Jim Nedin wins 2019 Edwin Budding Award from GCSAA
Lawrence, Kan. – Jim Nedin, consultant, Turf Industry Service Business Optimization in York, Pa., is the winner of the 2019 Edwin Budding Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
The Edwin Budding Award, named for the inventor of the lawn mower, is given annually to an equipment manager or related innovator, technician, educator or engineer who has made a significant impact in the golf and turf business.
Nedin has been associated with the turf industry for more than 40 years. He began his professional career as a golf course superintendent in the early 1970s and has taught turf industry-related seminars for more than 30 years. Nedin has provided technical support for a multitude of state, regional, national and international golf tournaments.
Nedin is a private service business consultant who has worked with The Toro Co. for many years. In addition to working with turf equipment distributors to improve service delivery performance, he conducts relevant turf equipment maintenance and application seminars for various turf industry associations and universities.
“Working in the turf industry has been much more than a job to me. It has been my life’s work and passion,” said Nedin. “There’s a picture of me standing behind my father’s reel-type power lawn mower, when I was just 5 years old. At age 9 I worked in a lawn mower repair shop, and in my teens, I started working at a local country club, repairing golf carts and turf equipment. Eventually, I was promoted to assistant superintendent, then superintendent. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many great people. The late Tom Buehner, CGCS, one of the first 10 GCSAA-certified superintendents, was an inspiration and great mentor to me.”
Nedin received degrees in mechanical engineering from LaSalle University and general business, marketing and accounting from Pittsburgh Business Institute. While in distribution, he received the prestigious Toro Service Bull Award and multiple Toro Top Service Achievement Awards, and he served multiple terms on Toro’s Commercial Service Advisory Board. In past years, he served on Penn State’s Turf Equipment Maintenance Advisory Board, and he is currently a member of the Greater Pittsburgh GCSA.
“Being the recipient of this year’s prestigious Edwin Budding award is truly an honor,” said Nedin. “There are so many great people in this industry for which I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. We get up every morning, go to work and simply do our jobs. I am humbled and greatly appreciative to those who nominated me.”
Tina Stohlman began working with Nedin five years ago when she began her career at Turf Equipment and Supply Co.
“One thing that comes to mind when I think of Jim Nedin is dedication,” Stohlman said. “Jim doesn’t take a break, he does whatever needs to be done in order to help us with our needs. He has been a mentor to me, and it has been a privilege to know this brilliant and dedicated engineer.”
Nedin will formally receive the award at the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Fla.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
