Groundskeeper Chats

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with ASU’s Jon Larson and Willie Bloomquist

Jon Larson and Willie Bloomquist are the team behind Arizona State University's Baseball team but their roles are very different. Jon is the head groundskeeper that manages the field while Willie is the head coach who manages the players. For two jobs that are naturally at odds with one another, how do the two ensure they share the same vision and goals for the program?

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Vanderbilt’s Tyler Morris and Beth Hewitt

Tyler Morris, Director of Sports Turf at Vanderbilt University is joined by his head lacrosse coach, Beth Hewitt for the coaches/field manager relations groundskeeper chat. The pair are headed into their third season together and share insight onto why establishing trust and communication on day one should be top priority.

Coaches/Field Manager Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Quinlan’s Tommy Underwood and Todd Wallace

Tommy Underwood has 17 years of experience in field maintenance and for 11 of those years, he's been working alongside athletics director and head football coach Todd Wallace to make fields safe and playable for their district. The pair talk about how working at a small school district gives them immediate appreciation for what other people in the organization have to juggle to get the job done.

Vendor Relations: Groundskeeper Chat with Chad and Cathy Kropff from Bulldog Field Equipment

Chad and Cathy, owners of Bulldog Field Equipment have been navigating vendor relationships with customers since the opening of their business in 2011. The duo gives us insight in how to keep customers happy during chaotic times by leading with honesty and authenticity.

Women in Turf: Groundskeeper Chat with Maritza Martinez

Maritza Martinez is the Assistant Director of Stadium Grounds for St. Louis CITY Soccer Club. She joins us to talk about her journey to soccer and how this role has been different as the crew awaits the final stages of their stadium build. Maritza and Meg reminisce about their time with the women in the turf team working the Little League Softball World Series and Maritza shares her hopes for future Women in Turf.

Managing College Events Schedule: Groundskeeper Chat with Scott Lupold

With over 15 years of experience in managing college athletics, Scott Lupold with the University of Southern California joins us to discuss how groundskeepers can manage both heavy events schedules and maintenance programs. As Director of Sports Turf, Scott explains how the role has evolved far beyond managing grass.

Branding 101: Groundskeeper Chat with Christo Wallace

Former Cincinnati Red's crew member, Christo Wallace is closing out our branding 101 #GroundskeeperChat series. Wallace is currently the Assistant Superintendent at Terrace Park Country Club. Wallace tapped into all his experiences in the turf industry to answer our questions. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #Groundskeeper Chat: 

• How Wallace creates authentic content for his social media 
• How to utilize social media when recruiting new hires 
• How to build your social media into a digital resume
• Lastly, how to navigate personal/professionalism on social media 

Branding 101: Groundskeeper Chat with Leah Withrow

We invite Leah Withrow back for another #GroundskeeperChat, this time to discuss branding. What started as an organic effort on turf twitter has evolved into a strategic recruiting and engagement tool for Leah. This #GroundskeeperChat is a part of our branding 101 series, here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Leah's route to turf 
• The benefits of personalizing social accounts 
• What strategies Leah uses to spark engagement and interest in the turf industry
• How Leah utilizes her social accounts as validation for her skills 
• Lastly, the importance of visibility and keeping it simple on social

Branding 101: Groundskeeper Chat with Corey Levine

Corey Levine, Athletic Fields Superintendent for the University of North Florida, is a student of the World Wide Web. Corey shares that his turf journey started by watching YouTube videos on how to stripe a field and correctly insert an aerosol can into a machine. Those early turf resources inspired him to create content of his own so that others may learn from his experiences. Corey shares with us his tips and tricks for branding in this week's #GroundskeeperChat. Here's what you'll hear: 

• Corey's route to turf 
• How to showcase your triumphs and challenges on social 
• How to use social to positively represent the industry and your organization 
• The importance of branding and visibility in our industry 
• Lastly, how to use social resources to help justify your bottom line 

Branding 101: Groundskeeper Chat with Andy Hebrard

Andy Hebrard brings a different perspective to our Branding 101 campaign as an owner of his own business in the turf industry. Andy gives us insight on how he brands his social accounts to represent his business with the perfect blend of professionalism and personality. Whether you're a crew leader or vendor, Andy's takeaways are applicable for all. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• The importance of authenticity in branding 
• How to utilize different resources/teachings to find the right practices for you
• The importance of delivering on what you say you're going to do 
• How branding can impact your reach as a groundskeeper and business owner
• Lastly, the importance of visibility for Athletic Applications