Business Profile
by Craig Whitney Photos courtesy of Delaware Valley Turf
is a Pesticide Application Certificate. Delaware Valley Turf has, however, always insisted that every employee have a college degree in Agronomy and use their scientific knowledge on the job. “It has always been important to us,” Matt Fisher said, “that our lawn care technicians have the college education and background similar to our Management, so they can answer questions and provide the best solution. More importantly, we can always identify issues before they become larger problems.” Matt McGuire has a B.S. degree in Turfgrass Science. Matt Fisher’s degree is in Turfgrass Management. Both Matts went to Penn State. Delaware Valley Turf ’s Technicians and Route Managers have also received similar degrees from various colleges such as the University of Georgia and Delaware Valley University. Left to Right: The Delaware Valley Turf Team From B., and Matt F. Mike S., Mike S., Chris S., Nick K., Chrissi M., Mike
Delaware Valley Turf is a local, organic-based lawn care company located in Marple Township. What sets them apart from other companies is the level of education and experience of their entire staff. The company’s founder, Matt McGuire, and the Manager, Matt Fisher, take pride in the fact that every Technician and every Manager has a college degree in one of the Agronomic Sciences. With every job they do, whether it’s a university campus or a homeowner’s front lawn, Delaware Valley Turf applies the same scientific expertise and personal care. Matt McGuire began the business in 2002, with an idea to apply to lawn care what he learned in his studies from Penn State University’s Turfgrass Science Department. In 2013, he hired Matt Fisher, to manage and oversee operations. Over time, they have tried different methods and worked in different locations, but the consistent priority has been the quality of and the connection with the employees. “The company has really blossomed since those first years into one that has encompassed individuals with a number of agronomic backgrounds,” McGuire recounted. Experience and specialty can range from sports fields to golf courses, and a number of scientific interests related to grass, soil and agriculture. Together, they have built a team who can address many issues and operate independently to meet the needs of residential, commercial, institutional and athletic clients. Providing the appropriate service for each client demands a personal inspection and a scientific analysis from someone who is trained in Agronomy. The industry’s only true requirement 12
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
April 2019
Unlike some lawn care companies whose employees come and go and have only a Lawn Care Pesticide Certificate, Delaware Valley Turf has invested resources and time into building a team of highly educated and specialized Technicians. This focused strategy enables Delaware Valley Turf to promote to Manager employees like Mike Stranix, who started as a Technician and proved his expertise and value to the company. Working with clients’ many different needs has enabled Delaware Valley Turf to refine and improve their process. A new client’s first step is to speak with Matt McGuire, Matt Fisher, or Mike Stranix, about their lawn’s current conditions and their desired goal. This gives the team a highly useful context for their first on-site visit. A Manager then does an on-site consultation, which includes inspecting the grass. The Manager takes a soil sample, and during the first application, takes a pH analysis, so the team can have a baseline for the client’s agreed-upon plan. The on-site consultation has evolved into a necessity over time. Many other companies provide a predetermined service for
