Groundskeeper Chats

Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports, Maryanne Baglos gave us a world tour the morning we stepped into shoes for a day in life experience. Maryanne's 2025 Pioneers in the Field story started on a softball field with her dad, tune in for the rest of her special edition Groundskeeper Chat episode!

Longtime Toledo Mudhens, Head Groundskeeper, Kyle Leppelmeier joins us for his special edition Pioneers in the Field episode. We dive into Kyle's origin story, mentors along the way and what he hopes to give back to this industry each day he takes the field. 

Gillette Stadium's Field Superintendent, Ryan Bjorn, is a proud member of the Patriots and Revolution organizations. Join us for Bjorn's special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field episode, where he takes us back to the very beginning of his turf story. 

Arizona Cardinals and State Farm Stadium, Director of Turf, Andy Levy, joins us for his special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode. We learn that adventure and a love for the outdoors is at the core of Andy's story. Andy led the team that implemented the first retraceable field in the NFL, tune in for this week's episode.

The Chase Straw turfgrass world tour started in Kentucky, traveled through Georgia, Minnesota and Texas before its current residency in State College, Pennsylvania. Straw joins us for his in-depth Pioneers in the Field interview to discuss the people, places and principles that will help serve as his legacy in the sports turf industry. Don't miss this special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode.

Founder and Principal of Field Source, Ryan DeMay walks onto a new movie set each day. There is always a new cast of characters, obstacle to overcome and hero's journey, but DeMay shared with us that he often runs off the same script. DeMay allows his passion for safe community-level sports fields to take the center stage and hopes that his delivery will serve as his legacy in the industry.

Kelly Lynch, Pure Seed Regional Manager, could write a book on earning a seat at the table.  Meg Kruger invites her mentor onto our latest #GroundskeeperChat episode to share her trade secrets to success.  Whether you tune in for the professional development or are looking for a pep talk from one of the best, here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:  Sherpa Mindset  Navigating the No Asking, "How Do I Get to Be You?"  Finding Your Tribe  Two friends and a podcast 

We've always liked Rick Perruzzi, Director of Athletic Fields in South Portland, Maine, but after our pit stop to visit him on a gloomy Thursday. We are officially launching the Rick Perruzzi Fan Club LLC. After listening to this week's episode you'll understand why. Here's what you'll hear on this #GroundskeeperChat:  South Portland, born and raised  Rick's turf origin story Mentors along the way  Legacy and much more 

Jill Seymour, CGCS is the Superintendent at Charleston Springs South Course in New Jersey and one of the founding members of the Women in Turf Team. Jill and Meg waste no time catching up in this week's episode, where they touch on everything from the Women's Leadership Academy, Jill's 20 years in the industry and their current reading wish list. Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat:  Jill recaps the second annual Women's Leadership Academy hosted by GCSAA Jill's turf origin story, from children psychology to the golf course  The Women in Turf Team, past, present and all the magic in between  Lastly, Meg and Jill's book club   A little bit more about our guest...  Jill Seymour is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and wildly respected leader in the green industry. She has played a pivotal role in helping The Women in Turf Team and volunteered at four U.S. Open's. Jill is a proud Penn State Alum. 

This episode is brought to you in two separate parts, beginning with the end of our Palm Springs show and then a few weeks later Meg and Mira pick the mics back up to finish our conversation. We kick off with a special cameo featuring Max Casper of the Reno Aces and then deep dive into a fascinating story of athlete turned groundskeeper with Mira Emma. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Max and Mira's Turf Origin Stories  Mira's Mentors Becoming a Young Leader  KC Current and the Changing Culture 

Texas neighbors and University CSFMs, Brad Finn and Nick McKenna joined cohost Tyler Morris and Meg Kruger for a jam-packed Groundskeeper Chat. The duo reflected on their individual success this past years and the times they've been able to team up to help out industry peers and promote our industry. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Converting Kyle Field to host MLS and concerts  University of Houston's new Football Operations Center  Major life updates for the UH crew  Honoring tradition vs. innovation in field painting  Lastly, supporting and promoting our industry 

The Doctors are in! Lisa Goatley and Mike Goatley, Ph.D are back to share a recap from their 2025 SFMA sessions. Don't miss this insightful episode into how we can be our true, authentic selves in the green industry. Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat: - Soft skills and self awareness - Trauma bonding - Work/life balance - Being vulnerable and the shared human experience A little bit more about our guests... Lisa Goatley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in a private practice. Mike Goatley is a Professor and Extension Turgrass Specialist at Virgina Tech University.

