Meet The EarthWorks Team
From agronomy and soil science to customer support and education, our team is united by a passion for healthier soils and better-growing plants. Get to know the people behind EarthWorks and the expertise they bring to clients every day.
Agronomists
Joel Simmons
Founder & President | Pioneer of Biological Soil Management
Joel Simmons has spent more than 35 years helping turf professionals improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and plant performance through carbon-based fertility and Biological Soil Management.
As Founder and President of EarthWorks, Joel has become one of the turf industry's leading educators and advocates for soil-first management. Through speaking engagements, educational programs, consulting, writing, and The EarthWorks Podcast, he has helped thousands of turf managers better understand the connection between soil biology, carbon, and long-term plant health.
What Joel Helps Solve
✔ Poor soil function
✔ Fertility inefficiencies
✔ Excessive input dependency
✔ Weak rooting and plant health
✔ Long-term sustainability goals
Areas of Expertise
- Biological Soil Management
- Carbon-Based Fertility
- Soil Biology
- Turfgrass Nutrition
- Sustainable Turf Management
- Agronomic Consulting
- Water Quality Management
- Soil Testing Interpretation
- Turfgrass Education
- Golf Course Agronomy
Outside of work, Joel loves to play guitar, kayak with his wife Stephanie and travel abroad experiencing new cultures.
Kirk Castner
Vice President | Agronomist | Soil Health Strategist
Kirk Castner helps golf courses, sports turf managers, lawn care operators, and landscape professionals build fertility programs that improve soil health, reduce input waste, and deliver consistent turf performance — through carbon-based fertility and biological soil management.
With nearly 20 years of agronomic experience — including a decade managing turf directly on golf courses — Kirk brings rare depth to both the science and the business of soil health. He works closely with distributor partners and turf professionals across North America to develop practical, profitable fertility programs. Kirk holds a B.S. in Agronomy from Oklahoma State University, an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, and an MBA from Indiana University.
What Kirk Helps Solve
✔ Soil health challenges
✔ Nutrient efficiency issues
✔ Fertility program development
✔ Turf performance consistency
✔ Distributor and team education
Areas of Expertise
- Biological Soil Management
- Carbon-Based Fertility Programs
- Soil Health & Soil Biology
- Nutrient Efficiency
- Turfgrass Nutrition
- Golf Course Agronomy
- Distributor Training
- Agronomic Program Development
Outside of work, Kirk enjoys fly fishing, golfing, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his wife and three children.
Marshall Evans
Southeast Regional Agronomist | Golf & Turf Consultant
Marshall Evans helps turf managers throughout the Southeast improve plant performance, soil function, and overall turf quality through practical agronomic solutions.
With more than 16 years of golf course experience and over 8 years as an agronomist and manufacturer representative, Marshall understands the day-to-day challenges turf managers face. His experience spans premier golf facilities throughout the Southeast, giving him a practical perspective on fertility, water management, and turf performance.
What Marshall Helps Solve
✔ Root development and establishment
✔ Soil health improvement
✔ Fertility program planning
✔ Turf stress management
✔ Warm and Cool-season turf challenges
Areas of Expertise
- Golf Course Agronomy
- Warm-Season Turf Management
- Soil Health
- Carbon-Based Fertility
- Water Management
- Root Development
- Turfgrass Nutrition
- Agronomic Consulting
Outside of work, Marshall enjoys racing, fishing, boating, camping, and spending time with his family.
Kevin Hicks
Western Regional Agronomist | Golf Course Management Specialist
Kevin Hicks helps golf course superintendents build healthier soils, stronger turf, and more sustainable management programs through practical, experience-driven agronomy.
With more than 45 years in the golf industry and nearly three decades as a golf course superintendent, Kevin brings real-world insight from some of the country's most respected facilities. His focus is helping managers produce exceptional playing conditions while improving environmental stewardship and long-term turf health.
What Kevin Helps Solve
✔ Turf performance under stress
✔ Soil health improvement
✔ Water efficiency
✔ Sustainable management practices
✔ Championship turf quality
Areas of Expertise
- Golf Course Agronomy
- Soil Health Management
- Carbon-Based Fertility
- Environmental Stewardship
- Water Efficiency
- Rootzone Performance
- Superintendent Education
- Sustainable Turf Management
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys woodworking, activities with his family, and spending time on the golf course.
Jack Higgins
Northeast Regional Agronomist | Soil Health Educator
Jack Higgins helps golf courses, sports fields, municipalities, and landscape professionals improve soil health, plant performance, and turf resilience through science-based agronomic programs.
