November Employee Spotlight

November is the month to give thanks. Here at ATS, we want to give thanks to two special employees, who not only have several years of well-rounded experience in the turf industry, but also take on the challenge of working in both sales and operations. Let’s take a moment to get to know Joby Morrow and Pat Kelley.

Joby Morrow, Employee Since 2008

Joby has been in the turf industry for 19+ years and has worked in most of the areas within the turf industry, including landscape, golf courses, and sports turf. He began working in the turf industry right after college. Starting out, Joby worked for a landscape company and then moved into the golf course side of the industry as an assistant superintendent. Joby helped his friend start a lawn care business a little later and followed that job by working for another distributor before landing at ATS. He is currently the Operations Manager for OH and PA at ATS. 

What do you like most about your job?
I really like the variety that comes with working both in sales and operations. It is challenging and rewarding; however, I would say that the best aspect of my job is the people I work with. The employees at ATS, in my opinion, are the best, and the operations employees are definitely the best in the entire industry. Without the help of good people, it would be very challenging to do both sales and operations.

Describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking, thorough, and diligent

What has been your biggest success in life?
The biggest success in my life has been being a dad. I have 2 children, a son and daughter, and having the responsibility to mentor and shape them into trusted members of society is the biggest accomplishment I can have.

If you could be any age for a week, what would it be?
I would be 16 again. It is a critical age as far as figuring out what you want to do as an adult coming into society. It is stressful and exciting at the same time.

Are you a dog or cat person?
I am a dog person. How can you not like something that is excited to see you every day?

Pat Kelley,  Employee Since 2007

Pat has been in the turf industry for 37 years. For 11-1/2 years, he worked for Indiana Seed Solutions, as a sales representative, selling turfgrass and pasture seed. Prior to that, he worked 3-1/2 years for Knox Fertilizer, selling turf fertilizers over a four state region. At ATS, he works as the Parts and Accessories Manager.

What do you like most about your job?
There’s really no slow period. The variety of working with 30+ vendors, the wide variety of products, and interacting with the numerous sales and facility operations people at ATS means I’m always busy. There’s always something to deal with.

What is your best childhood memory? 
I have several; I suppose the best is attending the Indy 500 in the 70’s with my father.

What was the best gift you have received?
My children. Children are a gift from God.

What do you do for fun? 
Spend time with my one-year-old granddaughter.

What’s your favorite sport? 
Motor Sports – The speed, danger, and adrenaline rush you can get.

Alex Cannon
ATS CEO