Tiger Turf Talk

When you talk about two of the most influential industry professionals out there, these two are some of the first names that come to mind. Not only have they had a lasting impact on the Sports Field Management Industry, but they are some of the kindest and caring human beings that you will ever meet. Abby and Nick were panelists at this year's Grounds Leadership Academy, where we discussed som...

It is always an incredible opportunity to talk to one of the industry's best, Jeff McManus. His experience and passion for our industry are unparalleled. In our conversation, we dove into the very real aspects of being a leader, from the challenges to the incredible impact one can have in a leadership role. Jeff's insight is truly remarkable and definitely something you do not want to miss...

If you want to see what the Toro Grounds Academy is all about and what you can gain from attending one of the best events in the turfgrass industry, Josh and his team are tasked with developing the event and creating a space where industry professionals have authentic conversations that truly impact everyone in attendance. Josh and I have an awesome discussion that you do not want to miss.

Be sure to check out this incredible episode, featuring the heart and soul of the Tour Grounds Team and some of the best people in our industry. Chris, Matt, and Troy are the District Sales Managers for North America, with some of the best insight into the machine that is The Toro Company. We discuss the Toro Grounds Leadership Academy and how it ties into the culture of the incredible organizatio...

Upon Arrival at the Grounds Leadership Academy, we met with Grant Davisson, the Minnesota Vikings' Director of Sports Fields and Grounds. As a part of the Toro Ground Academy, we were able to tour their facility and see the behind-the-scenes of their operation and how an NFL Grounds Crew Operates. We had a fantastic conversation about essential subjects in the industry and how they will impact...

Our next stop takes us to the Quad Cities, home of the Single A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, RiverBandits. We met up with the Director of Field Services and good friend, Morgan Hunter. We discussed her time in the KC Royals system, where she has grown in each opportunity. Talked about an upcoming field renovation necessary to meet PDL standards and much more. You do not want to miss out!

We had the honor of stopping in Cleveland to see one of our former students working his first internship with the Cleveland Browns and Pioneer Athletics. It has been great to see how far Sam has come since his first year in the Brentsville Turf Program. He has an extremely bright future in this industry. I am beyond proud of his continued dedication to professional growth. Be sure to check it out!

Also, at our stop at Pioneer Athletics, we got the incredible opportunity to talk with industry leader James Hlavaty. We dive into the R&D portion of the organization to talk about the advancement of the industry with their groundbreaking innovation for field paint. We also got some great insight into the incredible culture of the Ohio Sports Field managers and their continued work of excellen...

Check out our next stop on the Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour in Cleveland, Ohio, with the Content Lead for Pioneer Athletics, Meg Kruger. This is an excellent episode with a unique perspective on our industry as a whole. Maeg has spent her time in the industry uplifting others with her platform and has high aspirations to make a positive impact on our industry. Be sure to check it out.

Our next Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour stop is PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. We had the opportunity to sit with Matt Brown and talk about field management. Always great catching up with my former boss and discuss the growth that has happened from when he first started with the Pirates. One of the best professionals with incredible insight to our industry and best proactices. It...

During our time in Philadelphea, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Director of Field Operations for the Philadelphea Phillies Jeremy Wilt. This is an episode you do not want to miss with special guest Da Boss. This episode showcases the importance of family and the impact it truly has on our lives. We see how important it truly is. We also have the opportunity to talk about all things Ci...

We are excited to start our second annual Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour in sunny Philadelphia with one of the best in our industry, Mr. Tony Leonard. When it comes to sports field managers, Tony has developed one of the best operations in the industry from their incredible staff to their outstanding internship program. He has brought in the next generation for over two decades. His perspect...

Be sure to check out this episode, where we dive into the background behind the engineer soils of DuraEdge Products with Patrick Coakley. We better understand the significance of how they produce their products to ensure the best and safest playing surfaces at all levels of play, from the Major Leagues to your local little league. We also discuss the unique culture of the company and the incredibl...

