Founders
Emory Patton (1931-2019) – Emory is a third generation sod farmer. He founded Turf Center in 1967 as a sod harvesting and installation business.
In 1974 the business expanded to selling sod out of the current location on Spencerville Road.
Patrica Patton (retired) – Pat took care of office matters, all that boring paper work no one else wanted to do!
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Store Manager
Diana Patton – Emory and Pat’s daughter took the business over is 1994 and in 1995 expanded the operation by becoming a private dealer for Southern States Cooperative. This allowed Turf Center to better serve its landscaping clients and expand into residential customers and small farm owners.
Diana has a love for dairy goats. She has bred national champion Saanen dairy goats and is the Montgomery Co. 4-H Dairy Goat leader.
Assistant Manager | Equine Specialist
Amy Barnes – Amy joined the Turf Center family in 2005. After graduating from UMD with a degree in Agriculture she spent several years managing an equestrian riding facility.
This made her a natural fit to our team.
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Sales Associate
Fatima Melara – Fatima joined the Turf Center Family in 2022. With her strong work ethic and bilingual language skills, she is welcome addition to the store.
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Loading Crew
Juan Sosa joined the Turf Center Family in 1988 hand stacking pallets of sod.
He knows the meaning of hard work for sure!
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Jimmy Melara joined the Turf Center Family in 1991. His attention to detail and organization are much appreciated by our customers.
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David Merino joined the Turf Center Family in 2016. His bright smile and kindness are infectious. He brings with him farming experience from his home in El Salvador.
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Angel Melara joined the Turf Center Family in 2023. After working for our sister company, Turf Center Lawns, his experience in landscape maintenance is a great asset.
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Rodent Control
Thelma, Louise, Foxy and Windy
