Member Spotlight

Bryan Coady

Grounds Manager for
St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH

Where did you go to school? What was your major?

I earned my undergraduate from Franklin Pierce College in Sports and Facilities Management. After college I went to work for Plymouth State University and during this time I went back to school and earned my Master’s degree in Business Administration.

How did you get your start in the sports turf industry?

One of my first jobs in High School was at Yale Golf Course in New Haven, CT. This is where my interest in turf was piqued and I knew that I wanted to work in sports and learn as much as I could about the industry.

Where did you go from there?

After working for Plymouth State University for seven years on the facilities side, I landed a job closer to home at St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH. I have been with St. Paul’s managing the campus grounds for the past eight years.

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

Never be afraid to ask questions! I have met many great people over the past eight years that have helped me to get where I am today. When I was just getting started in the turf industry, I made many phone calls to fellow turf managers, asking their opinion on problems I may have been having with a field at the time. More recently, I have been able to pay it forward and give advice, sharing my expertise with friends and fellow turf managers.

What’s your favorite thing about your current position/responsibilities?

St. Paul’s School is a beautifully historic campus on 2,000 wooded acres. I say all the time how blessed I am that I get the chance to work with such a beautiful landscape on a daily basis. I also feel fortunate to have one of the best teams in the business who are all dedicated to providing top playing surfaces for our students. I am very supported by my boss John O’Shaughnessy, our Athletic Director Chris Smith, and my Grounds Supervisor, Joel Maccini, who works side by side with me on our Athletic Turf Field Program.

Is there a recent project that you have been able to complete/implement?

Over the past couple of years, we have worked with key partners to look at all aspects of our operations and dive into the turf management program. We looked at everything from changing the soil profile, seed selection, agronomic program, and data driven analysis in order for us to purchase new and better technology that has brought our fields to the next level. This has been a great experience for my team and we have been able to enhance our fields on many levels.

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

Technology has come a long way. We have made the investment to purchase a Turf Tank autonomous paint machine, which has given my team time to focus on the finer details. Water management has also come a long way. We currently run our systems on Rainbird IQ and are operating based on weather monitoring. This technology has been crucial with not over watering and keeping our turf as healthy as possible. I expect that technology will only grow, allowing turf management teams to run efficiently with less overhead and more attention to detail.

What’s your favorite / most useful:

Equipment? Aerovator, Ventrac, and Versavac.

Product? Ocean Organics Seablend.

Technology? Agronomic paint machines and smart water technology.

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

My advice would be to never give up. It may be hard at times, but remember that you have fellow turf managers to call for advice. Get to know local turf managers around you, become friends with your state or regional Cooperative Extension staff, and reach out to your local sales experts on seed selection and fertilizer. Attend as many conferences, trade shows and member meet and greets as you can to build your bank of contacts in the industry.

What have you enjoyed most / find most beneficial about being a NESTMA member?

The best part about being a NESTMA member is the networking and education. I have learned so much over the years attending NESTMA conferences. I enjoy speaking with other members about all topics of turf management. I push myself to learn and grow each time I attend another event.

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

I am a family man at heart. I have been married to my wife Karen for 11 years and we have two beautiful children: Weston (8) and Reagan (6). When I am not at work you will find me coaching their soccer teams, baseball teams, and enjoying all aspects of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. During the summer months, you will find us taking our pop-up tent out for camping and spending time with friends; hiking throughout the year with our boxer Roxie; and snowboarding regularly during the winter months. •