We have an absolutely incredible episode with the new Coordinator of the Penn State Turfgrass Science program. We have an amazing conversation with an industry leader about the opportunity that Penn State Turfgrass presents to its students and the industry's overall growth. His passion for the industry and entomology is apparent in the way he shares his story and his love for his programs. Be...

Be sure to check out our episode with Stephen Lord of Advanced Turf, one of the best in our industry. We dive into all things Advanced Turf and how the company has grown to new heights and areas of the country. We also discussed our industry and all of the growth over the years since his time with the Cincinnati Reds. Just overall an incredible episode with an awesome human being. Check it out!

With the conclusion of Grounds Week, we had the opportunity to talk with the CEO of the Grounds Managment Association, Geoff Webb. We discussed all of the incredible work of the GMA and their advocacy not only for their members but for safe playing surfaces through their work on the development of the framework of proper field management. These frameworks go beyond the pitch and include significan...

What an incredible episode with an exciting industry professional, Em Casey! We discuss all of the amazing parts of her work at Seven Canyons Golf Resort, including her work with the unique wildlife of Javelinas, which is one of the duties assigned when it comes to golf course superintendents and their work. We also dive into her work alongside other industry professionals when volunteering for bi...

We are excited to wrap up our Toro Grounds Series with a podcast with Brentsville Turf Students who attended the SFMA Conference. If you ever wonder why our program is so special, you need to listen to these kids' excitement to be a part of this year's National conference. Meeting with industry professionals, presenting to the industry, and competing at the Collegiate Student Challenge. If...

We are excited to have one of our favorite professionals on the podcast, Mr. Adam Russell of MVP Genetics. We have had the incredible opportunity to Partner with MVP Genetics over the past couple of years as we installed one of the best vegetative bermudagrasses out there, IronCutter Bermudagrass. In this podcast, we discuss how we collaborated from planning to installing the IronCutter to ensure...

We are honored to be Partnering with the SFMA to bring you the 2024 Keynote talk- Beyond the Field: Utilizing History, Technology, and Mentorship to Define the Future of Sports Field Management. The members of the Panel included Mike Goatley, Ph. D., Abby McNeal, CSFM, Chad Price, CSFM, CFB, Leah Withrow, and Travis Hogan. I was honored to moderate the session to bring awareness to the important t...

For our next episode, we are live from the SFMA Trade Show floor at the Toro Booth. We sat down with the Toro Sports Fields and Grounds Marketing Manager, Josh Jans, and the Product Manager of Toro Utility Vehicles, Noah Wahl. This was an incredible opportunity to hear what is new with the Toro Vista and UTX vehicles and their overall impact on a ground crew's ability to be efficient. We also...

Our next stop was in Jacksonville, Florida, with the Sports Field Manager of Everbank Stadium, Nick Fedewa. One of the most authentic episodes we have ever recorded with one of the most real people I have ever had the honor of interviewing! Important topics that everyone needs to hear about. Be sure to listen to one of our best podcasts of Tiger Turf Talk. We cannot thank Nick enough for everythin...

Our next stop on the road was at the University of South Carolina with industry legend Clark Cox. What an incredible facility with an even better human being. Talking all things Carolina turfgrass from where he began to what he has built alongside his fantastic crew. We are so grateful for Clark taking the time and inspiring our students along their journey in this industry. Be sure to check out y...

Join us on our road to the Sports Field Management Association Conference, where we will meet with industry professionals and discuss their work and what they are looking forward to in the near future. Danny Losito is one of the best human beings in this industry and continues to grow it while maintaining a professional sports facility at the highest level. One of our program's biggest support...

What a way to kick off 2024 with a phenomenal episode with someone who truly gives our industry hope with the young, excited, and determined next generation of the Turfgrass industry. Mira Emma embodies all of these things with an extremely unique vantage point of playing Division 1 Soccer while pursuing her degree in Turfgrass Science at Iowa State. It's an incredible story with an even bette...