Advertise on podcast: International Greenkeepers For Hire Podcast

In this episode, we're chatting to Kyle Cwynar, Superintendent at Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club in the New York metropolitan area. Kyle has been in the industry for over 20 years, and has a background in golf, but now works in the sports turf sector. Here, Kyle shares his experience working and living across the US, as well as his opportunity to work in Australia, and his recent establishment of The Grounds Committee. Kyle's contact details: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylecwynarThe Grounds Committee: Website: https://thegroundscommittee.com/Email: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundscommittee/Want to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Garry Letheren from Tavistock Golf Club. Garry has built his career in greenkeeping through a genuine passion for the profession and a real commitment to continuous learning. He's an active participant in BIGGA's Continuing Professional Development programme, always looking to improve his knowledge and develop new skills. Outside of work, Garry is also a keen runner with Tavistock Athletic Club, and we're chatting about how that discipline, resilience and determination carry over into both his professional and personal life.We're talking about Garry's journey into greenkeeping, what life is like at Tavistock Golf Club, why professional development is so important in our industry, and how learning from other sectors can help us all become better turf professionals. We also discuss the future of greenkeeping, attracting the next generation into the industry, and the importance of staying motivated throughout your career.Garry's contact details:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-l-19aa9812a/Want to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we speak to Greg Smith, who shares his journey into groundsmanship, starting through an apprenticeship and building a 40-year career across grassroots facilities and professional sport.Greg reflects on his time working with Notts County, including the pressure of quick turnarounds, extreme weather challenges, and maintaining high standards in a demanding environment.Now at the University of Nottingham, he discusses how the role has changed, including his work in improving facilities and staff morale, and embracing new technology and sustainability practices.He also shares advice for anyone considering a career in groundsmanship, particularly through the apprenticeship route, and the value of communication and getting hands-on experience early.Greg's contact details:📧 [email protected] to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we chat to Kate Stillwell, head greenkeeper at GKG Golf Course in Iceland.Kate shares how growing up in a family deeply involved in professional golf shaped her path into greenkeeping. With her father working as Head Agronomist on the European Tour for more than 40 years, she spent much of her childhood travelling to world-class golf courses and developing a passion for the industry from a young age.She also talks about her early career experiences working on tournaments across the world, including Morocco, China, India, Switzerland, and Sweden, and how those roles taught her to adapt to different teams, climates, and course conditions.Kate reflects on one of the biggest challenges of her career: managing the grow-in of 18 Pure Distinction greens at The Inspiration Golf Club near London. She explains the pressure of running irrigation cycles, seeding greens at pace, and dealing with unexpected issues such as wildlife damage and drought during the project.She explains her move to Iceland, including the unique challenges that Icelandic weather brings to turf management and why she believes more people should experience working abroad.Kate's contact details:Email: [email protected] to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we chat to Dan Studders, a Sydney-based turf professional and managing director of Ground Solutions Australia.Dan shares his start in the grounds industry at just 12 years old, his initial experience working in golf, and his pivot into a sales role, which ultimately led him to form his own business in groundscare.He also discusses how his sales career taught him to not fear the word "no", how starting a family presented new challenges for him as a businessman, and which piece of greenkeeping equipment is his "happy place".Apologies for the audio quality issues on this episode - we're making changes to our setup based on the problems we experienced when recording this one.Dan's contact details:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-studders-784768197/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundsolutionsaustraliaWebsite: https://groundaust.com/Want to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, chat to Stuart Butler about his journey into greenkeeping, which started almost by accident and turned into a multi-decade career in sports turf. Stuart shares how a short-term contract at his local golf club became the foundation for working at world-famous courses, his time spending time working overseas, and eventually stepping into head greenkeeping roles. He opens up about the realities of the job, from long days and leadership pressure to the pride of working on two Open Championships at Royal St George’s. Stuart also speaks honestly about pay in the industry, mental wellbeing, and the lessons he’s learned along the way, including his journey to sobriety and what success means to him now as a husband and dad.Stuart's contact details: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stuart.butle...X: https://x.com/stuburts?s=11Email: [email protected] to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Churchman, owner of CutCrew, which offers sports turf and commercial grounds maintenance. Jack became interested in the industry from a young age, as his dad was the chairman of a local golf course. He followed his 9-year stint in the military with a job that he didn't enjoy, before moving into greenkeeping on a voluntary basis as he started his business on the side. Now, CutCrew is thriving, having doubled in size every year since it was established. Jack shares all about how he was able to grow his company while also establishing a successful YouTube channel in this interview.Jack's contact details:Instagram: @cutcrewltdYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutcrewltd/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-paige-churchman-0843271b9?originalSubdomain=ukWant to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Staunton: professional footballer for Poole Town, founder of Staunts on the Grass, and co-owner of Southwest Turf Solutions. Josh shares how an “unhealthy obsession with grass” during his playing days grew into a full career in turf management, and how he made the leap of faith from the football pitch to pitch maintenance.Josh talks about the moment he realised his football career was winding down, how he built credibility from scratch, and why his back garden became his first testing ground. He explains what it was like starting with nothing but a van, a mower, and a vision, and how he ultimately built not one but two thriving groundscare businesses. He also shares the kit he can’t live without and the mentors who shaped his journey, finishing with his advice for anyone thinking about making a career change into the groundscare industry.Josh’s contact details:Instagram: @stauntsonthegrassLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-staunton-74841829a/Want to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected]

