Perry Hart

Perry Hart discovered that retirement was merely the beginning of a new project he never saw coming.

In January 2026, after an impressive 40-year career in the safe drinking water industry, Perry Hart retired. Just a couple of weeks later, Aaron Davenport from Jones & Henry reached out with a friendly text asking, “How’s retirement going?” Over the years, Perry and Aaron had collaborated on many projects, including co-presenting at the annual state AWWA conferences. Perry responded with a simple yet intriguing message: “Call me.” It seems he had quickly determined that retirement did not suit him

Within a month, Perry found himself stepping back into his career—this time as a senior project manager at Jones & Henry, where he will continue to make a meaningful impact.

Perry’s roots trace back to the Red River Valley and the border between Minnesota and North Dakota. Growing up in a vibrant family with four older sisters, an older brother, and four younger brothers, Perry often jokes about his high school athletic and academic career. He played both football and basketball, not necessarily for his prowess on the field, but simply because his graduating class boasted only 21 students. “They needed every player they could find,” he quips.

After high school, Perry attended Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where he studied sales, marketing, and management. He gained valuable retail experience with notable companies, including JCPenney, ACE Hardware, United Furniture Sales, and Johnson Cashway Lumber. However, after his father’s death, Perry returned home to manage the family’s small hobby farm while helping his mother and younger brothers.

As he had in high school, Perry supported neighbors with their farming during the planting and harvesting seasons, honing his skills with large farming equipment. His dedication to agriculture continued as he spent three years at a small grain-handling facility, where he gained extensive maintenance experience.

Following the sale of the family farm, Perry’s mother relocated to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Perry soon followed, going on to work for Tractor Supply Company, where he managed the plumbing department and gained additional experience in piping, components, and processes.

A Career in Safe Drinking Water

In Grand Forks, Perry’s background with heavy machinery opened doors, leading him to a laborer position with the City of Grand Forks Water Department in 1985. In a world where certification was key to higher compensation, Perry quickly realized that passing state exams was his ticket to success. Before long, Perry achieved certification at the highest level. He worked his way up to Water Distribution Supervisor and spent seventeen years there.

In Grand Forks, Perry was deeply involved in responding to the devastation caused by the 1997 Red River flood, a catastrophic natural disaster known as the “Flood of the Century.” Record-level winter snowfall, followed by severe rainstorms in the spring, swelled the Red River beyond capacity and resulted in water levels not seen since 1826. Ninety percent of Grand Forks’ 52,000 residents would be evacuated.

This pivotal experience transformed Perry as a leader. Working alongside the Army Corps of Engineers, local engineering firms, and several utility contractors, he gained invaluable experience in project coordination. The experience gave him the knowledge and opportunity to become the Water Superintendent in Crookston, Minnesota. “That was the job that gave me my supervisor chops,” Perry reflects proudly.

In 2004, Perry and his family relocated to Michigan, where he took on the role of Inspector at HydroCorp, an organization dedicated to ensuring drinking water safety. That position allowed him to traverse the state, connecting with numerous professionals in the water industry and broadening his horizons.

By 2008, ignited by a help-wanted ad, Perry became the Utility Administrator for the City of Battle Creek, Michigan. In this influential role, he supervised both water and wastewater operations, managing a dedicated team of 95 workers—an achievement he approached with enthusiasm and commitment to service.

Family Life

Perry and his wife, Mary, enjoy a fulfilling family life in Caledonia, Michigan, a charming and rapidly growing village located just 15 to 20 miles southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. Their family includes Perry’s two sons in North Dakota, Mary’s son and daughter in Michigan, nine grandchildren, and three beloved dogs: Charlie, Elsa, and Wilson. The couple cherishes their annual trips to the Caribbean and the time they spend with their children and grandchildren in North Dakota.

In his leisure time, Perry enjoys playing golf, gardening, and landscaping—activities that help him maintain a cheerful outlook amid the daily hustle. Interestingly, although Mary is a retired registered nurse, she has recently renewed her license to stay engaged and connected.

Life Lessons

Reflecting on his journey, Perry remembers a side job he held as a bartender early in his career. It taught him an essential lesson: customers tend to be more generous with their tips when treated with kindness. That perspective reshaped his approach to work, inspiring him to ask himself every shift, “Did I earn my paycheck today?”

“Each day is really a job interview,” Perry shares. What valuable insights would he pass on to younger professionals? “While we all know it’s beneficial to learn from our mistakes, it’s less painful to learn from others’ experiences.”

And perhaps the most memorable bit of advice he offers: “When you find yourself in a hole, drop the shovel.”

As for retirement, Perry is not ready to make any further decisions just yet. For now, he is reveling in the opportunity to share his wealth of experience with younger colleagues and remaining actively engaged in the ever-evolving water and wastewater industry. His journey continues, and the passion for his work is as vibrant as ever.