March/April 2017 Turf Ne The only magazine devoted exclusively to turfgrass production News A publication of Turfgrass Producers International

IN THIS ISSUE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE The Story Behind TPI Logos Labor Issues Focus The Beards and the Graffs

... And Much More

Cover: TPI’s New Logo Introduced in Tampa Design: Marketing Group at Sod Solutions

TURF NEWS Vol. 41 No. 2 March/April 2017

Published by: Turfgrass Producers International 2 East Main St. East Dundee, IL 60118 U.S. & Canada Tel: 800-405-8873 International Tel: 1-847-649-5555 Fax: 1-847-649-5678 Email: info@TurfGrassSod.org Website: www.TurfGrassSod.org

TPI Contact Information Interim Executive Director Sandy Reynolds sreynolds@TurfGrassSod.org

Co-Editors Steve & Suz Trusty stevetrusty@TurfGrassSod.org suztrusty@TurfGrassSod.org

Art Director Jane Tomlinson jane@inkumbrella.com

Advertising Sales Geri Hannah ghannah@TurfGrassSod.org

Communications Manager Jim Novak jnovak@TurfGrassSod.org

Industry Calendar Geri Hannah ghannah@TurfGrassSod.org

Director of Meetings Sandy Reynolds sreynolds@TurfGrassSod.org

Meetings Manager Daniel Morris Meetings@TurfGrassSod.org

Editorial Advisors John Cisar, Ph.D. (warm-season grasses) cisarturfdoc@gmail.com

Brian Horgan, Ph.D. University of Minnesota (cool-season grasses) bphorgan@umn.edu

Turf News is published bi-monthly (January/ February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December) with a $25 subscription fee from Membership dues, by Turfgrass Producers International 2 East Main Street, East Dundee, IL 60118 Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO

POSTMASTER Please send address changes to Turf News 2 East Main Street, East Dundee, IL 60118 USPS no. 003 255; ISSN 0899-417K Canadian Post: Publications agreement No. 1479148

FEATURE ARTICLES FOCUS: Tackling Labor Issues

14 Graff’s Turf Farm—Building on Success ASPA/TPI has played a huge role in the business and lives of the Graff family.

23 Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout When you manage your stress, you’ll more successfully manage your employees and business.

29 How to Navigate 7 Tricky Sales Conundrums Tips to lead your sales team to produce better revenue and profits.

32 Sales Detox Read what you need to STOP doing.

28 Hacking People Your biggest vulnerability isn’t in your IT Department. Read how to protect data and identity.

33 Housekeeping Tips: Don’t Sweep Them Under the Carpet Improve safety around your entire operation with a complete and structured program.

34 It’s Official: United States is Wrapped Up in Red Tape Read what the Orange County Register had to say about government red tape.

36 TPI Introduces New Logo Te new TPI Logo is introduced in Tampa and Jim Novak provides historical context.

38 50th Anniversary—Today’s Challenges We look at some of the challenges facing the natural turfgrass industry as we prepare for the next 50.

40 April is … National Lawn Care Month TPI joins with NALP and other industry groups to promote the benefits of natural turfgrass.

46 Turf and Computer Science Last year’s TLI Scholarship recipient talks about growing the industry with computers.

48 Dr. James B and Harriet Beard—Partners in an Amazing Journey Read about the Beard’s long association with TPI and the entire turfgrass industry.

42 Tony Leonard Talks Resodding! A director of grounds with the NFL addresses working with sod for a prime playing surface.

47 Shared Memories and Great Advice Long-time members share thoughts on what they've gleaned from their involvement in TPI.

56 2017 International Turfgrass Research Conference is Fast Approaching Read the latest information about this international event to be held this July in New Jersey.

PLUS

TPI News………………………................…6 Turf Industry News.........................……….59 DEPARTMENTS

President's TURF…...…...................…………2 Executive Director's TURF.….........................4 Welcome New & Returning Members…..12 Te Lawn Institute News……....…......…..10

BONUS

TLI Helpful Hints Pass-Along…...…....11 THANK YOU to TLI 2016 Donors.......9 Classified Ads...........................................62 Advertisers Index.....................................63 Turf Industry Calendar...........................64

1