OUR STORY

Located in Spokane, WA, Planet Turf was founded in 1999 by Jim Connolly, former USGA agronomist, superintendent, and International sports turf consultant. Planet Turf specializes in offering customers products and services defined by excellence, innovation, and practical applications that give the results our customers are looking for. Our agronomist staff has many years of hands-on experience and is always ready to share their knowledge of agronomy and look for ways to assist their clients. We serve Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Alaska, and Guam. We are also proud to support our US Military in Korea and Japan by offering a full line of products for the care of professional turf, landscape, and golf courses.

Beginning from the ground up, Planet Turf has consistently been ahead of the curve when it comes to new technology and chemistries, searching the world for the most innovative, efficient, and economical products and methods that can be used by professional turf and ornamental managers who want to grow the healthiest plants and achieve long-term benefits from their efforts.

Planet Turf exists to make a positive change to our industry and world by providing products and services that meet our customers' goals while remaining innovative, good for our environment, and affordable. Planet Turf’s employees and partners share this vision and have helped Planet Turf products make their way around the world, from Europe to Asia and North America. Planet Turf now sells to over 500 customers in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and the Pacific Rim.

A woman and man cutting the ribbon to open a new business.

OUR PURPOSE

We know that each time you face a problem in turf and horticulture, it demands your full attention. The challenges are new, the variables are many, and the expectations for a quick solution are high. In most cases, you may need to improvise to get these problems solved. Planet Turf makes products that open up new possibilities to conquer the challenges that turf professionals face every day. That’s what makes doing business with Planet Turf exciting and rewarding. Planet Turf exists to make a positive change in our industry and world by providing products and services that solve your problems and meet your goals while remaining innovative, good for our environment, and affordable.

OUR TEAM

Jim Connolly

Chairman/Owner

Jim Connolly is the owner of Planet Turf. He has a degree in Agronomy from Washington State University, continued studies in Environmental Science from the University of Connecticut, and graduate classes in Crop Science from Washington State University. He is a former agronomist for the United States Golf Association Green Section, and he made over 600 golf course consulting visits. He is a Certified Professional Agronomist and has 36 years of experience in the turfgrass management field.

Jared Whitaker

President, Director of Sales & Technical Support

Jared received his degree in Agronomy, with a major in Turfgrass Science from Washington State University. He has worked at renowned golf courses throughout the US and gained valuable hands-on experience. Jared has worked at Riviera Golf Club, Atlantic City Golf Club, Spokane Country Club, Sonoma Golf Club and most recently at Huntsman Springs Golf Club in Driggs, Idaho.

Smiling woman in green turtleneck sweater.

Makenna Oliver

Order Processing and AR Specialist

Makenna was raised in Hartline, WA Makenna, where she attended Coulee-Hartline High School and was a four-year starter in softball, where the center field is her home. Makenna has a strong work ethic, and Planet Turf is fortunate to have her on our team.

Jordan Anderson

Regional Sales Representative, INW Golf & Landscape Services

Jordan services customers in a variety of industries, from landscape turf management to parks, schools, and golf courses. He loves working with customers to solve problems and offer economical and effective solutions for all things related to turfgrass and landscape management. Jordan has an Associate’s Degree in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Service and Repair from Spokane Community College and lives in Spokane with his wife and two children.

Aaron Stamper

Regional Sales Representative, Western Washington, Oregon, and Central Oregon

Aaron graduated from Walla Walla Community College with a degree in Turf Management. He has over 20 years’ experience in the turfgrass industry and worked at prestigious golf courses such as Riviera Country Club, Sonoma Golf Club, and Spokane Country Club. Most recently Aaron was golf course superintendent at Skamania Lodge Golf Course in Stevenson, WA.

Shane Hughes

Regional Sales Representative, Southeastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Southern Idaho

Shane completed degrees from Washington State University and Walla Walla Community College. Both fields of study were in Turfgrass Management. He has 15 years of golf course experience, from native soil to established turf. Notable properties Shane worked on include The Club at Black Rock, Palouse Ridge Golf Club, and Meadow Springs Country Club. He supports numerous industry associations, currently holds Board positions on the Inland Empire GCSA and the Northwest Turfgrass Association, and was a 2022 GCSAA Melrose Leadership Academy recipient.

Amy Connolly

Vice President, Administration

Amy Connolly cofounded James Connolly Consulting, Ltd. with her husband, Jim Connolly, in 1999. As the business of consulting branched into sales and marketing with Planet Turf, she took on the roles of Office Administrator and Accounts Manager. Amy continues to serve as Vice President and Senior Advisor for Planet Turf and James Connolly Consulting.

Jeff Curry

Warehouse and Office Assistant

Jeff resides in Spokane, WA, with his wife and three children. He graduated from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Jeff reflects PlanetTurf’s values of family, commitment to exceptional service, and professional work ethic, which make us proud to have him as a member of the Planet Turf team. His previous experience includes being a Field representative for an arborist company, shipping and logistics, and grounds maintenance.

STEVE NESTOSS

Facilities Manager

Steve is facilities manager responsible for incoming and outgoing freight, inventory, and building maintenance. Steve has been worked in the agribuiness sector for many years. He and his wife Patti reside in Greenacres WA.