Eric Harshman never expected to step into a career in turf and grounds management. Growing up on acreage in northern Indiana, mowing grass was a chore he actively avoided, but today, Eric has built a nationally respected career elevating grounds operations, athletics fields, and the people who care for them. His journey reflects curiosity, courage, and a people-first leadership style that aligns deeply with SSC values.

Eric’s path into the industry was anything but linear. He earned degrees in graphic design and sports marketing from Indiana Tech University; he spent his early career working in catalog layout and computer design. After a couple of years, he realized his passion was missing. A job at a local golf course, owned by his girlfriend’s family, changed everything. That girlfriend is now his wife, and that golf course sparked Eric’s interest in turf and grounds management.

Building the Foundation

Encouraged by a mentor who recognized his potential, Eric returned to school, completing an accelerated two-year turf management certification through Rutgers University. The program required intense focus, splitting time between Louisville and New Jersey during winter months. He describes it as a crash course that gave him both technical confidence and a deeper appreciation for the industry.

In 2008, Eric entered professional baseball groundskeeping with the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Starting as a game-day employee, he worked his way into a full-time role and eventually became Assistant Groundskeeper. While he loved baseball, Eric wanted broader experience. That ambition led him to collegiate athletics, where the pace, pressure, and complexity pushed him to grow quickly.

He describes the experience as being thrown into the deep end—challenging and transformational. He approached it like a sponge, absorbing everything he could. That mindset followed him to the University of Kentucky, where he held a similar role and continued to refine his leadership and technical skills.

During his time at LSU and Kentucky, Eric earned national recognition as a two-time Field of the Year award winner for softball through the Sports Field Manager Association (SFMA). While those accolades remain meaningful, Eric is quick to say they represent team success more than individual achievement.

Stepping Into Ownership and Expanding Perspective

Early in his career, Eric sought greater responsibility. He took a head groundskeeper role with the Lexington Legends, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. For the first time, he was fully accountable for hiring, training, budgeting, scheduling, and field performance. The experience confirmed his readiness to lead, but it also clarified his priorities. With a growing family, the demands of professional baseball were no longer sustainable.

That realization led Eric into campus-wide grounds leadership roles at Berea College and later Transylvania University. At Berea, he transitioned from athletics-focused work to managing an entire campus, learning landscape management, tree care, and snow operations at scale. At Transylvania, he built a team from the ground up and delivered significant improvements with limited resources.

Finding the Right Fit at SSC

When Transylvania decided to outsource grounds services, Eric’s next opportunity emerged. He joined SSC as a bench manager, where he played a key role in supporting accounts across the country and stepping in as interim leadership when needed. He later moved into a project manager role and in 2025, worked closely with Texas A&M regional campuses, building relationships and strengthening operations.

Today, Eric serves as one of SSC’s trusted subject matter experts within the SSC Toolbox. His role goes beyond problem-solving in the moment. He helps shape best practices, supports decision-making, and serves as a go-to resource for grounds and athletics-related questions across all SSC accounts. During peak seasons like baseball and softball, he travels extensively to ensure teams are supported, standards are met, and challenges are addressed collaboratively.

Even while traveling, Eric stays grounded in the work itself. One of his favorite routines is running through college campuses in the early morning or after a full day onsite. Those runs give him a different perspective, allowing him to see spaces quietly, notice details others may miss, and make mental notes that often turn into future improvements. For Eric, it is both reflection and reconnaissance, a way to stay connected to the environments his teams support.

Eric believes strong relationships are the foundation of successful operations. He listens first, respects local challenges, and uses his own experience to guide rather than dictate. Whether supporting a grounds manager, working with regional leaders, or collaborating with SSC project teams, he approaches every interaction with humility and trust.

Service to the Industry and Commitment to Excellence

Eric’s commitment extends beyond SSC, reflecting a broader dedication to excellence across the grounds and athletics industry. He was recently appointed Director at Large on the SFMA Board of Directors, serves as Vice President of the Kentucky SFMA chapter, and contributes to the Marketing Committee for the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS).

Fellow SSC leaders are equally engaged across the industry, including Neil Cathey, SSC Senior Project Manager for Grounds, who serves as Commercial Vice President for the Tennessee Valley SFMA, and Mark Elingberg, Grounds and Athletic Manager for SSC’s partnership with Charleston County School District, who serves as President of the South Carolina chapter of PGMS. Mark is also the past President of the South Carolina SFMA chapter and a current member of the SFMA Member Resources Committee. Together, their service reflects SSC’s investment in leadership, education, and the future of the profession.

Eric also holds certifications as a Certified Grounds Manager through the Professional Grounds Management Society and a Certified Sports Field Manager through SFMA.

Measuring Success Beyond Awards

When asked about his proudest achievements, Eric no longer points to awards by default. Instead, he talks about culture, team development, and leaving places better than he found them. He is proud of learning when to slow down, listen, and adapt his leadership approach, which was shaped early in life by by 12 years of service in the United States Air Force. He is proud of mentoring others and giving back to an industry that opened doors for him.

His advice to newcomers reflects that mindset:

“Don’t limit yourself to just one thing. Be well rounded and learn aspects of all those things, including communication and networking.”

He is also an accomplished runner, with 10 marathons and numerous half marathons under his belt.

Fully Invested in Teams and the Future

Eric Harshman’s career is defined by growth, resilience, and service. In total, he has improved fields across 20 different states – a remarkable impact for a career that continues to grow year by year.

He brings credibility earned in the field, a deep respect for teams, and a leadership style rooted in trust. Fully invested in grounds teams and athletics, Eric continues to shape environments where students can thrive.

“Eric brings credibility that you cannot fake. He has lived the work, understands the challenges our grounds teams face, and shows up every time with humility, solutions, and genuine care for people. He builds trust quickly and raises the bar without losing sight of what matters most, supporting our teams and delivering results the right way.” 

Brandon Haley – Vice President of Grounds Management, SSC