Penn State's newest employee joined us in Palm Springs to talk about his major move from Texas A&M to Penn State. Chase Straw is the Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils at Penn State University. And a 2025 Pioneers in the Field teaser. Here's what you'll here in this #GroundskeeperChat:  FFA College Bowl  Paths to Turfgrass for our Next Generation  Turfgrass 101 curriculum  The reward of being involved in SFMA  ChatGBT

Our lead off hitter for day 2, Chrissie Segars joins us to catch up and reminisce on the beginning of our Groundskeeper Chat series. Chrissie is the West Research Scientist at PBI Gordon Corporation. Chrissie reflects on where she's been and her current adventure. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:  Meg and Chrissie's Trip Advisor Review  The world behind turf research  Academia vs Research vs Sports Turf  OG Women in Turf

Pete Thibeault helps Meg kick off our second annual rush hour to close out the first day of podcasting from SFMA 2025 in Palm Springs. The duo invited guests to share a story, their turf origin story or their current hobby outside of the gig. Here's who you'll hear from in this #GroundskeeperChat:  Pure Seed's Crystal Rose Fricker  Father and Son Duo, Matt and Conor Duncan  Neilsen Mafia Members, Tod Shafer and Eric Harshman 

Ben Hartman, Head Groundskeeper for the Wichita Wind Surge, welcomed Jakob Scales onto his crew when he was just 16 years old and has been one of his biggest supporters ever since. After a successful year in Arizona working in both the MLB and NFL, Scales shares how important mentors have been in his trail blazing time in the industry. Here's what you'll hear from these two in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Growing the turf industry and growing the brand Social media and portfolio building  What's next for the duo? 

How to know when it's time. Ryan DeMay and Stephen Lord recap their 2025 SFMA session in Palm Springs with Meg and Chris. Two dream job quitters talk about how scary it can be to take a bet on yourself and forge a new path. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Leaving when you're on top  Calling your own shot  Seeing more for yourself and future  Building your timeline 

Cohost Tyler Morris kicks off this Live SFMA episode with CJ Bucks, former Head Groundskeeper with the Philadelphia Union. Buck gives us a glimpse into the thought process that led him to take a new role on the other side of our industry and how he is navigating the new role. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:  CJ's Turf Origin Story  Name drop pile up!  Confidence in your decisions and yourself  Navigating a new balance  Vendor relationships 

MetLife Stadium Head Sports Field Manager, Tyler Morris, CSFM joins Meg and Chris to reflect on 2024 and look forward to what the World Cup will bring to New Jersey. This is Tyler's fourth GroundskeeperChat and he's welcomed back anytime! Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:  World Cup Outlook  Industry Support  Jam-packed calendar of events  Life outside of the field 

Tyler Carr, Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Ohio State University joins Meg for an OH-IO Groundskeeper Chat. From Palm Springs, Tyler shares with us his turf origin story, his passion for community level sports fields and data-driven sports field management. Here's what you'll hear in this episode:  Having an Impact via Academia  Tyler's Extension Appointment  Passion for Community Level Sports Fields  Data-Driven Sports Field Management  Lastly, The Importance of Visibility in Turf 

Assistant Field Manager at Arizona State University, Leah Withrow details her recent big move from Reno to Arizona. Meg, Chris and Leah talk about having confidence in your decision making and field of the year standards. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:  Leaving Home for ASU  Establishing trust in a new organization  The diversity of University groundskeeping   Mentor shout out  14 games in 4 days

