Tom List, owner of List Lawn Care, is the 2026 MRTF Distinguished Service Award Winner. The MRTF Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor given by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation. It is awarded to individuals who have given of themselves through the years for the betterment of the Turfgrass Industry. The service by these individuals has been in many different forms: Some have used their leadership abilities to serve on the MRTF Board of Directors and steer the Foundation through the changes needed to meet the future, others have donated their time to work with students and help train them to be future turf industry leaders, while others have worked an entire career dedicated to serving those in the turf industry.

Tom grew up working for his father, the golf course superintendent at Old Oakland Golf Club in Indianapolis.  He worked many years on the golf team through high school and decided to pursue the turf profession.  Tom went to Purdue University and graduated from the Turf Science program under Dr. Daniels.  After college, Tom moved to Georgia for several years, working in the lawn care industry.  He then moved back to Tipton, Indiana, and worked as an assistant superintendent at the Kokomo Country Club.  While working at the club, Tom also started his own lawn care business on the side.  Tom decided to pursue his lawn care business full-time at that point.  Tom has grown List Lawn Care into a very successful business over the last 23 years, servicing North Central Indiana through Indianapolis.  Tom is a well-respected leader in the industry.  He served 6 years on the board of directors for IPLLA, and most recently, Tom served 8 years of board service with the MRTF.  Tom has been a huge supporter of Purdue University, the MRTF, and the industry as a whole.

A celebration of Tom’s service and the MRTF Distinguished Service Award Reception was held at the Indiana Green Expo on February 10th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Indiana Convention Center. Thank you for all you do for the turf industry, Tom!