Day in the Life

Billy Johnston:
Keeping Texas Water Features Flowing Like a True Trail Boss

At OTL, every fountain has a story – and behind the scenes, Billy Johnston is the guy making sure they keep telling it. As Area Care and Maintenance Manager based in our Texas office, Billy is part chemist, part technician, part field commander. His world is water – and there’s never a dull day. 

Sunrise, Coffee, and Chemistry Checks 

Billy’s mornings begin like many hardworking Texans: with a cup of strong coffee and boots on the ground. He’s out in the field early, tackling a route that takes him from one mesmerizing water feature to another. From fountains and brooks to pools with dancing lights, Billy’s mission is clear – keep the water clean, the lights on, and the customers smiling. 

“It’s not just about fixing things,” Billy says. “It’s about making sure every single show or feature looks flawless – and that takes a lot more than people think.” 

With test kits in hand, he checks water chemistry, clears debris, programs controls, and troubleshoots equipment. And when something’s not working? Billy’s the guy to fix it – often solo, as this is the most efficient way to manage the process. “Maintenance is mostly a one-man show,” he adds. “If it’s broke, I usually get it handled myself, with support from others on the OTL team as needed.” 

Big Lakes, Bigger Challenges, and the Occasional Air Cannon Soak 

One project that keeps Billy on his toes? The AI-enhanced Illuvia show fountain at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie, Texas. 

“It’s an amazing water feature – but it’s in the middle of a lake, which means you can’t just drain it when something goes wrong.” Still, despite its challenges (and tool-devouring depths), Billy lights up when he talks about the crowds Illuvia draws and the awe on people’s faces. 

One unforgettable day? “We were out there doing maintenance, and the tech I was with shut off the power – but forgot to kill the show. Next thing you know, the air cannons go off and he’s soaked head to toe.” Billy laughs. “It’s one of those moments you never forget.” 

From Tools to Teamwork 

Billy may work mostly solo in the field, but he’s never far from his teammates. He frequently coordinates with Jason in Tech Support, Adam in Purchasing, and others on the OTL team to get materials and quotes, and when a repair is too complex, he brings in reinforcements and lines up approvals. 

He also splits his desk time between the field and his home office, occasionally stopping by the Arlington HQ to stay connected with the broader team. “Even though OTL has offices in California and Texas, we’re an interconnected company that offers a lot of support. You can pick up the phone and reach people wherever you are, and that’s a good thing.” 

Texas Roots, Family First, and a Close-Knit Culture 

Born and raised in Texas, Billy’s a veteran – he served in the U.S. Army with the 961st Engineer Battalion – as well as a devoted husband of 18 years, and a proud dad, with a new grandbaby on the way. After spending time working in California, he returned to his roots at OTL’s Texas office and quickly felt at home, thanks to the company’s warm, down-to-earth culture. 

“Last year, I went to the Christmas party in Orange County. It was great finally meeting everyone face to face. It’s the kind of place where people have each other’s backs.” 

With long days in the sun, he keeps snacks in the truck and grabs fast food on the go (“whatever’s closest, honestly”). But variety is what keeps Billy going – not just in meals, but in the work itself. 

Why OTL? 

“No two days are ever the same,” Billy says. “Every day is a different scenario, a different challenge. It keeps things exciting.” 

For Billy, OTL isn’t just a job – it’s a journey filled with troubleshooting, teamwork, and the satisfaction of creating moments of wonder through water. Whether he’s solving complex maintenance puzzles or just enjoying a laugh with his crew, Billy brings heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to the magic of moving water. 

Stay Tuned 

Want more stories from the field? You never know – next time, the spotlight might be on you.