mexico. Closer to home, he and his wife, Marie, founded the Oceanside, California, chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, providing beds for children in need.

“Through his charity organizations and through Hunter, he put families back in their own homes and never asked for anything in return,” said Jacquard. “He focused on what was important and what would bring the biggest positive impact to others.”

Hoveln also led numerous Hunter Helping Others volunteer projects in the San Diego area, partnering with organizations like Homes for our Troops, Habitat for Humanity, and TERI, among many others. In addition, he volunteered with the PONY Baseball nonprofit for two decades.  

"Steve stood out as a truly selfless and dedicated individual, always committed to helping others in need. Whether he was rebuilding homes for families or ensuring children had a comfortable place to sleep, Steve’s actions reflected his deep compassion and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others," said Warren Gorowitz, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at Hunter Industries.

Hoveln’s kindness, devotion, and professionalism left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He connected with people across the organization and cared deeply about his colleagues and their work. He continued to learn so he could help others grow in their roles and remained laser-focused on doing his part to drive Hunter forward. His greatest joy came from elevating the standards of the industry he loved, and it was this passion that inspired everyone around him and defined his remarkable legacy at Hunter.

“We are missing a big piece of our Hunter family now, and we will all have to work on being more generous with our time supporting each other as Steve supported us,” said Jacquard.