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Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms Paris, TN By Scott Boyle, UT Turfgrass Science and Management Communications Coordinator
Where did you attend college? The school of hard knocks. After graduating in 1990 from Henry County High School in Paris, TN, I devoted myself to working our sod farm and reading as much research material pertaining to turfgrass as possible. Much of the knowledge I have gained has been through trial and error.
How long have you been a member of TTA? Since 1991.
Who have been your mentors in the industry? Bob McCurdy of McCurdy Sod Farm (Dyer, TN) and Bobby Winstead of Winstead Sod Farms (Memphis, TN).
What do you enjoy most about your job? Working on the farm and being involved with the various turfgrasses and their production, and working with the many
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Jason Pooler of Tri-Turf Sod Farms, with his wife, Tina, and two sons, Preston (left) and Jacob (right).
great people who have chosen the turfgrass industry as their profession.
them to further their education in this great industry.
Have you won any job related awards? If so, what?
How has TTA enhanced your career?
• Tennessee Road Builders Association’s Annual Safety Award, 2006 The following are projects we completed that won awards for the owners: • West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex, Municipal Sports Field of the Year, 2011 • Union City Parks, National Sportsfield of the Year, 2009
What have been your contributions to the industry? Each year we donate sod and labor to the St. Jude Dream Home in Paducah, KY. We work with local ballparks and schools on their fields, providing the local kids with professional-grade sports fields. We have held many tours for the local schools with turfgrass programs, allowing
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS April/May 2014 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
The knowledge that we gain from the classes at the annual conferences is invaluable. Being able to network with the other members of TTA has also proven to be a valuable asset that could not be found in any other location; much can be learned while having dinner and talking turf. The TTA magazine also provides usable knowledge from others in the industry who have had their share of “on the job training.”
Tell us a little about your family. I am partners with Tina M. Pooler, not only in business but in life; we were married 23 years ago. We are the proud parents of two wonderful sons, Jacob, age 13, and Preston, age 9. We also have a yellow lab named Champ, the Tri-Turf mascot.