A spotlight on Chris Turpie

/in , , /by

A spotlight on Chris Turpie: Chris Turpie, amenity specialist for Agrovista Amenity, provides an insight into his career to date, his varied client base, and his pride at building up an impressive customer portfolio.

Chris has been working for Agrovista since 2010 and credits the challenge of working on a completely new project as the only motivation needed to accept the job. At that time, the nation was suffering from a recession hangover and Agrovista did not have a local authority and industrial division. Never one to shy away, Chris got straight to work.

A spotlight on Chris Turpie

A spotlight on Chris Turpie

“It was a huge challenge and arguably the biggest highlight of my career,” said Chris. “I didn’t have a ledger when I joined but I’ve built one over the last ten years and that was no mean feat especially during a recession. This was at a time when local authorities weren’t spending money, so yes, it’s an achievement and I’m proud to have played a part in building up this side of the business.”

Chris originates from Scotland but moved south when he accepted an assistant greenkeeper position at the prestigious London Golf Club in Kent. Four years later, and following a two year spell at Boughton Loam, he embarked on a new role in construction working for Championship Sports Surfacing. In his two years at the company he worked on some fantastic projects.

“I constructed four grass tennis courts at the Bank of England during that period and was also involved in the construction of Pennyhill Park – the England rugby team’s training ground. We built a version of the Twickenham pitch at Pennyhill and the team trained on it for six weeks twice a day in the lead-up to their 2003 World Cup glory. It was a great project to be a part of and we completed it within six weeks.”

Chris then spent six years as an area sales manager for Fleet Line Markers before he joined Agrovista Amenity. A decade later and he hasn’t looked back.

“It’s no secret that this is the longest I’ve ever been with a company and every picture tells a story,” he said. “I have absolutely no desire to leave – Agrovista is an exceptionally good business and they really support their staff. They invest in their people and there are plenty of opportunities for progression.”

Chris continues to work closely with his portfolio of customers which he has worked hard to establish over the last ten years. In fact, not many people know that Chris is closely involved in helping to keep some of London’s most iconic open spaces maintained and well groomed.

“I look after some of London’s Royal Parks including Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. I work closely with the contractors and take soil samples, provide advice, recommend products, and write reports. It’s a pleasure working on these sites.

“The diversity of my portfolio is incredible, and the variety is probably the best part of my job,” he continued. “There are no two days that are ever the same, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

From Royal Parks managers to airfield operations managers, from contracts managers to greenkeepers, Chris’ working days are indeed varied. He admits to relishing the opportunity of learning everything he can about his customers and the sectors they represent. However, he has also found that each of them has their own challenges to overcome.

“Everyone has their own obstacles but in particular, contracts managers trying to run a council contract have not got an easy task,” he said. “They are always under huge demands to save as much money as they can and quite often it can seem impossible. There’s also quite a high turnover in council contracts which presents challenges for me.”

Born in Scotland, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and following his two football clubs – Liverpool FC and Heart of Midlothian F.C.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

/in , /by

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership: Huxley Golf is entering a new era in its already impressive history.

The well-known specialist supplier and installer of all-weather surfaces for golf, is now owned by an Employee Ownership Trust, following the Huxley family’s decision to provide for the long-term future of the business. The Huxley family has provided funding for the Employee Ownership Trust to purchase 100% of the shares of Huxley (UK) Ltd, which it holds on behalf of employees. The employees continue to run the company and will benefit from sharing the company’s profits.

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

Huxley puts trust in employee ownership

Paul Chester and Jo Lyon will continue to manage the Huxley Golf business, both becoming Directors. Hugh Fraser, who manages Scotland and the North East of England, has become a Director of the Trust company to represent Huxley staff. Paul Huxley will be staying on for the time being as a Director of Huxley (UK) Ltd and a Director of the Trust company.

Paul Huxley commented: “My father founded the Huxley company nearly seventy-five years ago in 1946 and it has been a very successful family-owned business ever since, largely because we’ve always been blessed with amazing staff. The creation of our Employee Ownership Trust will ensure that, for many years ahead, the Huxley Golf business will retain its independence, culture and values built up over decades, as well as providing long term stability for staff, distributors, suppliers and customers.

“This new and exciting chapter in Huxley Golf’s growth could not have happened without the company being financially strong, with an excellent track record, enviable reputation and first-class team. I am grateful to our three new Directors and to all staff for their support for this important step in the Huxley Golf journey.”

Several hundred British businesses are employee-owned in this way, the best known being The John Lewis Partnership. It’s an innovative and successful formula, which the UK Government is encouraging to boost and incentivise employee ownership.

For over half a century, the name Huxley has been synonymous with premium all-weather golf surfaces and products. Endorsed by the UK’s leading golf organisations as well as many legendary golfers and celebrities and their coaching teams, the Hampshire-based company’s artificial golf surfaces are in use all around the world at top-flight courses, resorts, and training academies. For more information visit www.huxleygolf.com.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

/in , , /by

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher: Lukas Böttcher has been appointed by Rain Bird Europe as Golf Sales Specialist for Germany and Switzerland.

Having spent all his career in greenkeeping and golf course management working at golf courses throughout Europe, Lukas joins the company to strengthen the team in Germany. In his previous role as Head Greenkeeper, he managed strict water restrictions and focused on water conservation during multiple drought-affected seasons.