Join us for a chaotic kick off to our Live Groundskeeper Chat series live from Palm Springs. Andy Hebrard of Athletic Applications joins Meg and Chris to help paint the picture of show opening during the annual Sports Field Management Association conference. Here's what you'll hear in this episode:  2024 Year in Review for Athletic Applications  2025 Trade Show Opening  Special Guest: Mike Kuhn from Arizona State University  A little bit more about our guests...  Andy Hebrard is the Owner and Operator of Athletics Applications. Andy and his crew do everything from painting to field renovations to hosting community smoke series. Andy was named a SFMA 2024 Rising Star.  Mike Kuhn is Arizona State University's Assistant Athletic Field Manager, where he works alongside Josh Lenz, Mike Klakulak to create some our industry best field designs and conditions. ASU's football field was named a 2024 SFMA Field of the Year. 

Co-hosts Meg Kruger and Chris Bell sit down in Cleveland to recap the 2025 Sports Field Management Association Conference in Palm Springs. We invited several guests to our Groundskeeper Chat podcast series over the course of two days on the trade show floor. The pair give a glimpse into what listeners can expect to be release over the next 2 months.  14 Live from Palm Springs Groundskeeper Chat episodes  Show highlights and takeaways  Favorite guests/episodes

Denver Broncos' Director of Turf and Grounds at Empower Field at Mile High, Chris Hathaway sat down with Meg for our latest Groundskeeper Chat episode. Meg, Chris and guest cohost, Daniel were able to meet in-person for this special episode. The trio covered everything from Chris' turf origin story to the data he collects to help justify his bottom line. 

Thank you to all everyone who listened along to our Groundskeeper Chat series in 2024! As we look forward to welcoming new guests in 2025, here is a look back at some of our highlights from this past year! This Year in Review episode features clips from the following episodes:  Tyler Morris, Performing Under Pressure Ryan DeMay, Ballfields on a Budget  Ryan Bjorn, The Future of Sports Turf  Andy Ommen, Building a Brand  Zach Holm, Routes to Turf  Josh Lenz, Earning a Seat at the Table   

Josh Lenz is a graduate from Iowa State University, where turf first came on his radar. After working on Tim Van Loo's crew Lenz found himself interning with the NFL and meeting ASU legend, Brian Johnson. Lenz has been with ASU for six years, where he shares his experiences in earning a seat at the table for himself and his crew.

Our next guest, Colin Boak, is the Facility Manager with Legacy Center in Brighton Michigan. Colin joined us to share how turf came on his radar and what made him ultimately choose the career. Colin shared with us the exciting future he foresees at Legacy and all the building blocks that have made that future possible.

Arizona State University's Assistant Manager of Athletics Grounds, Mike Kuhn's Routes to Turf is far from traditional. While attending grad school, Kuhn simultaneously enrolled in a turf program at a local community college. For Kuhn turf and agriculture were always on his radar, listen to this week's Groundskeeper Chat to hear how turf became his career.

Brian McDougal is a proud MSU turf program graduate and current keeper of the keys for Spartan Stadium. McDougal's past and present turf stories take place at Michigan State University where he is the Assistant Sports Field Manager today. After being an eager student intern at MSU, McDougal left to pursue a few other gigs before returning in 2021 to work on the stadium crew under Andy McNitt. McDougal shares the full story in this week's Routes to Turf #GroundskeeperChat

Sod Solutions Professional, Craig Potts joins us to share his Routes to Turf story and all that in-between. Texas born and raised much of Craig's story takes place at Kyle Field in College Station. Don't miss a minute of this legendary story, here's what you'll hear on this week's #GroundskeeperChat!

Director of Operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Alpha Jones, CSFM, joins us for the first time to share his route to turf story. Jones is a passionate advocate for inspiring the next generation to consider turf as a career option and helping current groundskeepers develop professionally. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Gardening - to -  Landscaping - to - Groundskeeper of the Year  The mentors, peers and friends who changed the game along the way  "more than grass" and what's to come  

Imagine being responsible for one of the world's most iconic parks. The park that serves as a backdrop to the life-long memories made for over 42 million guests a year! Zach Holm, CSFM,  Turf Care Manager of Central Park Conservancy in New York City says he's in the business of helping make memories. In this week's #GroundskeeperChat we discover how Zach's career brought him to NYC and the iconic Central Park!

