GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Sod Solutions announced Mark Kann has accepted the position of Florida Territory Manager. He will begin employment in February, bringing over 25 years of experience in the turfgrass industry to the company and who for the past 14 years has run the turf research facility for the University of Florida (UF) Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida.
“Mark Kann brings both an extensive professional background and impressive educational credentials into his new role within the Florida turfgrass market. He has clearly demonstrated his interest and expertise to work with producers throughout the region as a sod professional and will be a resource for Sod Solutions. We are excited to welcome Mark as our new Florida Territory Manager,” said Tobey Wagner, president of Sod Solutions.
Kann holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Turfgrass Science and a Master of Science degree in Horticulture Sciences from UF. In his Master’s program, Kann minored in Agricultural Education & Communication and Agronomy, with a research focus on evaluating educational programs.
During his time as the Coordinator of Research Programs at the UF Plant Science Research and Educational Unit, Kann managed numerous research projects involving turfgrass, ornamentals and greenhouse production.
“We are confident that Mark’s skills, background and personal values will prove to be great additions to our existing team,” said Christian Broucqsault, Sod Solutions chief operating officer.
Prior to his role at the UF, Kann served as both Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at several golf clubs in Florida. These positions allowed Kann to learn the management of golf courses, to include irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide applications, planning, maintenance and more.
Kann has received numerous awards and scholarships from Florida horticulture and turfgrass entities and has held numerous leadership roles.
“I have been extremely active in the turfgrass industry throughout my career, serving on the board of directors of several allied associations including the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (FGCSA), Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA) and the Seven Rivers Golf Course Superintendents Association (SRGCSA),” Kann shared.
Kann explained he has been able to work closely with researchers to see the good, bad and ugly of turfgrass research.
He will begin his position as Florida Territory Manager the second week of February 2021.
“I have met so many great people from all sectors of the turfgrass industry throughout my career and look forward to keeping those relationships and creating many more as the Florida Territory Manager,” he concluded.
For more information on Kann and Sod Solutions, click here.