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Rain Bird Europe appoints Lukas Böttcher

Lukas comments on his appointment: “Working in golf course construction and turf management has given me a significant amount of hands-on experience building, maintaining and running irrigation systems. Having dealt with water restrictions, constant heat stress during the summer and tight irrigation windows, I understand the pressure a lot of golf courses are under to use every drop of water in the most efficient way. As Golf Sales Specialist I will be helping clubs with Rain Bird systems to optimise their efficiency. I am also looking forward to supporting those looking to upgrade or renovate their irrigation system with Rain Bird technology.”

Didier Genty, Europe Golf Sales Manager for Rain Bird added: “I am delighted to welcome Lukas to Rain Bird. He brings valuable, practical experience in the golf sector and considerable expertise in irrigation and water management.”

Lukas can be contacted via email at lbottcher@rainbird.eu.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Ariens appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing

/in , /by

Ariens appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing: AriensCo has announced the appointment of Brad Stiles as Director of Sales and Marketing EMEAA, reporting to Vice President Darren Spencer, who adds “The appointment reflects the strategic importance of growing the EMEAA business.

Brad’s priority will be on building upon the existing footprint and successes.” Massimo Caner, European Sales Manager, Matt Wilson, UK Sales Manager and Jef O’Riley, Marketing Manager EMEAA, will report to Brad.

Ariens appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing

Ariens appoints new Director of Sales and Marketing

Brad grew up in the industry, with a father at AriensCo for 25 years. Brad himself has been with the business for 9 years and started in 2011 with Stens, which was owned by AriensCo at the time. He specialised in parts programmes and strategies with dealers to grow their overall parts business.

In 2014 Brad was promoted to a District Manager representing a territory in Indiana, where he specialised in creating plans to grow dealer business, regional marketing programs, commercial product sales, and new dealer acquisition and growth. He was subsequently promoted in August 2020.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Brad to our team.” Says Darren Spencer. “We very much look forward to working together on this new stage in the development of the company. Brad brings a wealth of experience with a fresh view of our marketing future and he will be out to meet customers as soon as possible.”

Brad is exceptionally pleased to have this opportunity. His wife, Hannah, is from the UK and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Madeline, both of whom are already in the UK awaiting his arrival.

AriensCo UK manufactures the Ariens ZENITH, APEX and IKON X range of zero-turns, as well as Countax and Westwood garden tractors from its EMEAA headquarters in Oxfordshire, UK. The business also distributes ECHO outdoor power tools through a network of UK dealers.

For more information call Ariens on 01844 278800 or visit www.ariens-uk.com

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Reesink’s John Pike retires

/in , , /by

Reesink’s John Pike retires: Reesink Turfcare has announced with sadness and genuine gratitude for the role he has played in the company, the retirement of regional manager John Pike. After 17 and a half years working with the Toro UK distributor and its predecessor Lely UK, and close to half a century working in the turfcare industry, it’s certainly been an interesting career.

John first started work straight out of school and made the move to Triumph Motorcycles in the West Midlands, but after completing his engineering HND he soon realised he belonged in his home county of Dorset. He moved back and began working as a warehouse assistant at J.T. Lowes Garden Machinery, part of the Flymo company (the original importers of Toro), in what was originally meant to be a summer job, but soon saw him work his way up to trade and retail sales manager, and then area sales manager for Flymo in 1986.

Reesink's John Pike retires

Reesink’s John Pike retires

It wasn’t until 2001 that he joined the then Toro UK distributor Lely as a business development manager, and it was his passion for Toro machinery that inspired him to join, says John. “I had been involved with Toro since 1972, and enjoyed demonstrating the Toro70, 58, Trojan, GM3 and GM72 through the 70’s and 80’s and saw the brand develop and progress. I’ve always had faith in Toro’s quality and its place as an industry leader within turfcare.”

Coming from a consumer machinery company, John was one of the first to join Lely without full commercial experience. “I had to go from selling many thousands of inexpensive mowers a year, to selling hundreds of Toro machines at a much higher price point, so that was definitely a learning curve for me.”

But that didn’t stop John from making his mark with both Lely, and later Reesink, playing a fundamental role in the appointment of new Toro dealers and service centres in the South West region, a career highlight for him.

“I’m particularly proud of the work I did appointing service centres, some of which I had to really fight for,” says John. “And of course whenever I was able to convert a customer to Toro that gave me a real buzz. The harder the challenge, the more satisfying it was!”

John has seen many changes throughout his time in the industry, but the move towards finance deals he says has been the biggest. “It used to be that clubs would buy one or two machines a year on a rolling basis, which would mean they’d end up with a fleet of both brand new and 10-year old machinery! When I started, I would only get two or three fleet deals a year, and only really with the bigger clubs. Now, the introduction of finance options allow more clubs, irrespective of size, to secure fully modern fleets for course maintenance, which has been a really positive change to see.”

David Cole, managing director at Reesink says: “John has been the stable bedrock of our Midlands and South West regions forever, it seems. So, replacing him will be an obvious challenge – but he leaves his many colleagues and dealer partners in good shape for the next step. We wish John a long and happy retirement and thank him for his excellent contribution to the Toro profile and customer service in his region.”

John’s retirement plans have changed somewhat due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, however this isn’t going to stop him from enjoying all of his hobbies.

“Originally I was meant to be flying off to the sunny Maldives to spend a couple of weeks detoxing the workaholic out of me! But that will have to be postponed for now. Instead, I’m looking forward to enjoying my hobbies; shooting, water skiing, off-road driving and photography – definitely enough to keep me busy!”

Having “loved every aspect of the job” it certainly is bittersweet for John to be saying goodbye. “I will miss most the relationships I’ve made during my time at work. I’ve made so many friends, and I’ve had so many lovely comments and well wishes already from customers and colleagues alike. In return, I wish them all the best for the future.”

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.