Family businesses evolve and there have been changes within Turf Mountain Sod the past few years. Fred and Merle have turned it over to the next generation. Linda says, “Growing up on the farm and working together, Wayne and I have always known each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Now that we’re running the farm together, it’s hard work, but it’s fun. If we can’t get up each day and make a difference in the lives of others—what are we doing?”

David and Linda Bradley in the ancient Greek city, Ephesus, Turkey, while on a mission trip in March of 2013.

value of hard work grows before your eyes. Te need to preserve the resources that produce the crop is ever apparent; the source of it, the created world, is in your care. Combine that with a shared, Bible- based faith focused on walking the walk in family, business, the church, the community, and far beyond—and you’ll begin to understand the heart of Linda Bradley.

Growth and Change Linda graduated from Appalachian State University in 1986 with a double major, marketing and management. She and David, who also grew up in a family farming business, married on June 28, 1986, and recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary.

“I worked away from the farm for over eight years after college,” says Linda. “Allstate Insurance gave me excellent training and background for owning our own business and understanding the boundaries of balanced customer service. My Mama has always been one of the hardest working ladies I’ve ever known.” In 1995, at Fred’s request, Linda joined her parents, Fred and Merle; brother Wayne; and husband David; in Turf Mountain.

Solari and Luke Bradley exchange wedding vows on the beautiful sod covering the parking lot.

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David will celebrate his one year anniversary with Te Turfgrass Group on August 1, 2016. Linda says, “If I could write a job description for David; this would be his job. He gets to be on sod farms, with sod farmers, and sell grasses he’s excited about, like TIFTUF Bermuda, TifGrande and Zeon Zoysia.”

David and Linda’s adult children, Luke and Sara, grew up in the family business. Luke, who earned his MBA, has opted for similar off- the-farm experience and is gaining insight in his position with Asheville Eye Associates. In 2014, Luke married Solari Garren, who teaches high school math. Sara is currently working part-time in the business and will marry Daniel Smith in January of 2017. She’ll graduate next May with a double major in Spanish

and Linguistics. Also, Diane Uwamahoro from Rwanda lives with the Bradley family and is taking on-line classes through Liberty

Linda shares the benefits of turfgrass with third graders as they spread out on the grass during their tour of Turf Mountain Sod.

University, while working part-time at a local care facility.

Rock-Solid Faith Linda closes her emails with Blessings, followed by God is Love (1 John 4:16), a reminder for her and a gentle outreach to others. Her compassion and enactment of the Golden Rule is reflected in all she does, including the mission work she and David share. Tis work includes trips to Kurdistan and Turkey, and 25 years of taking groups of up to 120 from local churches on trips in the U.S.

Linda and Merle Pittillo enjoying the harbor during TPI’s 2015 International Education Conference & Field Day in San Diego.

During challenging times, she gains strength from the messages of Ecclesiastes 3 and Romans 8:28. Ten she turns her abundant energies to the tasks at hand, seeking to serve the Lord in all she does as she embraces the future, whatever it may hold.

TPI Turf News July/August 2016