Tom Hurst Wins The Edwin Budding Award

       Recently the International Golf Course Equipment Manger's Association announced the 2013 winner of the Edwin Budding Award and the winner is Tom Hurst!

Per the IGCEMA website:
The Edwin Budding Award is a significant award that is given by the International Golf Course Equipment Manager's Association (IGCEMA) in partnership with sponsor Ransomes/Jacobsen. This award is given to innovators, technicians, educators, engineers, etc. that have gone above and beyond their normal day to day jobs and made a significant impact in the golf and turf business. An individual that qualifies for this award would be someone who has had a significant impact in our business.

       Tom Hurst is a true living legend! Here in the Philadelphia area, Tom has been helping people for over 40 years. First as the Service Manager for the local Jacobsen distributor, Lawn & Golf Supply Company and then transitioning into their grinder specialist. Then after a short lived retirement, Tom became a factory  representative for Bernhard & Company, with lots time spent in a tournament support roll. The impact that Tom has had on people is immeasurable. When we attempted to have a training seminar a few years ago, the hope was to have about 25 people attend. I have to admit, I would enjoy each call to Tom telling him how high the sign up number had gotten every few days. When we ended up over 60, it was mainly because of one reason and that was Tom was our presenter. So many guys came up and said "do you know that Tom taught me how to grind?".
       While Tom's history of training and helping people is obviously a big part of why he is so beloved but the true reason is Tom is a great person. Think about someone who has touched so many people and I am sure you would find a few who might not be a fan but if you can find someone with nothing but good to say about Tom, I would like to meet him. Tom's love of the turf business and the relationships that he has fostered over the years is what keeps him going. His positive outlook and never a bad word to say make him someone you want to be around. It is really great to see him get the recognition he so deserves. Congratulations Tom!

WJC