St. Paul, Minnesota
Derek Fredrickson | Golf
Derek joined Tessman in 2018 and has over 16 years of experience managing turf, at the highest level. He was the Assistant Superintendent at Troy Burne Golf Club for 11 years. From there he went to Riverwood National Golf Club, where he was the Head Superintendent for over 5 years. His knowledge, passion, and work ethic were pivotal in the overall success of both golf clubs. Derek specializes in turf pathology and plant fertility.
Why Tessman? “My passion is turf. Working for Tessman allows me to share that passion with others.”
When Derek isn’t working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and hockey.
He services most of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Scottie Hines, CGCS | Inside Sales & Customer Service
A 1993 graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Agronomy (Turfgrass) Scottie Hines has been working in the golf world in some manner for over 35 years. Having been at several top private golf clubs including Laurel Valley Golf Club, Oakmont Country Club, Baltusrol Golf Club and, most recently, Windsong Farm Golf Club.
He was an assistant golf course superintendent for three U.S. Opens (’89 Senior, ’92 women’s and ’94 Open) and a superintendent for the 2000 U.S. Amateur.
Why Tessman? “Tessman provides quality goods, materials and services. We stand by our products and are happy to help in any way we can. My passion has always been golf and golf courses. This change in career will allow me the opportunity to continue my passion in a different light and still keep me close to my passion.”
When not on the greens, you can find him at the local curling club, cheering his children on to victories while wearing his kilt.
Scottie joined Tessman Company as an inside sales person in 2018.
He services Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Jeff Jensen | Turf & Landscape
Jeff joined Tessman in 2002 and has over 35 years of experience in the turf market, including sports field, golf course, parks, residential, commercial and landscape. His strengths include tailoring turf programs to fit his customers’ specific needs. He serves the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Why Tessman? “We will help you solve your problems not just sell you a product. Plus, I get to wear shorts 8-9 months a year. I love my job!”
When not working, Jeff is an avid fisherman, enjoys golfing, hiking, business and raising his three great kids with wife, Rosie.
Tom Thul | Turf, Landscape, & Golf
Tom Thul has been with Tessman since 2001 first working at the will call desk and then in outside sales. Throughout his career Tom has learned every aspect of Tessman including the warehouse, inside sales, customer service, and outside sales. His thorough knowledge of our business ensures the best client interactions and relationships.
Tom began his green career in high school with a family-owned company laying sod, and moved on to a production job at another green company.
However his greatest asset is his experience as a U.S. Army Reservist and his knowledge gained over his 20 years of service to our country.
Tom believes in Mark Twain’s quote: Find a job you enjoy and you will never have to work a day in your life.” He has his B.S. degree in Business Administration from Minnesota State Mankato, (formerly Mankato State University).
When not working, Tom enjoys the company of his wife and two grown daughters.
Tom serves Minnesota and Wisconsin
Wolf Weber | Golf
Wolf began at Tessman in 2007 and specializes in the golf industry. He brings knowledge from years of working personally with golf superintendents helping to create the most beautiful fairways in the upper Midwest.
Wolf works in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Mike Zwisler | Turf, Landscape, & Golf
Mike Zwisler joined Tessman in 2018, and brings over 20 years of experience in his field of golf turf and landscape products. With his educational background in applied science with an emphasis in turf management, Mike grew from a seasonal employee to an Assistant Superintendent. This has helped him to transition his passion and knowledge to give the best service to Tessman customers.
Jacob Fritz | Horticulture / Greenhouse Sales
A recent graduate of Colorado State University with a BS in Horticulture and Entomology, The Tessman Company is excited to welcome Jacob Fritz as our newest greenhouse sales representative and “Bug Man”!
Growing up with the U of M Arboretum in his backyard, Jacob quickly found a passion for all things outdoors, plants, and bugs. He began his horticulture career working for Bachman’s. Following college graduation Jacob worked in greenhouse production, landscape design and maintenance, hydroponics and specialized in Integrated Pest Management. Being able to learn from growers and discuss innovative ideas is a passion for Jacob. He finds creative problem solving with colleagues intriguing and is excited to share his knowledge and experience with other growers so they can succeed.
Why Tessman? “The Tessman Company genuinely cares about the people they work with and strives to see their customers succeed. Everything one would need to be a good grower is sourced through their warehouses; I don’t know of any other company in horticulture sales I would want to work with besides Tessman.”
In Jacob’s downtime he enjoys going to the cabin on Mille Lacs Lake with family, mountain biking, skiing, camping, carrying a melody on a piano or finding a tune on his guitar.