Simon Moore is one of our featured members from issue 12 of our IGFH magazine. After an stint at a retail job, Simon made the switch to the turfcare industry with a ground maintenance job. He’s now the South West Area Sales Manager at Fleet Line Markers, and no two days are the same. Here, he shares how he found his current job, why COVID was the most challenging career problem he’s ever faced, and his favorite TV shows to watch after a long day at work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in turf?
I’d worked in retail for a while after leaving school and college. I didn’t like being inside all day and wanted something where I was out and about. I then got a grounds maintenance job, which started me off in this industry. I started doing gardens, then schools and sports pitches. I love football and as I wasn’t good enough to have a career in that, this was as close as I could get!
How did you find your current job?
I was a visitor at Saltex and got chatting with the Fleet guys on the stand. They said there was a job going in the South West. I sent my CV off that night!
What is your favourite part about working on sports turf?
Through working with Fleet, I get to meet some great people. My job involves going to clubs across the South West, and this meant I got to meet the guys at Plymouth Argyle. As an Argyle fan who lives in Wiltshire (obviously a glory hunter), I don’t meet many others from the Green Army, so I was loving it. They gave me the opportunity to help on a match day. That was 8 years ago and I’m still doing it now. To get on the same pitch as my team is incredible. One of my first games as match day staff was Argyle v Liverpool. I was divoting the pitch with Argyle fans behind me singing loudly and working my way towards the away end where Liverpool fans were singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. I got goosebumps. Not many people get to experience something like that.
What’s the most challenging problem you’ve faced while working on sports turf, and how did you handle it?
COVID-19 was the biggest problem for me. During lockdown, I realised how much I enjoyed my job. I missed being out and about, seeing people, and all the sports.
If you could switch roles with any grounds/greenkeeping team for a day, whose job would you want to try and why?
I would like to swap with Bradley Tennant for a day as he gets to do some really interesting stuff! Or I’d like to do more matchdays at different stadiums. I’ve helped out at some other clubs already and you always learn something new.
How do you unwind and relax after a challenging day of work?
If I’m not watching football somewhere, then most evenings I spend at home with my family. My daughter Mollie is six, so we’ll watch Disney films or something until the sport is on. I enjoy watching football, rugby, cricket and darts. If there’s no sport on, I’ll normally watch something funny. The Office, Phoenix Nights, Ted Lasso, Alan Partridge, and so on.
Share a funny or unexpected moment that happened during your career.
An unexpected moment for me was last year when I received an award for services to the industry from the High Sheriff of Wiltshire.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your current job role?
The people in this industry are brilliant. There are some top people in the South West. The grounds teams in the schools, universities, football clubs, and rugby clubs are quality. I’ve made some good friends.
What’s one piece of greenkeeping equipment you couldn’t live without, and how does it make your job easier or more enjoyable?
The kombi line marker. It’s been around for 30 years but it’s always evolving to keep up to date with groundsmen’s needs.
Who has had the biggest impact on you in your career role and why?
Iain Courage is the sales director at Fleet. He’s always encouraged me and taught me a lot. In fact, Iain is the man responsible for giving me a job a Fleet. (All my customers know who to blame now!)
What advice do you have for new people looking to join the industry?
It’s a brilliant industry to work in, if you can get through the winter working outside, everyone is jealous in the summer. I know I keep saying it, but the people you meet are great.
Finally, what message or insight would you like to share with others about the role of organisations like International Greenkeepers for Hire in connecting professionals with opportunities abroad?
Talk to everyone. I’ve met a lot of people through work, trade shows, and networking events. You never know what’s going to happen in the future.