Our Story
Turf Teacher University, LLC was founded out of a real need within our own company. As the team at Elite Landscape Contractors, Inc. worked toward renewing their professional licenses, we quickly discovered that most continuing education classes were only offered during the workweek. That meant taking valuable time away from running our business and serving our customers.
We knew there had to be a better way.
So, we created Turf Teacher University, LLC to provide high-quality, convenient continuing education for busy green industry professionals. By offering classes on weekends, online, and through live webinars, we make it possible for landscape contractors, irrigation contractors, and pesticide applicators to earn the credits they need without sacrificing valuable work time.
Our mission is simple: make continuing education practical, accessible, and relevant for the professionals who keep the green industry growing.
Our Approach
Our philosophy is simple: provide every possible opportunity for you to earn your continuing education credits in a way that fits your schedule.
We offer asynchronous online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace, live Zoom webinars on Tuesday evenings, and in-person weekend seminars for those who prefer a classroom setting. No matter your learning style or schedule, Turf Teacher University is committed to making high-quality continuing education convenient, accessible, and practical for today's green industry professionals.
Meet the Team
Turf Teacher University, LLC is a family-owned and operated business dedicated to serving green industry professionals through high-quality education and consulting. We provide continuing education for North Carolina Landscape Contractors, North Carolina Irrigation Contractors, North Carolina General Contractors, and pesticide applicators in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
In addition to continuing education, we offer business consulting, holiday lighting training, and professional landscape design services. Whether you're renewing your license, growing your business, or expanding your skills, our goal is to provide the knowledge and resources you need to succeed.
Orval Jones began his career in the green industry in 1968 after earning his degree in Horticulture. Following graduation, he spent ten years with Robinhood Nursery, where he developed the knowledge and experience that would shape his future.
Driven by a passion for quality landscaping and customer service, Orval founded Elite Landscape Service & Nursery, Inc., which grew into one of the region's most respected landscape companies. Throughout his career, he completed countless commercial and residential landscape projects across the Southeastern United States, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Orval's legacy lives on through the family business, his dedication to the green industry, and the many professionals he mentored throughout his career. He passed away on September 30, 2023, but his vision, values, and passion continue to inspire everything we do.
Eric Jones has been part of the green industry since high school, working alongside his family in Elite Landscape Contractors, Inc. His passion for horticulture and landscape construction continued through college, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture. Eric is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a retiree of the U.S. Army serving both branches for 17 years.
Today, Eric is a North Carolina Licensed Landscape Contractor, North Carolina Licensed Irrigation Contractor, North Carolina Licensed Pesticide Applicator, and North Carolina Certified Plant Professional. He also serves as a Professor of Horticulture and Department Chair at the same community college where his father earned his horticulture degree in 1968.
Through his work in education, licensing, and the family business, Eric continues the legacy of teaching, professionalism, and service that has shaped his family’s impact on the green industry.
Jennifer Jones grew up on her family’s 300-plus-acre dairy farm, where agriculture, animals, equipment, and the responsibilities of a family-run operation were part of everyday life. That experience gave her a strong agricultural foundation and a lasting appreciation for the people and businesses that make up the green and agricultural industries.
Jennifer’s professional career expanded into insurance, business operations, and leadership, where she managed multi-million-dollar accounts and developed extensive experience in customer service, strategic planning, relationship management, and organizational operations. Her background in agriculture also led her to earn the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) designation.
Today, Jennifer serves as President of Turf Teacher University, where she combines her agricultural background, business experience, and horticulture education.
Next Steps...
If you are ready to get your continuing education hours or take your business to the next level then Turf Teacher University, LLC is the consultant for you.