Show Summary

In this milestone 10th episode of The LowDowns, Brent flips the mic with longtime friend, former superintendent, and current EarthWorks agronomist Kevin Hicks in a first-of-its-kind joint episode between The LowDowns and The EarthWorks Podcast.

What begins as a two-host handshake quickly evolves into a rich and wide-ranging conversation about career transitions, project leadership, personal growth, and creative balance — whether you’re navigating a $25M renovation or carving maple in your garage shop. Kevin brings wisdom from decades on the superintendent side and now travels the country as a trusted agronomic consultant, while Brent shares the grit, pride, and process of guiding one of the most ambitious public-course overhauls in Indiana history.

From Master Greenkeeper and CGCS certification talk to the value of mentorship, from the changing turf media landscape to the unexpected power of woodworking, this episode offers both practical insight and personal honesty. The chemistry between these two is real — sharpened by shared respect, the occasional rabbit hole, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.

And yes — a new segment debuts: Four Down Territory. You’ll want to weigh in.

Top Takeaways

• From Superintendent to Director: Brent shares the evolution of his dual-course role and what it means to build systems and mentor from above the turf line.
• Why Certifications Still Matter: CGCS and Master Greenkeeper weren’t just titles — they were transformative. Brent details the personal grind and lasting growth.
• Mentorship Means Everything: Kevin and Brent reflect on the pride of developing others — and how leadership legacy matters more than any logo on your shirt.
• EarthWorks Is the Right Fit: Kevin explains why his pivot to EarthWorks aligned with his agronomic values and how consulting let him expand his impact.
• Renovations Require Guts: The Otter Creek rebuild is the definition of “high stakes.” Brent unpacks the reality of managing crews, budgets, expectations — and still loving it.
• A Tight-Knit Community: From random cross-country introductions to shared contacts in Idaho and Ohio, turf really is one degree of separation.
• Woodworking Keeps You Grounded: When turf gets too chaotic, there’s something pure about making something with your hands. These two dive deep into the sawdust.
• Turf Podcasting Has Range: Whether it's a soil chemistry deep-dive or a cultural commentary, the podcast space is expanding — and still personal.
• New Segment Debut: Four Down Territory kicks off with the Top 4 Tools in the Woodshop. There were no survivors.
• What Matters Most: At the end of the day, both guests agree — it’s not turf conditions, titles, or tools. It’s relationships, growth, and the stories you get to tell along the way.

Why You Should Listen

If you're looking for a true blend of turf leadership, project grit, and personal honesty, this crossover episode brings it all. Kevin Hicks and Brent Downs open up about their career pivots, why certifications shaped them, and what it means to guide others through chaos, construction, and change.

You’ll hear stories you’ve never heard before — including how a cross-country truck ride turned into a turf career, why EarthWorks is more than just products, how Otter Creek is rewriting public-course renovation, and what it means to find peace in the woodshop.

This is for superintendents, assistants, consultants, builders, educators, and anyone who believes turf is more than grass — it's about people, timing, and always building something better.