For three years, Michael Orr has been the go-to irrigation, pressure pumps, sprinkler system, pools and pop-up specialist within Young and the surrounding area.
Distance isn’t a novelty to Michael, and he says he enjoys travelling the region and sharing his expertise with locals near and far.
“I’ve irrigated a lot of parks and gardens and helped [the Shire] out with their footy ovals and the technical problems they encounter,” he says.
“I’m not set and forget, and I pride myself on after hours service.
“I really do enjoy what I do.”
Each year sees Mikarni Hill growing, with several young people working for Michael, all under the watchful and attentive eye of his wife.
The business name (also the name of their block of land) is an amalgamation of Michael’s name and his wife, Marnie.
Although their business name was established in 2006, it was only three years ago that Michael took the plunge and started his own operation.
“Every year is getting bigger,” he says.
“I didn’t have a quiet part during winter last year.”
A common misconception Michael says he encounters is the assumption that his expertise is limited to pools.
“I do pressure pumps, irrigation water schemes, bores, equipment and any electrical work,” he says.
He doesn’t, however, DIY the things he isn’t well versed in, preferring to ensure his customers get the best job, every time.
“I’m not one of those folks that just do it myself,” he says.
“I get a proper electrician in to make sure the job’s done properly.”
Working with the best in the biz, Michael says he’s got his own suppliers for pumps and works with well-known international brands, although he says his priority, where possible, is with local businesses.
“I try to support my local suppliers, as much as I can,” he says.
“Whether they are a national company or not, they’re still local and I still support them, because they support our local workers and they provide a great service.”
Never into science during his school years, Michael says he’s always shockingly taken a knack to water filtration, and after locating a hole in the market, he realised it was his time to step up by filling said hole with his own extensive knowledge.
Although high school science classes weren’t for him, Michael’s studies have seen him take on courses in water chemistry for maintenance and filtration for household water, as well as relevant apprenticeships, training and industry experience.
Overall, he says he is living the dream by providing vital filtration and water specialist services to the region.
For more information, or to contact Michael for his service, call 0455 249 306 or email mikarnihill@gmail.com.
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