INDUSTRY NEWS
More comprehensive resources : The unified teams , infrastructure , and products and services offered allow the company to better serve customers nationwide and deliver solutions more effectively . In the coming months , the teams will formalize the details for how they will work together . No changes to either the leadership or the teams is expected .
Michael Huie named Triple-A Groundskeeper of the Year
Minor League Baseball named Tacoma Rainiers ’ Director of Field Operations Michael Huie the Pacific Coast League and Triple-A Groundskeeper of the Year for the 2024 season .
Huie was given the award over nine other PCL teams , bringing home the award for the first time in Tacoma ’ s history . It was the first time a team in the Pacific Northwest won the award since Spokane won in 2015 .
“ Industry standards are only on the rise . Maintaining a quality playing surface is essential and goes far beyond the aesthetics ,” Huie said . “ The priority is to protect the players that come out to compete day in and day out .”
In his eighth season with Tacoma , Huie is proud of winning the award for the organization but acknowledged that it is a complete team effort that goes into getting the field prepared .
“ I may have won the award , but there is a tremendous cast that is dedicated to putting out the final product that we do ,” Huie said . “ Bring on 2025 !”
Team President Aaron Artman stated that Huie is a perfectionist , and he is thrilled that all his hard work is being recognized .
“ He has very high standards and is extremely detail oriented , elevating our entire organization with the work he does on the field .”
Central Turf & Irrigation Supply announces new COO
Central Turf & Irrigation Supply , a wholesale distributor of green industry and landscape supplies , announced
Tim Minnema as chief operating officer . In this newly created role , Minnema will continue to elevate the company framework set forth by the Luciano family by focusing on new opportunities for optimization , streamlining processes , and efficiencies .
“ We are thrilled to have Tim join our executive team ,” said Bernardo Luciano , president of Central Turf & Irrigation Supply . “ He brings a deep operational knowledge and a proven track record of driving results in every element of business .”
Minnema brings more than 25 years of experience in retail , distribution and operations . Throughout his career with companies like Bosch , Valspar , and Specialty Building Products , he demonstrated exceptional leadership , customer focus and a strong commitment to continuous improvement .
“ Over the past 25 years I have had the privilege of helping private and family companies from $ 30M to $ 500M in revenue grow their top and bottom line ,” said Minnema . “ I knew one day I wanted to find a company that had the same value system , energy level and passion for business that I do . I believe that is what Central Turf & Irrigation Supply has . The Luciano family has done an amazing job growing the business and developing a lot of very talented people . I really look forward to being part of the next stages of growth at Central Turf & Irrigation Supply .”
Duane Otto promoted to president of Turf & Soil Diagnostics
Turf & Soil Diagnostics ( TSD ) promoted Duane Otto to president . In this new capacity , Otto will be responsible for the overall direction and performance of the company .
The company stated that Otto will provide the leadership and direction needed for the staff , company and clients to succeed in the future .
Prior to this promotion , Otto was Turf & Soil Diagnostics ’ vice president , performing soil testing and supervision , and providing customer support since 1996 . In addition to his new responsibilities , Otto will continue his testing , quality and management functions .
Sam Ferro , who has been TSD president since 2000 , will remain with the company as vice president , performing lab management duties and providing support to the president , staff and customers . This somewhat reduced role should allow Ferro more free time for family and other outside endeavors . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com January 2025 | SportsField Management
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