Member Spotlight on Matt McDonnell

• Athletic Fields Coordinator at Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA.

• Curry College graduate

• NESTMA member since 2010

• Serves on NESTMA Board of Directors

• NEPSAC/NESTMA Liaison

Q: What was your first job in the industry?

A: The Governor’s Academy was my first job in this field. I began working as a caretaker of all the grounds of the 500- acre campus. Prior to that, I worked for 18 years in site construction, with an emphasis on land development.

Matt McDonnell

Q: Where did you go from there?

A: After a few years, a position opened up for coordinator of the athletic fields and I jumped on that opportunity.

Q: Who were your mentors when you first started in the business?

A: Dennis Brolin, of STS and Peter Thibeault of Nobles and Greenough School helped me a great deal right out of the gate. Dennis did a big job on our baseball field and he allowed me to pick his brain during the project. I asked countless questions and got great advice. I called Pete with many questions and went to his workshops at Nobles. I have a lot of respect for these two gentlemen and appreciate the experience they have, as well as the advice they’ve shared with me.

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

A: “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

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

A: Get involved with NESTMA. It’s a perfect way to meet great professionals who love to share their expertise as well as their experiences with day-to-day issues. It’s a good way to learn about successful products and quality contractors who can save you time and headaches. NESTMA Field Days provide opportunities to meet one-on-one with professionals and see useful demonstrations of new products.

Q: Since the beginning of your career, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in the sports turf industry?

A: The biggest change is definitely seen in the machinery. There have been technical advances that have changed the workforce and the quality of the work. The machines now do more of the precision work and cut down immensely on the labor, which decreases fatigue and human errors. There are now more people with specialized skills who can focus on more specific needs such as irrigation, laser grading, sodding, tree cutting, soil experts, etc. I have met many of these specialists and seen demonstrations of the new products at NESTMA educational events.

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

A: With technology racing forward, there will be more machinery and less labor in the field. There are already robots painting soccer and lacrosse fields, technology available to control irrigation, and drones to monitor moisture on fields. The biggest game changer might be the challenge to adapt to new technology and find ways for labor to be more efficient and productive.

Q: What’s your favorite/most useful:

Equipment?

A: The AERA-vator is a multi-purpose machine that loosens up the ground and plants seed at the same time. It does a fantastic job and saves the crew a lot of time and labor.

Product?

A: I’m a firm believer in an organic approach to healthy fields. We get great results from the 6-0-6 fertilizer and vermacast which seems to help our athletic fields and campus grounds stay green, look full and healthy, and keeps grubs and insects at bay.

Technology?

A: Irrigation technology has had the biggest impact on the grounds and athletic fields we maintain.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about being a NESTMA member?

A: The networking through NESTMA is priceless. I constantly learn useful bits of information at the workshops. I always walk away with new ideas to put into practice and share with my crew. My fellow NESTMA board members provide a wealth of knowledge and experience. I’m proud to work with such great professionals and leaders of our industry.

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

A: My wife and I are proud parents of five children. We have one grandchild and our daughter and son-in-law are expecting another child in December. Our children live in different places throughout the country, so we spend time getting together at various destinations to enjoy time and activities together.

Hockey has been a lifelong passion of mine and coaching has kept me involved. I have been a part of the Governor’s hockey program for the past 34 years. I’m fortunate to be in the ISL, which is arguably the best high school hockey league in the country. My players know that I am readily accessible. They can always find me out and about on the athletic fields: “the biggest office on campus!”

Matt (far left) with his Governor’s Academy colleagues.