How did you get into the sports turf industry?

Coming from an extensive landscaping background it led me to pursue a career in a similar field. Out of high school I worked for a landscaping company that was a sister company to my family’s tree service business, soon after that transitioning to my first job at a golf course. I loved working in a field that could tie my landscaping knowledge into working with sports. From there, I learned about Turfgrass Management programs which then took me to Michigan State University to continue my education. 

Although my plans were to pursue a career on the golf side of things, MSU opened my eyes to the sports turf industry. After college, I met Mike Robinson and started working on his crew and realized I thoroughly enjoyed sports turf construction.  That lead me to installing ballfields for DuraEdge for the past three years.

 

Did you have any mentors in the industry?

My grandfather was my first for sure.  But now, working this side of things, Mike Robinson and Cam Toone have been great to learn from.  Mike got me into this side of things and showed me the ropes.  He really opened my eyes to a career field I didn’t know even existed.  Then, after meeting people with DuraEdge, like Cam, I learned more things about how to really make these projects excellent.  Going out onto a field, creative problem solving and doing the best job you can for each one.  

 

What are your favorite parts of your job?

The creative problem solving aspect is definitely my favorite part of it.  Every field is a unique challenge.  When you find out that special thing you need to do to that specific field and you execute it, that feels great.  I’m the type of person that needs something new to figure out or else I can get bored, so it keeps me on my toes.  I get to take something that doesn’t necessarily look great to begin with, spend time working it and leaving that job with an end result that the customer will love.  Being a part of a team that can accomplish that is great.

 

What are the biggest challenges in your line of work?

The obvious one would be the weather.  Also, being that we work in a very niche field, another challenge can be finding the right people to work with.  There’s not a ton of people that do this.  It requires a level of passion in order to be able to do the jobs we do and be away from home.

 

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

If I’m not working, I’m usually golfing or hanging out with my cat – he’s a pretty cool cat.  I really enjoy golf and it’s my way of resetting after a long week.  We usually travel a lot during the week and work upwards of fifty five hours.  Once it gets to the weekend I usually get out on Saturday or Sunday.  My group of friends and I will get the earliest tee slot.  It’s something I really look forward to every weekend.  

 

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About DuraEdge Products

Based in Grove City, PA, DuraEdge Products specializes in the production of top-quality products and services for the baseball and softball industry to provide long-term soil solutions, and to cover all the bases for safe and playable infields for the Sports Turf Industry across the United States and abroad.