PRESIDENT’S TURF Networking and Follow-up
2019 TPI Board of Trustees
Officers Eric Heuver
Local, regional and national conferences open the doors to expanding your network, forming new relationships, and strengthening existing ones. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned conference goer, there are opportunities for connecting that can open your horizons in new and unexpected ways.
I’ve found there’s an instant connection with those attending our TPI Conferences. We have so much in common with other natural grass sod producers around the world; common problems; common challenges; and the opportunity to work together to create uncommon solutions.
At the airport, coming back from one of my first TPI Conferences, I was approached by Glenn Rehbein, a TPI past president whom I recognized, but at that point, would not have reached out to. He said he’d seen me at the Conference and hadn’t had a chance to meet me. Tat led to a half-hour conversation as we were waiting for our flights. Glenn was really interested in getting to know about me and my business and how things were going in my region and he shared what was happening with him and his business. Tat encounter was a reinforcement for me in the strength of taking part in TPI Conferences—and networking.
It may be hard for you to approach the people you’ve known as long-time leaders in the industry, but just do it. Take that first step and introduce yourself. I’ve never had anything but positive results by doing so. And look out for the first-timers, make them feel welcome and part of the TPI family.
And it doesn’t stop there. Follow up when you get back home. Send a quick email or text and make sure their information is part of your contact list and they have the opportunity to add your information to theirs. Let them know you enjoyed the conversations; appreciated the information; and add the invitation to keep in touch. Tose networking resources are excellent business connections, and I’m sure you’ll find, as I have, that many will evolve to life-long friendships.
Tat networking outreach is continuing on multiple levels. In January, Past TPI President Jimmy Fox, Associate Executive Director Karen Cooper, and I met with members of the Sports Turf Managers Association Board and STMA CEO Kim Heck during the STMA Conference in Phoenix to discuss how our two organizations can work together to promote the values of natural grass. We agreed to both use “natural grass” as the best way to promote and identify the surface. Tey are very open to supporting our efforts. Similar discussions are taking place as your Board, Karen, and Executive Director Casey Reynolds reach out to other green industry associations. Te relationships we’re forming across the natural grass industry will help grow the entire industry for the benefit of all.
All thAll the Best, e Be t, st,
President Eric Heuver Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply – CANADA +1-403-235-8873
eric@eaglelakelandscape.com
Vice President Hank Kerfoot Modern Turf – U.S.A. +1-803-713-8873
hank@modernturf.com
Secretary-Treasurer Steve Griffen Saratoga Sod Farm, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-518-664-5038
steve@saratogasod.com
Past President Jimmy Fox Evergreen Turf, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-480-456-1199
jimmy@evergreenturf.com
Executive Director Casey Reynolds, PhD Turfgrass Producers International – U.S.A. +1-847-649-5555
creynolds@TurfGrassSod.org
Trustees Jim Keeven SelecTurf, Inc – U.S.A. 1-573-634-3444
jim@selecturfsod.com
John Keleher Australian Lawn Concepts - Australia +61 61755430145
john@alcturf.com.au
Bob McCurdy McCurdy Farms - U.S.A. +1-731-692-3515
mccurdysodfarms@gmail.com
Aaron McWhorter NG Turf – U.S.A. +1-770-832-8608
aaron@ngturf.com
Mark Tribbett JB Instant Lawn, Inc. - U.S.A. +1-503-581-7823
mark@jbinstantlawn.net
Keith Wittig Central Turf Farms, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-979-657-1122
kwittig@centralturffarms.com
Tim Wollesen Sales Midwest, Inc. – U.S.A. +1-913-254-9560
tim@salesmidwest.com
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TPI Turf News March/April 2019
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