RISING STAR coming up , you ’ ve finished your work in that area , and it looks amazing ,” he said . “ To know you have played a part in that is hands-down the biggest enjoyment or accomplishment to see the fruits of your labor .”
Holm said he also enjoys that people in the sports field management industry know who he is and can approach him for advice , because he sought out similar advice — and mentors — when he was new to the industry .
Outside of work , Holm enjoys time with his family . “ I have a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old . I get to take them to soccer practice and be at games ,” he said . “ We live on a lake , so we spend a lot of our time outside — whether that ’ s sitting on the beach or hopping in a kayak . I just enjoying being a dad .”
Holm also serves the sports field management industry as president of the Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey , and on the national SFMA Board of Directors as appointed director at large .
“ I ’ ve been fortunate to be involved in the industry ,” said Holm . “ I ’ m the chair of the Advocacy Committee , which consists of members from professional sports , K-12 , myself , commercial members — and how we make the industry as a whole better . Not just for the people in it , but for the future of the industry , and also for the public .”
Holm also enjoys speaking to young people about careers in the industry .
“ For people who aren ’ t aware this is a career , I am pretty passionate about tapping into people and their love of sports ,” said Holm . “ That was me as a kid — people who love sports who don ’ t realize they could potentially spend every day of their career on their favorite team ’ s pro sports field .”
His advice to those getting into the industry is to be open to the different segments of the industry .
“ 2004 is when I decided this was a career I wanted to pursue , and I was adamant that I wanted to work in a pro baseball stadium ,” said Holm . “ I ’ m not there , but I ’ m very happy where I ’ m at . If I would have closed myself off to that , I may not be here . When doing internships , try something different . Even if you want to be in pro sports , do pro sports internships , but subject yourself to a school or park to see what that side of the industry is like .”
Holm said that being part of the inaugural class of Rising Star winners left him speechless .
“ You don ’ t get into this industry to win awards ,” he said . “ But when someone recognizes the work you do , I ’ m not sure there is a better feeling in professional life than that . So , that someone took notice of hard work , and a group of people validated that , it means a lot coming from industry peers .” SFM
— Article written by John Kmitta , associate publisher and editorial brand director
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY :
“ Since entering the sports field management industry , Zack has gained diverse experience . More importantly , he has served in leadership positions for the national and local SFMA . He is a good role model for his employees and for young people considering sports turf as a profession .” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2023 | SportsField Management
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