PROFILE management and attention to details . Dr . John Sorochan helped me learn how to conduct turfgrass research , and so much about being a professional . He also is always great for a joke . Dr . Jim Brosnan helped me with improving my academic writing , a major skill needed . Tim Van Loo , CSFM , was a great joy to work with since arriving at ISU . He showed me the importance in rolling with the punches and to have fun .
SFM : What would you say are the biggest accomplishments of your career and / or what are you most proud to have achieved ?
Thoms : I ’ m most proud of my students . Each of them comes into ISU and gets to find their way . They grow so much in their here and it is fun to watch them head out into the industry .
SFM : What are the biggest challenges you face , and how do you approach those challenges ?
Thoms : Recruitment . Trying to make sure people know about turfgrass management career , and that they can do it for a career . And making sure people know about what it takes to manage both natural and synthetic turfgrass . So many people think synthetic turf is maintenance free , and it isn ’ t . And people often don ’ t even know where to start to manage a natural grass field .
SFM : You have been active in STMA for a long time ; you have served on several STMA committees ; and you currently serve on the STMA Board of Directors . How has your career benefitted from being involved with STMA ? And what is your advice to other sports field managers regarding the value of being involved and giving back to the industry though service ?
Thoms : I ’ ve met so many great people through committees and board service . I have enjoyed getting to know them all , and I enjoy most hearing about their field management issues . I also appreciate them helping me out when I have a student who wants to go to a certain town or part of the United States for an internship .
SFM : How do you think the profession and industry will change in the next 10 years , and / or what would you most like to see in terms of industry advancement in the future ? sportsfieldmanagementonline . com January 2022 | SportsField Management
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