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New England Blade – Julie Holt, Content Director, TheTurfZone.com

Assistant Grounds Superintendent, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

Sports Management & Turfgrass Management, University of Massachusetts – Amherst

How did you get your start in the sports turf industry?

At an early age, I started landscaping around my childhood home with my father, grandfather, and brother. One of my first jobs in high school was on the grounds staff at Westover Golf Course in Chicopee, MA, where I was introduced to the many aspects of the turfgrass industry, and knew it was the career path for me.

Where did you go from there?

In college I interned at Pine Valley Golf Club (Rehoboth, MA) and at The Kittansett Club (Marion, MA) which led to a full-time position as an Assistant Superintendent upon graduation. A few years later, I took a role at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, NY where I was part of the team that hosted a U.S. Women’s Open. From there I moved to Brown University, where I am today. At Brown I manage both natural grass landscaping and synthetic turf fields.

Who are your mentors in the sports turf industry?

John Kelly, Superintendent at The Kittansett Club, had a huge influence on me as a young turfgrass manager. He taught me a lot and guided me in developing many of the managerial and agronomic skills, strategies and techniques I still use today. Pat Vetere, Superintendent at Brown University, has been immensely supportive. He not only helped me make the transition from golf course management to university facilities management, but he also pushes me to continually grow and evolve as a manager. Both men have taught me so much over the years. I would not be where I am today without them.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Never ask someone to do something you are not willing to do yourself.

What’s your favorite thing about your current position?

No two days are the same. You never know what the day is going to bring. You can have a plan at 6:00 a.m. and then be going in a very different direction by 8:00 a.m. It keeps you on your toes and requires you to be very flexible. I work with a great team that can overcome any challenge that is thrown our way.

Can you tell us about a recent project you were able to complete?

I am very proud to be part of the team that helped execute an in-person commencement ceremony last spring. As we all know, due to COVID-19 there were many restrictions, regulations, and social distancing requirements to navigate, but we were able to successfully celebrate Brown University’s class of 2021.

What’s your favorite/most useful:

Equipment? Bobcat Toolkat 5600 – It is very versatile for landscaping and snow removal.

Product? Magic Salt – Fast acting, long lasting ice and snow melter.

Technology? Workday Software – One-stop-shop for purchase orders, invoices, payroll, and budgeting.

What is the next game-changer you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry?

I believe we will see a shift to fleets of electric equipment. From tractors to mowers to hand tools, the push for facilities to become carbon neutral will be a large part of our decision making in the near future.

Any industry-related volunteer service you’d like to share?

Over the years, we have developed a great partnership with the Providence Parks Department. We have held seminars on snow removal and synthetic turf maintenance, and a couple times each year we work together to help renovate local fields.

Can you tell us a bit about your family life and what you enjoy doing in your free time?

I live in Franklin, MA with my wife Sarah, daughter Emily (3 years old) and son Jack (3 months old). When time allows, I like to sneak out for a round or two of golf.

What advice would you share with people starting out in sports turf management today?

No matter where you are in your career, challenge yourself to keep learning. The industry changes quickly. It is important to stay up to date with the latest research, equipment, and techniques.

What have you found most beneficial about being a NESTMA member?

The members of NESTMA do a great job of supporting each other. They are always there to answer questions, knock around ideas or to get a different perspective on an issue you are having.