became Turfgrass Producers International in 1994). He’s been a part of the industry since then.”
John Owens, sales manager with Brouwer Kesmac, shared several stories about the world-famous Ian True. “When salespeople spend a lot of time together, they inevitably achieve great things in the workplace, and experience unique events planned, and unplanned. Working with Ian, one moment makes me think of another and another. Tere is truly a book full of them. We are all fortunate to have these memories of great times and experiences, and fortunate to be able to continue to make new memories that can be shared for many years to come.”
John also supplied the photo of what he called “the Group of Brouwer Gangsters” at the ASPA 25th Anniversary meeting in Chicago. He reports, “We decided to do a little tribute at this show in “Chicago Style.” Customers thought we were bandits, so we dressed up as 1920s Chicago Gangsters and made a grand entrance onto the field in a Model T Ford owned and operated by Larry Cradler, a Brouwer Dealer from Ohio. Collecting money was never a problem after they saw the True colors of the Brouwer Gang.”
Ian True (center) talks sod harvesters during a TPI event in the 1980s. Photo from the TPI Archives
Trebro and the Tvetene family, and the many customers he’s formed relationships with over the years, but also to TPI through his years serving on the Board of Trustees and supporting TPI and TLI. We are so fortunate to have him on our team.”
Ian True works the Trebro display at TPI’s 2019 Summer Convention Exhibit Hall while his wife Cathy visits with TPI Executive Director Casey Reynolds. Photo by Steve Trusty
The “Brouwer Gangsters” at the ASPA 25th Anniversary meeting in Chicago in 1992. Pictured left to right: Frank Horlings, Larry Cradler, John Owens, Richard Langdon, and Ian True. Photo courtesy of John Owens
And from the “Moving On” section of the article, In April of 2003, Ian joined Trebro Manufacturing. He says, “I saw a young, innovative company willing to put in whatever it took to advance the turfgrass sod industry. Tey were the first to come up with an automated turf harvester. Tey had invested years on R & D to get to that point. Tey started working on the research in 1986 and they incorporated in 1999.”
Gregg Tvetene of Trebro Manufacturing Inc. says, “Tere’s no one that symbolizes the best of the turf industry better than Ian True; he’s a true ambassador. Ian has been an integral part of Trebro since he first joined us. He is always enthusiastic, always looking forward and always positive. He is a great man of service, not only to
TPI Turf News September/October 2019 31
Cathy says, “I think the big thing with Ian is that he’s always been a big believer in the importance of the family farm; because this has always been the core of this industry. It’s always been about the connection. Ian has loved every moment of this connection. If you asked him what matters he would tell you it’s about connection. I think if you just talk about that, then you have captured who he is. And he is the kindest man I have ever known.”
Congratulations, Ian!
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