Kevin Hicks x EarthWorks Crossover

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.