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 Peter Lacey, our Wales and South West Account Manager. Peter has been with the company for 10 years, before Aquatrols acquired Farmura and he has an infectious passion for his role, not to mention an outstanding level of technical knowledge. Here, we get an insight into Peter’s approach and philosophy to his work.
What was your first role within the turf industry and what was it that inspired you to take a job in this arena?
I started out as a trainee green keeper under the watchful eye of my father who was a Head green keeper and who aspired me to become a course manager.
How have your previous jobs helped you in your current role as an Aquatrols Account Manager?
Having been a Course Manager of a top 100 venue and having 37 years experience in the industry, this certainly gives you an understanding of the problems that green keepers encounter and an empathy with them at all levels.
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 grew up using Farmura and Aquatrols products as they were proven and a perfect fit for my traditional and austere approach to green keeping. I was serviced by the legend that is Gerald Orme who always joked about me working one day for the company. I enjoy being part of a dynamic team who have a wealth of industry experience and a desire to assist end users in getting the most out of their turf.
What is the biggest challenge to the customer in your area? What’s the main problem that you help them to solve?
Golf course budgets in my areas are under pressure. We try and work with our customer base to deliver cost effective solutions to all types of agronomic problems. This can be a challenge, but one that can be addressed with education and a provision of a personal service.
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?
The entire Aquatrols team are FACTS qualified advisors and adept at providing nutritional programmes and recommendations. Also, most customers know one or two of our most familiar products, but they don’t know that we have a diverse range of products in our portfolio, whether that is in our surfactant or liquid fertiliser range that can offer affordable solutions.
What is the one thing about the Aquatrols brand and products that you always want new or potential customers to know?
Aquatrols has a history of over 60+ years in the turf industry of bringing new and dynamic products to the marketplace and many of these products are still current. The Aquatrols brand is tried and tested. It does what it says on the tin (or bottle) and this is backed up by many years of research and development, both in-house and independently.
And finally, where can you be found when you’re not working?
I’m never not working according to my wife! We enjoy travelling and when we’re not spending time with our children and six grandchildren, I enjoy an occasional game of golf, running the picturesque coastal paths of the Gower peninsula and getting out on my motorbike when the weather permits.
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