How did you get into the sports turf industry?

I worked in my family’s construction company to begin my career.  In time, we started building ballfields and saw a need in specialized sports care work.

 

Did you have any mentors in the industry?

Definitely my parents, Bob and Theresa Viersma.  They always encouraged me to go after this and to always do the job the right way, no matter what.

Also, Dr. James Murphy from Rutgers University.  He and I were on the SFMANJ Board of Directors together which led to opportunities to discuss soils and sports field construction methods and practices with a scientific approach.  Consequently this led to building and renovating research plots at the turfgrass farm. 

 

What are your favorite parts of your job?

Going out to different locations, solving issues and finding ways to improve ballfields.  I enjoy the challenge of the wide array of climates and variables we experience in our line of work.

 

What are the biggest challenges in your line of work?

Going out to see people now (pandemic time) and balancing where we are in the sports world moving forward.  Also, balancing people’s expectations with limited budgets.  The good thing in those situations is, we always give the customer the best possible end product we can with what we have to work with.  

 

What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

I enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, especially fishing or taking a boat out on the intercoastal with the family.  I also enjoy hanging out at the beach with my wife and kids.  We moved from New Jersey down to Florida and now live in Vero Beach (DuraEdge Florida location).  We are fifteen minutes from the beach and try to take advantage of that with the family when I’m home.

 

---

 

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.