Kenneth J. Clemmer, Chairman of PrimeraTurf, Inc., announced that John Gertz will replace Frans Jager as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeraTurf this fall.

John Gertz to lead PrimeraTurf as CEO

Kenneth J. Clemmer, Chairman of PrimeraTurf, Inc., announced today that John Gertz will join the leadership team on June 27, 2011. On October 1, 2011 John will replace Frans Jager as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeraTurf. Mr. Jager, has led PrimeraTurf from infancy to industry leadership during the 2000’s, is retiring on September 30, 2011.


Mr. Gertz comes to PrimeraTurf from Winfield Solutions, Shoreview, Minnesota where he served in the Director, Professional Products Business role. Prior to that, John enjoyed a successful career with MANA, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina. His progressive career started with Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis, Indiana as a Sales Representative before being promoted to higher roles with SePRO Corporation in Indianapolis and Sipcam Agro USA located in Roswell, Georgia as National Sales and Marketing Manager – US Crop Protection.


Mr. Clemmer stated, “We are pleased to welcome John to the PrimeraTurf team. We believe that his sales management, industry experience and customer service capabilities will assist PrimeraTurf with accelerated growth and strategic direction in the immediate future. John will be in contact with all PrimeraTurf member-owners and suppliers in the next few months as he and Mr. Jager transition. Mr. Gertz will be introduced to the cooperative at PrimeraTurf’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Minneapolis on July 12 – 14, 2011. PrimeraTurf is forever indebted to Mr. Jager for his leadership and dedication during our development years. He has become recognized as an industry pillar.”


PrimeraTurf, Inc. is a purchasing cooperative for independently owned companies that are engaged in the distribution and resale of product in the Professional Turf, Horticultural and Landscape Industry. Founded in 1999, member owners of PrimeraTurf serve golf courses, landscape and lawn care professionals, athletic turf managers, arborists and government and municipal facilities. As a recognized industry leader, all PrimeraTurf Member-Owners share a high service level and customer intimacy stemming from dedication to the professional turf, horticulture and landscape business. Owners maintain an active involvement in the business with a limited geographic reach, serving end-users only with dedicated sales forces with stability and continuity.