Industry and Tampa Bay legend Wayne Ward takes us back to the beginning of his career and updates our listeners on what retirement has looked like. Hint, hint, his latest gig has kept him living in the fast lane! Here's what you'll hear in our newest Routes to Turf #GroundskeeperChat:  Ag teacher turned turf professional  30 years in Tampa Bay  Wayne reflects on the elements of the industry that kept him going  Retirement: far from it!  Lastly, the latest update from the designer of the Wayne Ward Collection 

We continue with our Routes to Turf series by hearing cohost's Weston Appelfeller's turf origin story and how he ended up in the position he holds today. Appelfeller grew up dreaming of one day becoming a baseball umpire. Once he discovered that the turf industry was another route to being close to the game he loved, he dove in head first. Tune in for the rest of the story which includes gigs in Columbus, Boston, Austin and plenty of pivotal moments along the way. Stay tuned for other turf origin stories and which routes others took to find a fulfilling career in turf. A little bit more about our guest... Weston Appelfeller is the Market Technical Advisor for Pioneer Athletics specializing in seeds and fertilizers. When he's not on the road helping customers, he sits in as the Groundskeeper Chat cohost. Appelfeller is a proud alumni of The Ohio State University and lives in Vermont with his wife and two kids.

From bunkers in Idaho to growing grass on plastic in Colorado, Jess Lenihan joins us this week to share her Route to Turf story. Jess is the Sod Farm Manager for Green Valley Turf Co in Platteville Colorado. Similar to many turf stories, once Jess was exposed to the industry at an early age, she was all in.

Ben Hartman, Director of Field Operations for the Wichita Wind Surge, joins Meg for our next Groundskeeper Chat series: Routes to Turf! Hartman's story is unique because he represents the small percentage of the industry that knew about sports turf as a young kid! Listen along for how Hartman has made mentorship, advocacy and branding a priority in his career!

Sports Turf Specialist at the University of Michigan, Jason DeMink, CSFM joins us to talk about visibility for our industry. DeMink has been with the University of Michigan for 17 seasons and oversees football, baseball and softball. He joins Meg and Weston to share his passion for growing the profession

Director of Grounds for Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC, Dan Farnes, joins us to talk about helping our industry step into the spotlight during global events. Farnes does an excellent job of showcasing the job in a relatable, authentic and intriguing via social media. We dive into his thoughts behind social media and media relations and much more in Dan's episode.

Senior Marketing Manager for The Toro Company, Paula Sliefert's debut #GroundskeeperChat features everything that's great about our industry: passion, innovation and camaraderie.  Paula, Meg, Weston and Chris put their heads together to brainstorm ideas on how commercial partners can support the sports field managers who are bound to see an uptick in projects and stress as major events like the World Cup are brought to our facilities. While capitalizing on the extra attention our industry will receive in order to grow our work force, professionalize our jobs and much more. Listen along for a jam-packed hour of what feels like only the tip of the iceberg. 

Catch up with Groundskeeper Chat Hosts Meg Kruger and Weston Appelfeller as they give you the sneak peek into our next series: Capitalizing on Culture. The pair discuss the highlights from recent episodes, the guests they chatted with and their take on upcoming events happening in our industry. Like, subscribe and share Groundskeeper Chats with friends, co-workers or strangers on the street! Thank you for the support! 

Another installment of our Groundskeeper Chat Rush Hour live from our booth at the SFMA conference in Daytona Beach! Tune in for turf origin stories and the most exciting things to emerge from the conference. Thank you to everyone who hopped on the mic with us and made SFMA another special week for the Pioneer and Groundskeeper Chat teams!

