Episode 162: Ben McGraw Ph.D.- Coordinator Turfgrass Science Program

To wrap our Grounds Leadership Podcast tour with have two of our favorite people in the entire world. Our special guest host Leah Withrow, hosts her mentor Joe Hill to discuss all of the important aspects of our industry. They also provide great insight to what the Toro Grounds Leadership Academy is all about. This is an incredible episode that you do not want to miss.

In this episode we have Drew Selensky, Former turfgrass professional. It was a hard talk to have such a bright young future industry leader have to step away from this incredible industry because of his needs to support his family. It is important to hear first hand what we struggle with as an industry. Be sure to listen.

Be sure to check out the most recent episode of Tiger Turf Talk with long time industry leader, Mr. Jason Bowers of Loudoun County Parks and Rec. Jason and I have a long friendship dating back to his time at Virginia Tech where we have a shared a love of the Hokies and Enter Sandman. This is an awesome conversation about the Grounds Leadership Academy and all things Toro. You do not want to miss it!

Be sure to check this episode out with product managers Max and Ben with their work on equipment ranging from the FieldPro 6040 to the GeoLink Sprayers. Their work is truly unparalled on the impact that they are having on our industry and how it will shape the future moving forward. Learn what they do to ensure the best products that you can truly count on. Check out these products at Toro.com

The highlight of our travels was checking in with one of our former students from the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy, Julie Kessler, Field Manager for CPKC Stadium the home of the KC Current. It is something truly special to see where she started in our classroom to see her at the highest level! We are so proud. You do not want to miss it!

We are beyond lucky to be able to stop in and see our great friend Travis Hogan at Arrowhead in Kansas City. It was great to catch up on all things Chiefs and growing grass in the transition zone. We also have the honor of speaking together at this years SFMA Conference. Be sure to catch this episode today!

Our next stop on the road brings us to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. We had the honor of interviewing one of the one of the greatest groundskeepers of all time, Trevor Vance, the Head Groundskeeper of the Kansas City Royals. An incredible conversation of how sports field management has changed from the early years to today, while diving into his passion of coaching baseball and how it ties into his success as a professional. Also, just one of the most authentic people you will ever talk to! You do not want to miss this one!

The one that we all have been waiting for is this podcast with one of our good friend, Mr. Jordan Netzel of the Lawn Tools. We were able to make a trip out to a very special place of where the new Headquarters will be for the Lawn Tools where they are making something truly special! We also dive into the journey of how it all came to be and how we met along the way specifically, the impact that he has had on our program. Truly an incredible episode you do not want to miss!!

Be sure to check out our most recent podcast from our tour with one of our industry's future bright minds, Kennedy Ellis. It was so great catching up with her as she is spending the summer at the turf research center for her internship. You can tell how passionate she is about her research and her future as an educator. Be sure to check it out!

Our first stop on the 2025 Toro Grounds Leadership Podcast Tour was in Fayetville, Arkansas where we sat down with the Assistant Professor of the Arkansas Turf Program Wendall Hutchens. Great time catching up with one of the best people in the industry you will ever meet. We toured the research farm and all of the incredible work of the turf staff and students. An Episode you do not want to miss.