Gary Smith - Sodco Diversified

Fields of study include, but are not limited to Turfgrass Science and Management, Pesticide Applications, Fundamentals of Plant Protection, Landscape Design, Grounds Irrigation, Company Leadership/Management, Soil Sciences and Fertilizers, Woody ID, Sports Field Management and Design, Turf and Ornamental Pest management, Soils and Fertilizers and Woody Plant Identification.
Self-motivated and confident in work and skills obtained through past experiences, from entry level positions to strenuous responsibilities as foreman, business operator, company Vice President and company President.
Demonstrate people skills while efficiently assessing and solving customer problems and concerns.
Experience in many areas of the workforce, including training workshops teaching me how to better work with and understand other people.

Associates of Applied Science, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, GA.

Environmental Horticulture: Landscape Design and Grounds Management

Associates of Applied Science, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, GA.

Environmental Horticulture: Sports Turf Management

President, SodCo, Louisville, Ga

October 2015-Present

Acquire customers through networking and project estimation.
Purchase material and assist with logistics/scheduling.
Consult and designed client projects.
Negotiate and execute contracts with general Contractors across Georgia and South Carolina.
Day to day job site facilitation.
Perform safety meetings and implemented a valid safety program.

Commercial and Residential Landscape Supervisor, Budget Sprinkler & Landscaping Inc. Augusta, GA.

March 2008-October 2015

Trusted with company leadership and dealt with all landscape issues.
Directed proper landscape and irrigation procedures in a commercial and residential setting.
Designed and installed landscapes and sprinkler systems in a residential setting.
Consulted with clients addressing ideas and concerns with landscape design and installation procedures.
Corresponded with site development companies across the Southeast during our commercial landscape processes.
Dealt with the day to day business operations with employees, landscape suppliers, site superintendants and homeowners, including estimates, proposals, scheduling, invoicing, etc.
Assisted in hydro-seeding processes in the commercial setting.
Worked in strenuous situations such as designing a landscape for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and completing grading procedures during my nightly shift while on a strict time line.
Trusted with company credit cards, purchasing on behalf of company.
Specialized in equipment operation, equipment maintenance, grading and team building.

Landscaper and Equipment Operator, DreamScape South Landscaping and Grading LLC. New Ellenton, SC.

May 2005-July 2005, October 2006-January 2007, May 2007-March 2008

Trusted with crew leadership and heavy equipment operation. Sod installation being my main concentration.
Cleared trees and other debris from lots in preparation for home construction.
Conducted grading and other landscape preparation measures..
Assisted in sod, tree, and plant installation.
Repaired irrigation systems for proper watering of the newly established turf.
Constructed retaining walls.
Installed drainage systems to assist in water containment issues.
Installed silt fences and other erosion prevention and control measures.
Performed basic maintenance procedures to assure proper functioning of equipment and machinery.

Ground crew professional, Turner Field-Atlanta Braves Baseball, Atlanta, GA.

May 2007-October 2007.

Performed daily tasks, which consisted of, but not limited to mowing and working on clay infield areas.
Gained experience while working with clay areas and turface.
Expanded knowledge of fertilizers and fungicides.
Assisted in edging turf, installing clay, line painting, and many more game day preparations.
Obtained experience with aerification and verticutting.
First experienced applying paint to turfgrass.
Basic maintenance to all equipment (mowers, sprayers, aerifiers, tractors, etc.)
Installed new sod in areas with extensive trafficking.
Worked with players and coaches to resolve training time conflicts and other issues on the field.
Assisted in other events such as weddings, charity events, clinics and sponsor games occurring on the field.
Experienced in dealing with high pressure situations such as rain delays, double headers, and other tedious activities occurring on the field.

Resident Assistant, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Student Life and Housing, Tifton, GA.

April 2005-May 2006.

Provided paraprofessional advising to 52 undergraduate students in a residential setting.
Developed and conducted educational programs on stress, healthy decision-making, and diversity.
Managed administrative tasks including health and safety reports, maintenance requests, incident reports and minor discipline along with being trusted with access to master keys.
Conducted rounds to assure security and for the enforcement of college policies.
Confronted and resolved social justice issues in diversity, racism and conflict.

Ethical decision making seminars.
Social justice and diversity workshops including race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation and religion.
Workshops in Group Dynamics in order to gain knowledge of how groups and teams work successfully.
Attended various seminars regarding the turf and landscape industry.
Seminar/Workshop conducted by MLB/NFL Sports Turf Managers. Honors, Awards and Activities

Hope Scholarship recipient
DeKalb Leadership Award winner (Most outstanding Senior in 2004 National FFA chapter)
Twelve years perfect attendance (K-12)
2004 2^nd place winner in regional competition for SAEP. (Supervised Agricultural Experience Project)
Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) 2006 – present
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) 2006
2006 National STMA Convention and seminar attendee, Orlando, Florida.
Design and build for “Extreme Home Makeover”.
Various business function seminars and training.
Safety certified for various Government projects.
2020 Augusta Garden Show 2^nd place winner.