RISING STAR
According to Fink , being spread out is a bit of a challenge , but it ’ s also a blessing because it gives his assistants free reign to run those facilities .
“ That has been a learning experience for me , as I ’ ve had to change some of my management practices ,” he said . “ I have to trust those guys and let them do what they know how to do ; and they do a great job .”
Speaking of learning experiences , Fink learned from some of the best . Prior to his role with Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC , Fink spent five years just down the road with Tom Nielsen and the Louisville Bats .
“ We did Triple-A baseball , and the soccer team was there as well before they built the new stadium ,” said Fink . “ It gave me an introduction into soccer , and I got to know the coaches and front office pretty well .” Overall , this is Fink ’ s eighth season in the city of Louisville .
“ Prior to that I went to Iowa State for turfgrass management ,” he said . “ I originally went to school for architecture ; but the first semester they told me I would be in an office and a design studio , and I quickly realized that ’ s not for me .”
Fink got a job at the university golf course , working with Superintendent John Newton .
“ He took me under his wing and pointed me in the right direction . John Newton threw me into the fire , and I appreciate everything he did to get me started ,” said Fink . “ I took an internship the next year with Tom Nielsen in Louisville ; he is a great mentor , and I learned so much from him . Those two guys were almost like fathers to me ; they took me in and showed me the ropes .”
Fink added that the biggest lesson he learned from Nielsen was that it ’ s all about the people you work with . “ That ’ s what I ’ m in it for , and that ’ s what I enjoy ,” said Fink . “ Seeing them out there doing their thing , and
seeing their growth is gratifying . On game days I tell them , ‘ We did our work . Be proud of it . Now let ’ s enjoy the game and cheer on the team .’ Looking down the line and seeing their faces , when I see them happy , that ’ s when I know it has been a good week .”
Fink is excited to lead and mentor others . He takes pride in seeing members of his team achieve new milestones in their careers or ascend to higher positions in the industry . He also enjoys speaking with younger people and teaching them about the industry .
“ I ’ ve had different schools and FFA programs here to take tours — last year we had our first turf field day ,” said Fink . “ I tell them , ‘ If you love doing something , go after it .’ It ’ s trying to find that passion . I ’ ve never worked a day in groundskeeping . I love coming in every day . I love being around the crew . You have to find that . Whether you want to be a truck driver , an engineer or an astronaut , if you have that passion , the sky is the limit . Groundskeeping is not for everyone . I ’ ve had people come in , enjoy it for the summer , but decided it isn ’ t for them . I ’ m proud that they came in and tried .”
According to Fink , while the awards and accolades are nice , he prefers to focus on the people .
“ At the end of the day , that ’ s what it is about ,” he said . “ We have an awesome industry that wants to help each other out , and I just want to be a part of that . I don ’ t need the recognition , but if someone needs help , I want to be there for them . Whether it ’ s talking about grass or talking them through life — that ’ s where my passion is at . I hope 20 years down the road , when I look back at my career , that ’ s the impact I ’ ve made . The awards are awesome , but the people are what I want my legacy to be .” SFM
— Article written by John Kmitta , associate publisher and editorial brand director
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY :
“ Aaron is a great turf mind who continues to set the standard for sports field management in Kentucky . He has worked in a variety of settings and has been a standout everywhere he has been . He welcomes all viewpoints and opinions , and blends that together with his own knowledge to forge his own way in a scientific and regimented manner . He is a great sports field manager .” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2023 | SportsField Management
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