In our Beyond The Drop Q&A series, we bring you brief interviews with some of the minds driving growth and innovation at Aquatrols. We speak to a wide variety of folks who work here, exploring topics from research, conservation and business to field sales and back office.
Today we are featuring an interview with Alan Pierce, who joined us as an Account Manager in January looking after the Eastern territory. Alan is a BIGGA Master Greenkeeper and a turf management graduate from the University of Massachusetts. Today, he talks to us about the passion he holds for his role at Aquatrols.
What was your first role within the turf industry and what was it that inspired you to take a job in this arena?
My first role in the turf industry was as an Assistant Greenkeeper at Wellshurst GC in East Sussex. I was very fortunate to have a great first boss, Les Shrubb, who mentored and inspired me to further my career in the turf industry.
How have your previous jobs helped you in your current role as an Aquatrols Account Manager?
I think that my previous roles both in the greenkeeping and commercial side of the industry have been a great benefit to my current role as an Account Manager with Aquatrols. My time as a Course Manager has helped me to understand the benefits of our products and the challenges that our customers face on a daily basis. My time working as a Sales Manager for a John Deere dealership has helped me to understand the commercial and business development side of the industry.
What was it that attracted you to become part of the Aquatrols team and what is it about your job that you most enjoy?
I used Aquatrols products for many years during my time as a Course Manager and I felt passionate about joining an organisation with such a strong product portfolio. There really aren’t any areas of my job which I dislike. We have such a close team within our business and our culture is one which is very supportive and encourages us to take ownership of our respective jobs. I enjoy visiting our end users and supporting our distribution network to ensure that our products are performing at their best.
What is the biggest challenge to the customer in your area? What’s the main problem that you help them to solve?
I think some of the biggest challenges I see for our customers are budget constraints, the reduction in available disease management products and of course our ever-changing climate. Our surfactant products help our customers deal with the environmental stress placed on the plant during difficult weather conditions and can actually help to reduce inputs of irrigation which can in turn help to reduce the cost of water as well as promoting great environmental stewardship. Our exciting new AquaVita Technology and bio-nutritional products really help with pre-conditioning and strengthening the plant during periods of high disease pressure and are a great addition to any integrated pest and disease management plan.
There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes in your position. What are some things that most customers don’t realise you can help them with or do for them?
We can help our customers to further understand their soil moisture by visiting their site and help them to carry out simple tests such as water drop penetration tests and volumetric moisture content tests. This will ensure that any hydrophobicity is identified and addressed to ensure efficiency from their water management programmes.
What is the one thing about the Aquatrols brand and products that you always want new or potential customers to know?
I like our customers and potential customers to know that we are passionate and really care that our products do exactly what we say they will do.
And finally, where can you be found when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my wife, Becky, and daughter Erin. I play guitar in an Indie rock covers band called The Valve Sound and I love to ride motorcycles. I enjoy playing golf badly!
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