Central Turf names turf category director for fertilizer

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply has added Ryan Batz as its new turf category director for fertilizer. Batz will focus on strategic growth for the fertilizer program within the category — bringing products, resources and training to wholesale distributor’s customers alongside the turf team of directors.

Batz earned his bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management from Penn State and is a GCSAA Class A member. He has six years of experience as the U.S. technical director for Ferti Technologies and 11 years as a golf course superintendent, and was a former owner/operator of GreenKeepers Lawn Care. During his career, Batz has also worked in sales as a golf technical sales representative in the New York Metropolitan area.

He is also the board treasurer and co-founder of Candlewood Fishing Camp, a non-profit camp for underprivileged youth, and he sits on the project advisory board for Candlewood Lake Authority — Minimizing Fertilizer Runoff.

Batz’s hire marks the the third dedicated category director position for the expanding department. “I’m excited to join the team,” Batz said. “I am eager to work with all the employees and partners of Central to provide superior service and solutions to our customers in the fertilizer category.”

“We are always looking to innovate and improve so that we meet and exceed the needs of our customers,” sales and marketing VP Anthony Luciano said. “I am confident that Ryan will be a valuable part of these company goals. As we continue to grow the turf category, it will be critical for us to continue a team focused approach. We are excited for Ryan to join Austin Lanzarone, director for seed and Austin Marsteller, director for chemicals, to provide the best solutions to our customers.”