Episode 114: SFMA Series- Sports Field Manager: That's a Thing Recap w/t Leah Withrow

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 significant work with leadership, budgeting, work-life balance, etc. Truly some inspirational works of the GMA, like the recent All Female crew working a sold-out women's premier league game at Arsenal. I cannot thank Geoff enough for taking the time! This is an episode you do not want to miss!

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 big tournaments like the Waste Management Open and the Players Championship. She highlights all the incredible parts of being a part of this incredible industry. It is just a great conversation with an even better person. Be sure to check it out!

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 you need inspiration, please listen to their stories and aspirations to be a part of this incredible industry. We want to thank The Toro Company for helping with that shared vision of the next generation of the turfgrass industry!

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 not only a successful grow-in but also the creation of the best natural grass-playing surface in the country on Donald Lambert Field. This is an inside look into the specifics behind the maintenance of the SFMA National Football Field of the Year. We cannot thank Adam enough for all of his support of the Brentsville Turf Program and what he continues to do for our students. Truly one of the best out there! This is an episode you do not want to miss!

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 trends currently impacting the Sports Field Management Industry. Truly an incredible discussion with some of the best people in our industry. Be sure to check out the new SFMA Mentorship Program that the Association has developed to have the best possible impact on the future of our industry. We highly recommend that anyone considering becoming an SFMA member look at sportsfieldmanagment.org to understand better the benefits of how you can take your career to the next level. It has truly been the driving force in my career and how I have been able to create one of the best networks out there. We cannot thank the incredible staff of the SFMA enough for all that they do to make the National Conference and their continuous work to better our industry as a whole. Be sure to listen and understand why the Sports Field Management industry is so special.

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 talked about the process they develop for your use and how your input is at the forefront of their work—truly an inspiring conversation. We also talked about the upcoming Toro Grounds Leadership Academy this summer. It is an experience like no other that focuses on the growth of a unique group of professionals. Do not miss out, and be sure to apply today at toro.com

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 everything. Be sure to listen.

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 your local Toro distributor for the newest innovation, toro.com

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 supporters is someone who has incredible insight into what it takes to be a real member of the industry and the responsibilities that go beyond the field. Be sure to check it out. Please be sure to check out your local Toro Distributer for new an innovative products.

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 better person! I'm super excited for her to be a part of history, opening the first-ever Women's soccer stadium. We have a future industry leader, and you do not want to miss it.