Meet the Team
Hank Kerfoot
Owner & Founder
Hank is the Owner and Founder of Modern Turf. Hank is a turf graduate of Lake City Community College and a former golf course superintendent. He officially formed Modern Turf in February of 2000, closing on the first 410 acres, which is the Rembert Farm. Between 2008 and 2010, Modern Turf acquired another 690 acres in Dalzell, SC, and bought 325 more acres in Dalzell in 2016. Hank constantly looks for new grasses to better suit the many facets of the natural grass industry that we actively serve. Hank is involved in leadership roles with several industry-related organizations and enjoys giving back to the community as well.
Without Hank’s leadership and dedication to its customers and employees, Modern Turf wouldn’t be the state-of-the-art turfgrass production company that it is today!
B.J. Haunert
Chief Executive Officer
B.J. is Modern Turf’s Chief Executive Officer. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and holds an agronomy degree earned in 1996. During his 25 years in the turfgrass industry, B.J. has directed numerous re-grassing projects throughout the Southeast. His first-hand knowledge of growing the most dominant warm-season varieties on the market today is reflected in both the quality of turf grown on the farm and the successful end product delivered to Modern Turf’s customers.
Henry Kerfoot
Chief Administration Officer
Henry serves as Chief Administration Officer at Modern Turf, where he leads the company’s efforts in Safety, Onboarding, Team Member Relations, and Compliance. He holds a degree in Finance with a minor in Business from Wofford College.
With a strong analytical foundation and a people-first mindset, Henry focuses on building the systems and culture that support a safe, compliant, and high-performing organization. He oversees the development of onboarding processes, team member engagement initiatives, and company-wide policies that ensure consistency and accountability across all operations. Henry also promotes Hydrowick, a cost-effective golf course drainage solution, showcasing his ability to effectively communicate benefits, drive client satisfaction, and foster sustainable growth for Modern Turf.
Jamey Jackson
Chief Business Development Officer
As Chief Business Development Officer for Modern Turf, Jamey leads the company’s growth strategy across Sales, Marketing, and Industry Partnerships. He works closely with golf course owners, architects, and superintendents to support new construction, renovations, and long-term turfgrass solutions across the Southeast and Gulf States. His role focuses on strengthening relationships, advancing premium turfgrass brands, and aligning Modern Turf’s capabilities with the evolving needs of the golf industry. Jamey resides in LaGrange and is an avid golfer. He is a member of Highland Country Club, where he serves as Chairman of the Marketing Committee and was recognized as Player of the Year in 2023 and 2025. A skilled competitor, he was Club Champion in 2021 and regularly participates in events such as the Georgia Open Pro-Am and the Pot-O-Gold Pro-Am.
Stephen Butler
General Manager
Stephen is the General Manager at Modern Turf. He earned a degree in Golf Course Management from Horry Georgetown Technical College and has built a career centered on agronomy and turf management, combining his passion for the outdoors with a deep understanding of plant health and soil science.
Rising from grounds keeper to superintendent, Stephen has managed golf courses throughout Florida and North Carolina. His diverse experience has provided him with comprehensive knowledge of turfgrass maintenance, business management, and environmental stewardship.
Stephen plays a pivotal role in managing the agronomic program and the farm’s daily operations. His proficiency guarantees that the sod produced is of the utmost quality and eco-friendliness, helping clients cultivate attractive, robust landscapes. His professional ethos is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to delivering sustainable solutions that cater to the dynamic requirements of his clientele.
Buddy Smith, Jr.
Vice President of Sales
Buddy is the Vice President of Sales and is a renowned figure in the turf industry. Graduating from NC State University with two degrees—a turf diploma in 1993 and an ornamental landscape diploma in 1994—he brings 28 years of varied experience to the Modern Turf team. In his role as a sales representative, Buddy leverages his expertise to guide customers in making informed choices regarding grass planting, establishment techniques, and maintenance.
Chris Cook
Farm Manager
Chris is the dedicated Farm Manager at Modern Turf, a role he has embraced since the company’s inception in 2000. With over two decades of experience, Chris has been instrumental in the farm’s impressive growth and success. His deep understanding of agricultural best practices and keen attention to detail have helped Modern Turf become a trusted name in the industry. His meticulous planning and organizational skills guarantee that Modern Turf products meet the highest quality standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence. By managing the day-to-day operations with precision, Chris ensures that every batch of sod and sprigs is prepared to meet the diverse needs of customers.
Chris Amerson
Logistics Coordinator
Chris is the Logistics Coordinator for Modern Turf. He joined the Modern Turf team in 2010 as a Sales Representative but quickly transitioned to his current position in 2011. Chris brings extensive experience in landscape installation and maintenance gained through years of hands-on work, which has equipped him with the expertise necessary to handle the complex logistics of sod delivery efficiently.
Mark McGrady
Senior Manager, Sod & Landscape Supply
Mark McGrady is a Lexington County native with more than forty years of sales and leadership experience, over thirty of which have been dedicated to the green industry. A past president of the Greater Columbia Landscape Association and a former board member of the South Carolina Green Industry Association, Mark is a passionate advocate for elevating professionalism across every facet of the green industry.
A former motorcycle junkie, Mark now enjoys a slower pace—watching flowers grow and birds gather at the feeder in his yard. What he is most proud of, however, is watching his wife, Renee, and daughter, Delaney, grow into strong female leaders within the green industry.
David Meldrum
Residential Sales Manager
David graduated from Clemson University in 1992, earning a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. Additionally, he holds an associate degree in Golf Course Management from Horry-Georgetown Technical College, obtained in 1990. With 30 years of experience in the golf industry, he has previously worked as a Superintendent. David specializes in residential sales at Modern Turf, focusing on new lawn installations and the promotion of the Blended Earth brand.
SCOTT REUL
outlet Manager
Scott is the Manager for the Sod and Landscape Supply Outlet. For all your residential and commercial sod and landscape material needs, Scott will work with you to identify and supply the proper amount of the best products to satisfy your needs and complete your project.
Tammy Cook
Office Manager
Tammy is Modern Turf’s Office Manager and has been a stabilizing force behind the scenes since 2004. Her role encompasses numerous responsibilities that span across all divisions, including billing, human resources, and accounting for the entire operation. Tammy’s dedication ensures that everything runs smoothly, making her an invaluable asset to the team. She consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a keen attention to detail—qualities that have made a significant impact on Modern Turf’s success.
Mark Grainger
Vice President of Modern Turf Sports
Mark is the Vice President of Modern Turf Sports. With 20 years of experience in the turfgrass industry, Mark has worked in both the golf and sports turf sectors. Starting as an assistant superintendent and progressing to a superintendent in the golf industry, Mark established Modern Turf Sports in 2013. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become one of the largest sports turf companies in the Southeast.
Scott Dooley
Sales & Operations Manager at Modern Turf Sports
Scott is the Sales & Operations Manager at Modern Turf Sports and is a renowned figure in the sports industry. He graduated from Winthrop University, where he was a baseball player. With 25 years of sales experience, Scott plays a crucial role in Modern Turf Sports, assisting customers and schools in making informed decisions about their sports facilities.
Zach Cook
Construction Manager of Modern Turf Sports
Zach is the Construction Manager at Modern Turf Sports and is responsible for overseeing all daily operations. He has been instrumental in the company’s growth due to his unmatched expertise in construction and renovation.
