Randy Ratcliff joined the WSI team in March of this year as part of the acquisition from Turf Trade. Randy’s journey in the turf business started when he was in college at IUP, and he worked the summer months at Sunset Golf Club in Middletown, PA. In 1983 he graduated with a Business Degree, and went on to establish a career in the sales and service side of the turf industry.
Randy started out with Chemlawn for 7 years as a Sales and Service Senior Specialist. He later transitioned to Lesco and John Deer Landscapes where he held positiosn as Branch Manager for Lawn Care and then Outside Sales Rep for the Golf Division for a total of 17 years. He continued down this path in outside sales over the coming years, spending time with both Genesis Turfgrass and Synatek, before putting his roots down with Turf Trade in 2016. “After 25 years in the turf business, I enjoy most establishing relationships with customers and watching them grow their business year after year,” Randy reflected.
“I have really enjoyed my time so far with Walker Supply. The leadership, sales, and support team members are such a great bunch of people,” said Randy. “Now being part of the team myself since the Spring, I can honestly say it feels like being part of a family. Over the years that is something that has become very important to me, and I’m thankful for such an environment.”
Randy is an avid golfer himself and self-described golf equipment junkie. He usually spends his weekends at the golf course trying out something new! You’ll also find him recharging around the house, spending time with his girlfriend and their two Havenese dogs.
What are we thankful for this year?
2017 has been a big year for Walker Supply! The company completed a major undertaking acquiring locations in Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Scranton. Included in this acquisition were 9 employees, inventory, and several other assets such as trucks, warehouse, and office equipment. It is difficult to get to know people when there are hours between locations. We are very thankful that all employees met in the Pittsburgh facility on August 1st for a team building event. It was a great day for all of us to get to know each other a little better, share some experiences, and grow together. We all share the task at hand “creating lifelong customers”.
As Thanksgiving is on our door step, Keith, Mike, and Bob want to take this opportunity to give thanks to all that have made Walker Supply successful. This includes our team members, supply partners, industry friends, and equally important, our customers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
What Ice Melter is Right for You?
Meet the Team: Nick Gialloreto
Nick joined the Walker Supply, Inc. team on October 2012 after serving as an Assistant Field Manager with the Pittsburgh Pirates for two seasons. He graduated from Penn State in 2010 with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science. After experiences with working with the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nick joined Walker Supply, Inc. as the team's first Athletic Field Specialist.
Meet the Team: Kelli Rogers
Dormant Feeding Best Practices
It is tough to maintain grass at any time. This year we experienced our August in September! This has stressed the turf going into a time when the grass is supposed to rejuvenate itself. There has been extensive research that indicates that dormant feeding can be very beneficial. So, what are the best practices for dormant feeding?
Creating Leaders for Better Job Satisfaction
President's Message: WSI's Expansion Highlights
Everybody is busy this time of year. At Walker Supply, it has been a little busier than normal with the expansion of our business operations earlier this year. With it being such an exciting time in WSI's history, we would like to take this opportunity to share with you a few key highlights of the past two years
WSI's Essential Aerification Checklist
Everyone needs a checklist in advance of aerification! This will help you to be prepared for the dreaded necessity. Check your supplies, and contact your WSI representative to ensure that you are ready. Pre-planning will help to prepare your turf for a better 2018.
Are You Fighting Earthworm Castings?
Are the above images a little too familiar?
No products are labeled for earthworm control in the US or Canada, but some organics applied for other purposes may be effective.
Check out this valuable research article on the Grigg Bros. website, "Using Organic Products to Reduce Earthworm Castings" written by Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D. and Brian McDonald, M.S. and published in Golf Course Management magazine.
The WSI Team has observed this first-hand in the field with the use of Rhizo-Aide from Griggs Bros. Ask your Territory Manager for more information today. They can help you assess your unique situation and develop the best plan of attack!
