KYSFMA Vendor Spotlight Meet: Sam Stimmel - Aqua Aid Solutions
Title / Role: Equipment Business Manager / General Manager
1. How did you get started in the turf or sports field industry?
I started working on the grounds crew at a local country club at the age of 13 with no idea this would become a life-long career and industry that would shape my entire life. I was fortunate enough to have the support and encouragement of the Superintendent that mentored me.
2. What led you to a career in sales?
When I was a golf course superintendent, Dick Warner from the ProTurf division of The Scotts Company asked if I ever thought about a career in sales. I was intrigued and was fortunate enough to receive great mentorship once again from Dick, Gerry Sweda, and Barry Grote just to name a few. They taught me to focus on being a partner with your customers and help them overcome their obstacles and reach their goals and you will earn their trust and business.
3. What do you enjoy most about working with sports field managers?
The ingenuity and creativity of problem solving and always challenging themselves to raise the bar and work through any obstacles. It does not matter at what level; they always strive to improve and freely share information with their peers. No egos – just the desired to do and be better!
4. What problem do you most enjoy helping your customers solve?
I love physical properties of soil and rootzones. Whether it is specifying mix development, addressing top-dressing needs, assisting on improving current soils or the implementation of cultivation and modification of soils for improved turf growing environments and ultimately safer playing surfaces.
5. What makes your approach or perspective unique in this industry?
Like to keep it basic, ask a lot of questions so we have a great understanding of where we are or the current situation; then define the desired goals and objectives which leaves creating the steps and plans to go from the now to the desired. It helps to get everyone’s nose and eyes pointed in the same direction. Allows for input and knowledge and buy-in from the entire team.
6. Favorite food?
Yes. Oh, this was not a yes or no question. Because of my travels, I eat out a lot, so any home-cooked meal is valued. My wife is a great cook! She serves a lot of chicken and fish, so much I feel like I am going to sprout feathers and grow fins. She wants to keep me - heart healthy.
7. What are you listening to right now? (music, podcast, audiobook)
Start everyday by listening to Ron Moores’ podcast – The Journey for a morning devotional. Throughout the day I catch Patrick Lencioni’s from the Table Group for effective team and leadership insights. I am old-school and really like the feel and smell of a newspaper or book, so a lot of times I will listen to the audiobook of the physical book I am reading. Currently reading ‘Think this and Not That” by Dr. Josh Axe. (12 Mindshifts to Breakthrough Limiting Beliefs and Become Who You Were Born to Be)
8. Fun fact about you:
I played Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny for 10 years. Supported a few Volunteer Fire Departments and children wards at 2 local hospitals. Also made my rounds to family and friends. Wide eyes, smiles and giggles1
9. Why do you choose to support KYSFMA?
It is important to give back and invest in one’s own industry. It is a privilege to be part of an organization that seeks to serve and develop both its members and the standards of Sports Fields in Kentucky.
10. Pro tip for turf or field managers:
We are all only as good as the people or team we surround ourselves and develop. Benjamin Franklins said it best…” Tell me and I Forget, Teach Me and I Remember, Involve Me and I Learn.
How can members connect with you:
Email: sstimmel@aquaaid.com
Phone: 724-825-1906
Website: aquaidsolutions.com
Social Media : X (formerly Twitter) @SamStimmel
