Stuart Cagle and Jamie Mehringer Receive the 2017 MRTF’s Award of Achievement

We are proud to announce that two of our very own, Stuart Cagle and Jamie Mehringer, were among the recipients of the 2017 Midwest Regional Turf Foundation’s Award of Achievement.

The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation is an organization that supports turf research and education at Purdue University for the advancement of the turfgrass industry. Each year since 2005, the MRTF recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to improving the turfgrass industry in Indiana while also demonstrating high standards of professional and personal conduct.

Stuart Cagle is the Vice President of Operations at ATS. He earned a B.S. in Agronomy (Turf Science) from Purdue University and was the superintendent of the Old Oakland Golf Club from 1987-2006. As a manager and former superintendent, the award has a special meaning for him.

“Understanding the award was voted on by peers adds extra value,” said Stuart, “because they have an appreciation of seasonal demands on turf managers and business owners.”

Jamie Mehringer is President of J&D Turf, ATS’s sports turf consulting, construction, and maintenance division. He is a graduate of Marian University with a B.S. in Sports Management and Purdue University with an A.S. in Turfgrass Science. Before founding J&D Turf, Jamie was the head groundskeeper turned director of operations at Victory Field.

“I am extremely humbled and grateful for receiving this award. I would like to thank my wife Wendy and all the people I have worked with and alongside through the years,” said Jamie.

Stuart and Jamie are joining the past winners’ club which also includes our CEO Alex Cannon (2016), retired Co-Founder Dan Dunham (2015), and Sales Representative Ginny Smith (2011).

Because education is an important part of working in the turfgrass industry, we sat down with Stuart to ask a few questions about his background and how learning has been a constant part of his career.

Why is it important to support research and education?

SC: Support of research and education is key to providing new technologies, products, and principles to maximize performance and possibly reduce inputs without sacrificing turf quality. Similarly, educating students and veteran turf managers should result in better decisions being made regarding product selection and application timing to receive the best results from products.

What made you decide to get into the industry?

SC: I was fortunate to grow up near a public golf course, which allowed me the opportunity to play golf and subsequently work on the maintenance staff. Once on the maintenance staff, I came to appreciate the complexities of course maintenance and decided to pursue a turf management degree.

What are some highlights of your career?

SC: When I was a superintendent at Old Oakland Golf Club, we established sound agronomic principles which are still in place today. Also, earning CGCS status from the Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Master Greenkeeper certificate from the British and International Greenkeeper Association were two personal goals that I am extremely proud to have accomplished.

What is your favorite part of your job?

SC: I enjoy supporting our operations staff and serving the customers that I work with.

What is your favorite way to educate customers?

SC: I take enjoyment in sharing my past experiences, good and bad, from when I was a superintendent. I believe it is important to share with superintendents not only successes but mistakes. Any opportunity to minimize errors is of great value.

Congratulations to Stuart and Jamie!