NESTMA Member Spotlight – Tom Barry

Grounds Manager at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Connecticut

• M.S. in Turfgrass Management from UConn

• NESTMA’s 2020 Sports Turf Manager of the Year

• Sustainability Champion

What was your first job in the industry?

I was 15 years old and worked on the grounds crew at a public 18-hole golf course.

What are your current responsibilities at Greens Farms Academy?

I manage the maintenance of 45- acres of grounds which includes three natural grass multi-use fields, two artificial turf fields, general lawn areas, landscape beds, pollinator gardens and all hardscaped areas with a crew of four. I develop and implement cultural programs for the maintenance of turfgrass and landscape plants without the use of “lawn care” pesticides. I also teach high school level courses to students related to the landscape and sustainability.

Who was your mentor when you were first starting out in the business, and why?

Two instructors at UConn, Karl Guillard and Steve Rackliffe were both mentors for me from the beginning. Karl was my advisor throughout my time at UConn and I ended up going to graduate school studying under Karl. He is innovative and intelligent. I learned so much from him including how to manage turfgrass in an environmentally sensitive way. His research focused on sustainable fertilization practices which I use to this day. Steve Rackliffe has helped me with every career decision I’ve made since college. He is the reason I decided to go back for my Master’s degree. That decision opened up many opportunities for me including teaching at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Conn. where I have been Adjunct Instructor in the Horticulture Department for 10 years.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen in today’s sports turf industry?

I believe there is a greater level of professionalism. Over the years, I have seen NESTMA and STMA bring value to the Sports Turf Manager. When I go back and talk to my instructors from college, they tell me there is a more equitable split between students interested in golf and sports turf management, which tells me there are high-quality positions for trained, educated turf managers. Also, with the great educational programs NESTMA and STMA put on we have the best science and technology to bring sports turf management to a new level, creating some of the best playing conditions.

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

When I was in grad school at UConn, my advisor Karl Guillard told me that when you are starting out in the industry never say no to an opportunity. That really stuck with me. For me this includes teaching opportunities, meeting other industry members, being a guest speaker at events, etc. Not saying no has helped me get to where I am today.

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

I am very passionate about sustainability and the game changer is technology that reduces reliance on pesticides. Whether it be a fraze mower, or another mechanical method for managing weeds on athletic fields, or turfgrass breeding of species and cultivars with greater pest resistance and reduced input requirements, we as an industry need to promote ourselves as the environmentalists that we are so that we can stay ahead of potential regulations.

What’s your favorite/most useful:

Equipment?

Redexim overseeder, Procore aerator

Product?

Grubgone (BTg) biological control for grubs, Earthworks: Replenish 5-4-5

Technology?

Hunter ET Sensors for Irrigation system and IMMS Central Command System for managing controllers remotely

Barry with son, Ben at a baseball game

Can you share a bit about your family life and/or what you enjoy doing in your free time?

My amazing wife Nicky and I have two children: Ben (8) and Makena (6). We love to ski together. Both of my kids have been skiing since they were 4 years old. I coach my son’s baseball team and love watching him play. He’s obsessed with the Yankees. Even though I am a Mets fan, I begrudgingly take him to Yankees games. We live in a great community in Milford, CT. We love to have friends over and enjoy a fire in the back yard while all the kids in the neighborhood play together.

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

Get involved with the NESTMA and STMA and meet as many people as you can working in the industry. I have made some great relationships and have learned a ton from other Sports Turf Managers and vendors. It is amazing how much knowledge others are willing to share if you just ask.

Barry with Nicky, Ben and Makena