Ben Jackson is the Director of Grounds of the Columbus Crew soccer team. Ben grew up outside of Columbus loving the crew and soccer long before it was cool. A high school assignment introduced him to turf and Darian Daily who took him under his wing and hired him on as a part-time crew member while still in high school. Ben went on to work for Matt Williams, complete his turf degree through The Ohio State University and today leads  the crew that gave him his first home in the industry. With one of the coolest turf origin stories in our industry, Ben's episode is filled with Ohio roots and a love for the game.

Here's what you'll hear in this week's Groundskeeper Chat:

  • The Columbus Crew's Championship season 
  • How Ben and his crew stay motivated as off-seasons become less of a reality
  • What qualities and values Ben looks for when hiring for his crew
  • Lastly, Weston's Weather Report! 

A little bit more about our guest:

Ben Jackson started with the Columbus Crew while in high school as a part-time grounds member. He grew up as a season ticket holder and created a career rooted in two things he was passionate about, soccer and his hometown. He is a proud alumni of The Ohio State University Turf program and spent time working alongside our co-host Weston Appelfeller! 

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