With a candid passion for golf, sports, and travel, it was only natural that Garry was the perfect fit for the Golf and Turf sales position at Martin Deerline. We sat down with him with only days left prior to his retirement and reminisced on his time spent in Golf Sales since 1999, and how fast the years go by when your passion turns into a career.
Dedication is the word that comes to mind when describing Garry. He has always been devoted to his clients, the company, and the entire golf industry with over 40 years of experience under his belt. Garry started his first job at 16 years old cutting grass on a golf course, and eventually went on to graduate college in Turf Grass Management. His career progressed further by becoming Superintendent at multiple courses throughout his years, which brought him to have a relationship with Martin Deerline's Golf and Turf Manager, JP. “Garry was the first Superintendent to order two 2653 John Deere Trim Triplex Mower's from us,” said JP. “That machine eventually became a staple in the golf industry. Garry was always an advocate for John Deere, so we had a great relationship before he even worked here.” When the opportunity arose for Garry to start his career at Martin Deerline, he was ready to see the industry from a different perspective.
Garry spent most of the summer seasons in his truck with 80's classic rock on the radio, visiting all of his clients. “In the on-season, I was usually starting my day at 6:00 AM picking up and dropping off demo equipment, creating relationships and picking up units for service, my day didn't usually end until 5:30 PM, or even overnight depending on where I was headed. The territory that I covered took me all the way up to Hay River before.” Garry has always been a people person and loves to get to know each of his clients personally. He is known for going the extra mile for his customers and making sure their needs are fulfilled.
Over the years, John Deere recognized Garry as North American Golf and Turf Salesman of the Year and sent him on a trip to Germany, among many other John Deere trips for his impressive achievements. Garry has always been keen to work with the golf courses to improve productivity, which the advancing John Deere technologies can do; “My greatest accomplishment has to be when I sold two GPS sprayers into the golf market. We installed them onto John Deere Pro Gators for spreading chemicals and fertilizer.” With Garry's career coming to a bittersweet end, he looks forward to jetting off to Hawaii only days after his retirement. Hitting range balls, attending sporting events and enjoying multiple charcuterie boards is certainly in his near future.
Thank you, Garry, for the 22 years of commitment. We will see you on the nineteenth hole!