INDUSTRY NEWS

The Professional Football Field Managers Alliance( PFFMA) inducted Dick Ericson into its prestigious Ring of Honor, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, innovation and service to the sports field management profession.

Ericson is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in modern sports field management. He served as head groundskeeper at Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings, and continued his leadership through the organizations’ transition to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome from 1961 to 1981. During a transformative era in professional sports facilities, Ericson ensured that playing surfaces met the highest standards of safety, performance, and playability.

A visionary beyond the field, Ericson was a founding leader and the first president of the Sports Turf Managers Association( 1981 – 1982). His leadership helped unify sports turf professionals nationwide, establishing a collaborative platform for education, research, and the development of industry-wide best practices that continue to shape the profession today.

Throughout his career, Ericson was known not only for his technical expertise and commitment to excellence, but also for his dedication to mentoring the next generation of turf managers. His willingness to share knowledge, elevate standards, and advocate for professionalism strengthened the field management community across the country.

“ Dick Ericson’ s legacy is woven into the very fabric of our profession,” said PFFMA leader Ken Mrock.“ His contributions helped define what excellence in sports field management looks like, and his influence continues to be felt throughout the industry.”

The PFFMA Ring of Honor celebrates individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on professional football field management. Dick Ericson’ s induction recognizes decades of service, innovation, and leadership that have advanced the profession and inspired generations.

SiteOne Landscape Supply acquires Reinders

SiteOne Landscape Supply acquired Reinders, a family-owned distributor of irrigation, agronomics, holiday and landscape lighting, and landscape supplies with 12 locations across Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Minnesota.

With more than 150 years of industry leadership, Reinders is known for its technical expertise, rapid on-site diagnostics, tailored product recommendations and industry-leading service from a team of highly trained professionals.

Together, the companies will build on Reinders’ trusted advisor role with customers, while expanding inventory depth, operational support, and resources designed to help green industry professionals succeed.

“ As a very successful fifth-generation, familyowned company, Reinders is well known and respected in the green industry for quality and reliability, a commitment to exceptional customer service and for helping their customers succeed— values we share at SiteOne,” said Doug Black, chairman and CEO of SiteOne.“ This acquisition expands our ability to offer the full line of landscape supplies to our combined customers, enhances our presence in the market, and provides an avenue for further expansion in the growing Midwest market. We’ re excited to welcome Ann Reinders and the talented Reinders team to the SiteOne family and look forward to working together to serve landscape professionals throughout the Midwest and beyond.”

Reinders evaluated multiple options for its future before choosing to partner with SiteOne, citing shared values, a focus on the green industry, strong resources and capabilities, and a commitment to preserving its legacy. Reinders will continue operating under its established name, maintaining the customer relationships and service model that have defined the company for generations, while leveraging the full resources and capabilities of SiteOne.

42 SportsField Management | April 2026 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com