Closing out our Daytona Episodes the same way we closed out the show, with a jam-packed, speed dating, Rush Hour with The Women in Turf Team. We caught up with some OG favorites and met new friends. Tune in for turf origin stories and the most exciting things to emerge from the conference. Thank you to everyone who hopped on the mic with us and made SFMA another special week for the Pioneer and Groundskeeper Chat teams!

BJ Thomas joined the Women in Turf Team at the Little League Softball World Series this past summer after getting connected with SFMA President, Sun Roesslein. The pair joined us to talk about the importance of finding a community within the industry and how The Women in Turf Team has impacted their careers.

At the SFMA Conference, Lynn Family Stadium's Field Maintenance Manager, Aaron Fink sat down for an episode with Meg and Chris. Aaron is a proud protégé of the Nielsen Mafia and is creating a championship crew of his own. Fink got his start working for Tom Nielsen at Slugger Field with the Louisville Bats. Then followed in Nielsen's footsteps to soccer at Lynn Family Stadium. Fink oversees field operations for Louisville City FC, Racing Louisville FC and Louisville City FC Academy.

2024 Pioneers in the Field class member Abby McNeal joined us at the booth in Daytona Beach to reflect on the recent honor. Abby shared with us how humbled she was to take the time to look back on her career and all those who helped her along the way. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  The importance of networking and creating a community Why Parks and Rec is so special to Abby  The welcoming nature of our industry  What Abby looks for when hiring  Lastly, what has Abby excited for the future of sports turf  

We invited Ryan Bjorn back to our Groundskeeper Chat series during the SFMA conference in Daytona Beach. Bjorn recapped his SFMA session "The Future of Sports Turf". Meg, Weston and Chris caught up with Bjorn and asked him how manages the changes within his own organization and the industry as a whole.

Andy Ommen's, CSFM, origin story starts with a bad hop during a little league game when he was coaching his son's team. Years later, Ommen went from passionate parent to a Certified Sports Field Manger to SFMA's Field of the Year Winner to part-owner of Professional Outdoor Solutions. Andy joined us in Daytona Beach to talk about the building blocks of a brand and business.

Ben Jackson is the Director of Grounds of the Columbus Crew soccer team. Ben grew up outside of Columbus loving the crew and soccer long before it was cool. A high school assignment introduced him to turf and Darian Daily who took him under his wing and hired him on as a part-time crew member while still in high school. Ben went on to work for Matt Williams, complete his turf degree through The Ohio State University and today leads  the crew that gave him his first home in the industry. With one of the coolest turf origin stories in our industry, Ben's episode is filled with Ohio roots and a love for the game.

Meg was thrilled to welcome back one of her very first guests of our Groundskeeper Chat series back to the mic! Ryan DeMay is the owner of Field Source Ohio and expert on helping groundskeepers create budgets, negotiate their bottom line and earn themselves a seat at the table. This episode brought OH-IO roots to Daytona Beach, here's what you'll hear in this week's #Groundskeeper Chat episode:  DeMay's Turf Origin Story  SFMA session recap: "Ballfields on a Budget"  The importance of collecting data and how to utilize it to help justify your needs Explaining the Why  Building the Field Source Ohio Team Lastly, Weston's Weather Report  A little bit more about our guest... Ryan DeMay is a proud The Ohio State University ATI Turf and OSU Turf Alumni. DeMay is the owner/principal of Field Source Ohio and Certified Sports Field Manager. 

Meg Kruger, joined by co-host Chris Bell, was thrilled to invite 2024 Pioneers in the Field class member Larry DiVito to our Groundskeeper Chat series. The trio recap the highlights of DiVito's origin story and his long-time career in Major League Baseball. DiVito shares his passion for groundskeepers finding the spotlight and helping this industry grow. DiVito is the Head Groundskeeper for the Minnesota Twins. 

Everyone's favorite vendor, Bulldog Field Equipment, joined us at the booth during the SFMA conference to give us an exclusive sneak peek into their latest project, turf toys! Listen along for your chance to be first in line for the toys we can't wait to get our hands on! Sign up to be an early advocate here: https://www.bulldogfieldequipment.com/toys