Palm Harbor, FL — Joe Swett, Founder and CEO of Sunrise Irrigation, has been named a 2026 Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. This prestigious honor recognizes him as one of the region’s standout business leaders under age 40.
For over 20 years, the Tampa Bay Business Journal has hosted the 40 Under 40 Awards. The program recognizes rising leaders making an impact across seven local counties. Judges select the 2026 honorees based on organizational leadership, community service, and the economic impact of their work.
I’m incredibly grateful to be included among such an accomplished group of leaders. This recognition reflects what our entire team has built together. I’m proud of the opportunities we’re creating for people in the trades, the trust our customers continue to place in us, and the impact Sunrise is making in the communities we serve.
– Joe Swett, Founder and CEO of Sunrise Irrigation
Building Sunrise & Creating Careers in the Skilled Trades
A U.S. Coast Guard veteran and former Maritime Enforcement Specialist, Swett acquired Sunrise Irrigation in 2015. Since then, he has led the company through significant growth and expansion across Florida.
Under his leadership, Sunrise focuses heavily on operational excellence, customer service, water conservation, technology, and workforce development. And they do it all while expanding across Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, and Southwest Florida.
A central part of Swett’s mission has been creating meaningful career opportunities in the skilled trades, particularly irrigation, an industry often overlooked as a long-term career path. Sunrise invests heavily in training and professional development, giving team members opportunities to build technical expertise, develop leadership skills, and advance within the company.
Swett also serves as Chairman of the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Florida Irrigation Society, where he advocates for industry advancement, leadership development, and the future of Florida’s irrigation profession.
Sunrise Irrigation has earned six Inc. 5000 recognitions and was recently ranked No. 15 on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 Fast 50. They also maintain a 4.9-star Google rating backed by more than 16,000 customer reviews.
The Tampa Bay Business Journal will celebrate Joe Swett and the other 2026 40 Under 40 honorees on October 22 at Armature Works. Following this will be a recognition in the Business Journal’s October 23 print edition and online.
Read the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s official announcement of the 2026 40 Under 40 honorees here.
About Sunrise Irrigation
Sunrise Irrigation is a Florida-based leader in irrigation, drainage, and water management services, delivering comprehensive residential and commercial solutions that improve landscape performance, protect property, and promote water conservation. Headquartered in Palm Harbor, the company serves homeowners across Tampa Bay, Orlando, Sarasota, and Southwest Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Winter Garden, Fort Myers, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Services include irrigation system design, installation, maintenance and repair, advanced drainage solutions, and complete water management systems.
Driven by a commitment to innovation, service excellence, and sustainability, Sunrise Irrigation empowers homeowners with reliable, efficient outdoor systems backed by a highly trained team and industry-leading practices.