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Duncan Cheslett, better known as The Relief Greenkeeper, to hear about his unique path in greenkeeping. Duncan shares how he built a flexible freelance career, the freedom it gives him to choose when and where he works, and the memorable courses he’s looked after along the way. Duncan talks about the culture differences between clubs, the personalities of head greenkeepers, and the passion that drives people to stay in the industry. He also opens up about learning from mistakes and the importance of reliability, as well as his plans to grow a network of like-minded freelance greenkeepers across the UK.Duncan’s contact details:Facebook: The Relief GreenerWebsite: https://www.thereliefgreenkeeper.co.uk/Want to be featured as a member? Email Brad at [email protected].

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Victoria Fiander to hear about her incredible journey across multiple industries, from sports turf to international horticulture. She shares her dream career and reflects on the mentors and role models who inspired her along the way. Vic also opens up about the importance of family, unforgettable life experiences, educational gaps that the industry still needs to address, and the challenges she's faced as a woman in greenkeeping.Vic offers advice for newcomers to the industry, encouraging them to stay curious, get stuck into hands-on experiences, and learn from international opportunities. She also discusses the benefits of working abroad and building confidence while exploring different cultures.Whether you’re starting your career or just looking to be inspired, this conversation with Vic is one you don't want to miss.Vic's contact detailsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-fiander-4aa442242/?originalSubdomain=uk

A new year means new opportunities, in this episode of the podcast, Brad speaks with Rhys Norville the founder of ReGen Amenity, as he shares his experiences of starting a business in the competitive turf care industry. From his beginnings as a greenkeeper at some of the world’s top courses including The Celtic Manor and Remuera Golf Club in New Zealand to his roles in sales management, Rhys brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. Rhys shares what drove him to leave the security of an employed job and take the bold step into entrepreneurship, overcoming fears of financial instability and competition. He opens up about the challenges of starting ReGen Amenity, from securing clients and building a trusted brand to navigating the intricacies of establishing a business. Rhys also provides a behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a business owner and how he balances the company's demands with personal life and long-term goals. He offers insights on what it takes to succeed, sharing lessons he learned and practical advice for those considering a similar path. Join us for a conversation about risk, resilience, and building a business. Whether you’re an apprentice greenkeeper or a professional, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! ReGen contact details Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.regenamenity.co.uk/

In this episode, Bradley speaks with Sean Faulkner, the Sales and Marketing Director at KErsten UK. The pair covers all things IPM, including the ways to reduce or eliminate pesticide use. If you'd like more information from Kersten UK you can find them here: www.kerstenuk.com or contact Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-faulkner-kersten-uk-ltd/ To support future videos you can donate here - https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/by-us-a-coffee/ If you’d like to get involved in the podcast or have ideas, contact me via social media or email [email protected] Our main page is over at Facebook we have LinkedIn and a link to our website below too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/17080… https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13819... https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/ This podcast is managed and produced by Bradley Tennant.

Join us on this episode of the International Greenkeepers Podcast as our host, Bradley Tennant, dives into the cutting-edge technologies transforming the world of turf management. Bradley is joined by Benton Hodges, owner of Mountain West Turf Technologies, to explore the innovations that are revolutionizing the industry. In this episode, we cover: - Smart Irrigation Systems - Drones - Soil and Turf Sensors - Robotic Mowers - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with insights into how technology is shaping the future of turf management. Tune in to learn how you can harness these tools to keep your turf in top condition. To support future videos you can donate here - https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/by-us-a-coffee/ If you’d like to get involved in the podcast or have ideas, contact me via social media or email [email protected] Our main page is over at Facebook we have LinkedIn and a link to our website below too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/17080… https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13819... https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/ This podcast is managed and produced by Bradley Tennant.

Listen in while we speak to Chris Bassett and Chris Bennett from Groundsfest about the up-and-coming show. GroundsFest is the largest, annual, free must-attend event for grounds staff, greenkeepers, landscapers, designers & architects, gardeners, local authorities, estate managers, and contractors. The event combines indoor business and education opportunities with outdoor demonstrations. After an action-packed day at GroundsFest unwind and continue networking at the unique live music festival. Profits from GroundsFest are reinvested back into the industry to support education. To sign up click here - https://groundsfest.com/ To support future videos you can donate here - https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/by-us-a-coffee/ If you’d like to get involved in the podcast or have ideas, contact me via social media or email [email protected] Our main page is over at Facebook we have LinkedIn and a link to our website below too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/17080… https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13819... https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/ This podcast is managed and produced by Bradley Tennant.

Listen in as we talk to Benton Hodges, owner of Mountain West Turf Technologies about the Future of Turf management. From drones to AI software, we covered the basics of where the industry currently is and is heading. To support future videos use our affiliate link below. https://amzn.to/3pFbA9s If you’d like to get involved in the podcast or have ideas, contact me via social media or email [email protected] Our main page is over at Facebook we have LinkedIn and a link to our website below too. https://www.facebook.com/groups/17080… https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13819... https://internationalgreenkeepers.com/ This podcast is managed and produced by Bradley Tennant.