Since joining EarthWorks in 2009, Jack has become a trusted educator and consultant on Biological Soil Management, carbon-based fertility, and regenerative turf practices. Through field consulting, soil testing, education, and The EarthWorks Podcast, he helps turf managers make better decisions that lead to healthier soils and stronger plants.
What Jack Helps Solve
✔ Poor rooting and plant vigor
✔ Moisture management issues
✔ Nutrient inefficiencies
✔ Soil health challenges
✔ Plant stress and recovery
Areas of Expertise
- Biological Soil Management
- Soil Testing & Interpretation
- Carbon-Based Fertility
- Turfgrass Nutrition
- Water Management
- Sports Turf Agronomy
- Regenerative Turf Practices
- Agronomic Education
Outside of work, Jack enjoys time at the beach with his family and playing guitar.
Support
Alex Rochinski
Operations Manager | Logistics & Process Improvement
Alex Rochinski helps keep EarthWorks operating efficiently by managing the systems, processes, and logistics that support customers, distributors, and internal teams.
Since joining EarthWorks in 2024, Alex has played a key role in streamlining operations, improving workflows, and ensuring products and resources are delivered accurately and efficiently. His background in operations, logistics, and project management helps support EarthWorks' commitment to quality and customer service.
What Alex Helps Solve
✔ Operational efficiency
✔ Logistics coordination
✔ Process improvement
✔ Inventory management
✔ Customer support systems
Areas of Expertise
- Operations Management
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Logistics & Distribution
- Process Improvement
- Inventory Management
- Quality Assurance
- Project Coordination
- Customer Support Systems
Outside of work, Alex enjoys writing, music, and creative problem-solving.
Melissa Bodine
Marketing & Communications Manager
Having grown up in the EarthWorks family and officially joining the company in 2013, Melissa has played a key role in expanding EarthWorks' educational reach and industry presence. She works closely with the agronomy, sales, and distributor teams to transform complex soil science and agronomic concepts into practical resources that help customers make informed decisions.
Melissa’s focus is helping golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, lawn care operators, landscape professionals, and gardeners access the information they need to build healthier soils and stronger plants.
How Melissa Helps Clients
✔ Simplify complex agronomic concepts
✔ Connect customers with educational resources
✔ Support distributor marketing efforts
✔ Share practical soil health and fertility solutions
✔ Strengthen communication between EarthWorks and its customers
Areas of Expertise
- Green Industry Marketing
- Brand Strategy & Communications
- Customer Education
- Digital Marketing
- Content Development
- Trade Shows & Events
- Distributor Support
When she's not working, you'll find Melissa on the farm with her family, caring for animals, tackling the next project, or spending weekends at the ballfield supporting her kids.
Stephanie Simmons
Marketing Team
Stephanie Simmons
Marketing Coordinator
Steph helps bring EarthWorks marketing initiatives to life through customer communications, content coordination, events, and day-to-day marketing activities. Her organizational skills and attention to detail help ensure customers, distributors, and industry partners stay informed and connected with the latest EarthWorks resources, products, and educational opportunities.
Steph's focus is supporting the EarthWorks team while helping deliver a positive and engaging experience for customers across the golf, sports turf, lawn care, landscape, and gardening industries.
How Steph Helps Clients
✔ Coordinate marketing and communication efforts
✔ Support customer and distributor outreach
✔ Assist with events and educational initiatives
✔ Help organize marketing projects and resources
✔ Strengthen customer engagement and communication
Areas of Expertise
• Marketing Coordination
• Customer Communications
• Event Planning
• Content Support
• Project Coordination
• Customer Engagement
• Brand Communications
When she's not working, Steph enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Mike Smull
Marketing Director & Creative Designer
Mike leads the creative vision and marketing strategy behind the EarthWorks brand. Combining design expertise with a deep understanding of the green industry, he helps communicate complex agronomic concepts through impactful visuals, educational content, advertising, trade show displays, digital media, and customer communications.
Mike's focus is helping customers, distributors, and industry professionals better understand the EarthWorks philosophy while building a consistent and recognizable brand that supports healthier soils, stronger plants, and long-term success.
How Mike Helps Clients
✔ Transform technical concepts into engaging visuals
✔ Develop educational and marketing materials
✔ Strengthen the EarthWorks brand
✔ Support customer and distributor communications
✔ Create resources that inform and inspire action
Areas of Expertise
• Graphic Design
• Brand Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Creative Direction
• Content Creation
• Trade Show & Event Design
• Advertising & Promotions
When he's not working, Mike enjoys playing guitar, exploring creative projects, and finding inspiration through music and the outdoors.