HONORING JIM NOVAK By Suz Trusty

After more than a decade of dedicated service, Jim Novak, communications manager of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI), announced his retirement, effective May 31.

As Sandy Reynolds, then interim executive director, stated in the announcement to TPI members, “Words can not adequately express the contributions Jim has made to our association and there is no doubt that he will be missed by all of us.”

Jim at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA).

Linda Bradley of Turf Mountain Sod and TPI’s current Past President, added, “Jim has always provided

excellent words and writings to promote natural grass. What

he has written and created will be used for many years to come to continue to promote the remarkable value of natural grass. His ability to make people smile and be truly encouraged and inspired are just a few of his many wonderful attributes that I admire!"

Current TPI President, Jimmy Fox of Evergreen Turf, Inc., stated, “Jim’s passion for thoroughly researching a subject, then communicating that in words is such a special gift. Te awards he received from his peers [the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA)] the last few years are testament to his talent. Tere is not a greater honor than to be recognized by the best in your field, and he has earned such respect.”

Asked for his comments on his career with TPI, Jim Novak said, “Although only twelve years have passed since I first joined TPI, technology has evolved in ways that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Te on- going progression of the TPI and TLI websites; TPI’s involvement in the April is…National Lawn Care Month campaign, the series of brochures we created for the Lawn Care Guide, numerous video presentations, etc. Every one of these vehicles has expanded our means to communicate and build greater awareness to a broad audience. Our collaboration in recent years with other turf and green industry associations has been invaluable. As I look to the

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future it is my hope that this effort to partner and work together with other associations will continue.”

Jim Novak’s creativity, communications expertise and ability to interact across multiple audiences have made tremendous contributions to TPI and the entire Green Industry. Let’s explore the journey that uniquely equipped him for this challenge.

Personal Jim Novak grew up in Chicago’s Bucktown. He met Kathy in high school and they began dating during their senior year. Tey’ll celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August of 2018.

Jim and Kathy are dramatically different personalities that are dependent on what one gives to the other and totally supportive of each other. Jim says, “My career trajectory was possible because Kathy was so successful in what she did in the business world. She provided the financial support that allowed me to be creative.”

Kathy served as executive assistant to the CFO at British Steel. After that company’s acquisition by a corporate giant, she served a group of executives in leadership positions within that company.

Kathy Novak says, “Jim is sweet and funny and he cares so much it’s almost detrimental at times. He’s a natural born teacher as well as a master communicator. His most influential role has been father. He always told our son, ‘Do what you love.’” Teir son Michael followed that advice and is now a professional dancer with the prestigious Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York.

The Quest Jim planned to be a commercial artist and did attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Prior to starting there, he decided to take his portfolio to WGN Broadcasting in Chicago, to see if he could get a job there as a commercial artist. “If my parents were well educated, they would have understood that was impossible and talked me out of it. But they weren’t and their attitude was why not? So I gathered the portfolio of my best work, bought a big leather case to hold it, and took the bus to WGN Broadcasting.

“When I walked inside, I was stopped by security. I told them I came for a job interview. Tey asked if I had an appointment. I didn’t know you did that and I had no resume. For some reason, the guard called the personnel offices and for some reason the assistant personnel manager said she would see me. She was very polite and looked at my work, which I know now was not very good.

TPI Turf News July/August 2017