Groundskeeper Chats

Pioneer Athletics
  • 4.7 (3)
  • SPORTS

For anyone who has been asked if they mow grass for a living, these conversations are for you. Join us as we explore and discuss the questions and passions of sports turf professionals while celebrating our niche part of the sports world.

  1. 1D AGO

    Banana Ball: Groundskeeper Chat with Trey Altman

    Raymond James Stadium's Facility Manager of Grounds, Trey Altman, joins us for our Banana Ball series. Altman and the Buccaneer's crew were the first NFL stadium to host Banana Ball. Altman walks us through the rewarding experience and his career in the turf industry in this week's #GroundskeeperChat, here's what you'll hear:  Trey's turf origin story  Banana Ball  The "Off-season"  What challenges Trey is looking forward to this season  A little bit more about our guest... Trey Altman embarked on his journey in the turf industry at Sandhills Community College before spending time on several sides of the industry. Trey has brought his experience in collegiate athletics, parks and rec, minor league baseball, field construction and golf to his position at Raymond James to better the various events, teams and games they host!

    31 min

  2. AUG 25

    Performing Under Pressure: Groundskeeper Chat with Max Casper

    Head Groundskeeper for the Reno Aces, Max Casper, joined us mid-season to update us on his first year in the new role. A heavy events schedule and minor league baseball can be daunting but Max shares with us his keys to success. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Reno Aces crew update  Banana Ball  Performing under pressure  Maintaining culture and positivity during long stretches of the season  A little bit more about our guest...  Max Casper is a long-time friend of the series, Meg was one of the first people Max met after stepping off the plane and arriving to his first SFMA in Savannah. Max had been with Reno Aces for several seasons as the assistant groundskeeper before stepping in his new role as Head Groundskeeper last fall.

    38 min

  3. AUG 21

    Groundskeeper Chat with Paula Sliefert

    We welcome Sports Field Management Association's newest CEO, Paula Sleifert, to share her vision and excitement for the new role in this week's episode. Paula comes to the role with almost 20 years of experience in our industry and a passion for driving change that makes an impact. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: The philosophies and practices that have kept Paula rooted during major life and career changes Advice, guidance and support Paula received during her time of transition  What excites Paula most about this new chapter  The Paula Sliefert Listening World Tour  An open invitation to members  A little bit more about our guest...  Paula Sliefert is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Sports Field Management Association and Executive Director of the Professional Football Field Managers Association. Paula spent almost 18 years in sports turf and grounds management marketing space before accepting this new role.

    52 min

  4. AUG 13

    Groundskeeper Chat with Jordan Achay

    the.j.sprays, Jordan Achay, joins Meg for a Groundskeeper Chat to share his turf origin story and passion for sharing the behind scenes of our industry. Jordan is California born and raised, rooted in his love for the beach and the outdoors. Full-time with the LA Chargers and his own sports field management business has given Jordan the opportunity to pack a lot of experience in the years since transitioning from baseball coach to groundskeeper. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: - The man behind the.j.sprays - Jordan's turf origin story - Baseball to Groundskeeping - Building a brand in the industry A little bit more about our guest... What started with a flyer from a friend has led Jordan Achay to a fulfilling career in sports turf. Jordan has a masters in marketing and passion for helping build the brand of sports turf professionals with his Surface Series, episodes are available now!

    40 min

  5. AUG 11

    Groundskeeper Chat with Vince Jagodzinki

    Stanley Black and Decker's Manager of Grounds and Field Testing, Vince Jagodzinski, brought us along for a day in his life in Valley City, Ohio! We sat down with Vince at the end of the day to hear his full turf origin story and the things that have kept him rooted in the industry since day one. Here's what you'll hear in today's #GroundskeeperChat:  A journey through Vince's career in the industry  Vince's pitch to the next generation or someone looking for their next adventure  How the turf industry has supported Vince in his career  Vince's philosophy that has kept him grounded throughout all the changes A little bit more about our guest... Vince Jagodzinski has spent decades in the green industry, what started as a landscape business with his brother evolved in a sports turf gig at the University level, which ultimately brought him to where he is today with Stanley Balck and Decker. Vince is an active member of PGMS and advocate for more grounds managers and crews to participate in industry associations.

    57 min

  6. AUG 6

    Banana Ball: Groundskeeper Chat with Adam Virant

    Straight from the source! We are joined by Director of Baseball Operations for The Savannah Bananas to chat about the whirl wind journey he's had with the team and his own turf origin story. Adam shares with us ouse of his favorite memories from the road and what he hopes resonates with groundskeepers when his team is in town. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat:  Adam Virant's turf origin story  The biggest curveball Banana Ball has encountered on the road  Building trust and communication with local field managers Typical day in the life during the Banana Ball World Tour  A little bit more about our guest...  Adam Virant is a coach for the Savannah Bananas and Director of Baseball Operations. His love for the sport and dreams to join the major leagues started at a young age while being raised in Nebraska. When joining the organization he dove head first into helping with the turf and learning about the complexity of it. Virant traded in his law books for baseball glove and never looked back!

    38 min

  7. JUL 28

    Banana Ball: Groundskeeper Chat with Will Cole

    Salem Red Sox's Director of Field Operations, Will Cole has always been on our radar and now he's making his first appearance on our Groundskeeper Chat series. Will brings vast experience to minor league baseball and has always found himself being pulled to sports turf. Will joined us days before his stadium welcomed the Banana Ball World Tour. Here's what else you'll hear on this week's episode:  How the Red Sox crew was preparing for Banana Ball  Will's turf origin story Will's mental health journey in minor league baseball  The importance of networking and being involved in industry associations.  A little bit more about our guest... Will Cole is the Director of Field Operations for the Salem Red Sox and President of Virginia Sports Field Management Association.

    58 min

  8. JUL 9

    Groundskeeper Chat LIVE from PGMS

    We joined the Professional Grounds Management Society's Regional Conference in Cleveland, Ohio for a LIVE Groundskeeper Chat. We were joined by six guests, all with engaging turf origin stories, who shared their passion for the industry and why groups like PGMS make it special.  Tune in to hear from Eric Harshman, Michael Gildea, Vince Jagodzinski, Aaron Griffith, Bill Quade and Daniel Bangert.

    1h 3m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

For anyone who has been asked if they mow grass for a living, these conversations are for you. Join us as we explore and discuss the questions and passions of sports turf professionals while celebrating our niche part of the sports world.

Information

  • Creator
    Pioneer Athletics
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Groundskeeper Chats

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