Get to know KYSFMA member: Jacob Trusty
Jacob Trusty grew up in the turf world-starting his mowing career at just 9 years old in his family's lawncare business. He's held several roles over the years, but his true passion is marketing and media. Jake has been a huge asset to KYSFMA, playing a key role in getting our website launched and helping shape our brand.
We're grateful to have his creativity and energy on our team!
How did you get into field maintenance?
I got into field maintenance very young. My father started to care of the soccer field that I played on when no one else would. I started helping him when I was around 10 anyway that I could. As I aged, I started to help more.
What’s a typical day out here look like for you?
I am no longer in the field every day so it is mostly behind a computer working on marketing campaigns in the green industry.
What part of the job do you enjoy the most?
I love when a plan goes right, you get everything in place and it just work. It is rare, but it happens. When I was out in the field I loved the perfect day, sunny 70 degrees.
What’s the toughest part about keeping this field in good shape?
I would say managing traffic. Specifically for athletic fields it is hard to keep people off them on a muddy day. A years’ worth of hard work can easily be ruined in a weekend if the weather is bad enough.
How do you decide what needs to get done on a busy day?
Usually, I have priority lists and deadlines. Whatever the closest deadline is I usually work on that.
What kind of equipment do you use the most?
Now it is a computer and a camera, but about 5 years ago it was a zero-turn Exmark mower.
Ever had any funny or unexpected things happen while working on the field?
I was mowing a soccer field once and noticed the dirt moving around. Hopped off to take and look and sure enough it was a mole making new tracks just as I got there. Frustrating and awe inspiring all at once.
How do you handle the field after bad weather?
Depends on the weather and the time of year, but rain and high traffic usually the best bet seems to be aerate and overseed as much as you can.
What’s something most people don’t realize goes into keeping a field looking good?
It is more effort, time, and money than anyone would realize. If it looks great someone has probably been working on it for years.
Which tasks take the longest or require the most patience?
Right now I do a lot of marketing work and taking pictures so organizing files and thousands of pictures is usually the most tedious.
Is there anything you wish people understood better about field maintenance?
There are many ways to get a similar result on a field, but it all takes hard work and time.
What’s your favorite season for field work? Least favorite?
Spring, everything is popping back and there is so much that can be done.
