TPI PRESIDENT JIM KEEVEN— GROWING THE LEGACY By Suz Trusty Jim Keeven stepped into his new role as President of Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) on January 1, 2022, ready and able to take the helm of the association that has been part of his life since childhood. Keenly aware of the personal and professional benefits it offers, his goal is to grow the legacy of the association by increasing awareness of its relevance in the natural grass industry and growing its membership. He is growing a family legacy as well. Jim is the third Keeven brother to serve as TPI President. Tom served in 2001-2002 and Ed, Jr. served in 2014-2015.
The Legacy Takes Root It all began in 1951, when Edwin and Vivienne Keeven started installing sod in Florissant, MO, as Ed Keeven Sod Co., Inc. As the business grew, the Keevens decided to become growers as well. In 1963, Ed and Viv moved to O’Fallon, MO, and started a 120-acre turfgrass farm. During that time, the Keeven family was growing, too, reaching a total of eight. It was an even balance, with four girls—Vivian, Barbara, Judy, and Jeanne—and four boys— Ed, Jr., Tom, Marty, and Jim. “I’m the youngest,” says Jim. “The spoiled one according to all my siblings. But being ‘the baby’ didn’t exempt me from working in the fields during the summer, in the morning before school, and again after school. There was always grass to mow and we were still moving irrigation by hand. We joke that’s why my Dad and Mom had so many kids. They wanted more workers.” Jim reports his parents were even more than great role models, setting high standards, they were excellent teachers and mentors. “We all knew what was expected of us. Whatever the task, wherever you were, you did it, and you did it right.”
This photo, taken in February of 2017 during TPI’s 50 Year Anniversary Celebration, shows Vivienne Keeven with three of her sons, all TPI Presidents. (From left to right: Jim, Eddie, Vivienne, and Tom)
Faith has always been a huge part of the family dynamics. Jim says, “Mom and Dad laid a good foundation. As a big Catholic family, and proud of it, we were always active in church. No matter how demanding the business was, we didn’t work on Sundays. That was the day for family
Jim, and his wife Kathy, are co-owners of SelecTurf, Inc., located on the outskirts of Jefferson City, Missouri. Though the city is the state capital, its population is only 45,000. Jim says, “It still has the small town feel and we like it that way.” Jeff City is just 30 miles south of Columbia, the region’s business hub, and home of the University of Missouri. The location provides good access to their marketing area, which Jim says, “Is actually pretty small—Jeff City, Columbia, and Lake of the Ozarks—about 350,000 to 400,000. We do ship some sod to Kansas City, but the distance makes it harder for us to compete in that market.”
The headquarters of SelecTurf, Inc., has the American Flag proudly displayed.
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TPI Turf News January/February 2022
