KYSFMA Vendor Spotlight Meet: Jake Green— Nufarm
Jake Green
Nufarm
Regional Sales Manager, Great Lakes – KY, OH, IN, MI, WV
How did you get started in the turf or sports field industry?
I got my start in the turf industry working on a golf course. My dad is a past superintendent turned General Manager and I was on a golf course from the time I could walk. During high school I worked at the golf course on weekends and then all summer long. Our maintenance crew also helped take care of our High School (Ryle) football and baseball fields. I’ve always had a passion for turfgrass management and being outdoors, so when it came time for college that is what I did. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management from EKU and continued working on golf courses from there until I took a sales job 10 years ago.
What led you to a career in sales?
I never planned on getting into sales, it just sort of happened. I had been at the golf course for 10 years and was starting to feel like I was ready for a change. Sales was not on the radar but the year before the owner of the sales company we used planted a seed in my head about coming to work for them if I ever wanted to make a change…and I eventually did. I had no sales experience and was scared to death since I was going to be paid on commission. What I did have was a bunch turfgrass knowledge from grow-ins, to general maintenance, to plant health applications and renovations, so I had something to offer and help others perfect their programs.
What do you enjoy most about working with sports field managers?
What I enjoy most about working with sports field managers is learning from them as much as they learn from me. I have a big background in turf management but not necessarily in a sports field setting. My first taste was while I was in CT and took that first Distributor Sales Job. One of my clients was the SFM for NYCFC and I learned a lot working with him. The number of trainings, practices and different events you need to work around is crazy, and when you get into the municipal side of sports fields and large complexes it gets even crazier to get the needed things done. In short, what I enjoy most is helping SMF get the most out of their plant health programs and ease the stress of at leastone of the many things they need to think about.
What problem do you most enjoy helping your customers solve?
The problem I most enjoy helping customers solve are the ones they don’t know they have.
What makes your approach or perspective unique in this industry?
The approach that I feel makes me unique is answering the damn phone or responding as quickly as possible. Another approach is providing the right solution whether it’s a Nufarm product or not. I’m all about providing the right solution, not making a sale.
Favorite food?
Bourbon, duh….kidding, I like pizza and chicken wings.
What are you listening to right now? (music, podcast, audiobook)
I’m currently listening to the Scot Harvath series by Brad Thor and country music when I’m not.
Fun fact about you (non-work related encouraged):
A fun fact is I was born and raised in KY and never been to the Kentucky Derby. Maybe that’s not a fun fact…just sad. Friends of my wife and I had tickets and were supposed to go back in 2020 but was unfortunately cancelled due to covid.
Why do you choose to support KYSFMA?
I choose to support KYSFMA because we have so many great managers at sports fields and athletic complexes throughout KY and need a place where everyone can come together to help grow in their profession and careers. In a world where everyone gets so consumed by their own lives and workplaces, we need a place where we can find others with similar challenges, learn from each other and get better both personally and professionally. And I believe that’s what the KYSFMA is all about.
Pro tip for turf or field managers:
A pro tip for turf and field managers is Phone a Friend. I know at times in the turf industry it can feel like you’re the only one having issues, whether it’s with turf, irrigation, a boss, or whatever, but reach out to your peers and I’ll bet you’d be surprised how much they will willingly help you.
Members can connect with me through the following:
Cell: 203-984-7501
Email: jake.green@nufarm.com
Reach out anytime, I’m happy to help.
