Michael Cariello and his father Anthony Cariello ('85)
Image Credit: Michael Cariello
When it comes to Turfgrass Management, first-year IAA student Michael Cariello has deep family roots. The 18-year-old Fallston, Maryland, resident hopes to someday follow in his father’s footsteps (GOLF ’85) who owns and operates Pro Grass Incorporated in Timonium, Maryland.
“Someday I hope to have the skills and knowledge to grow the family business which my grandfather started forty years ago,” said Michael.
When he saw the courses he would be taking his first semester at IAA, Mike was eager to jump into the turfgrass classes, but not necessarily so with some other classes.
“I was a bit anxious at first when I realized I would have to take a speech class, since getting up and talking in front of people does not come easy to me. But the more I watched my dad effectively lead employee meetings and communicate with customers and sales people; I realized that oral communication might be one of the most important courses I will take in college.” Just like every other student who has graduated from the IAA, Mike is required to oral communication.
Michael says his parents didn’t pressure him to pursue a college path that would lead him into running the family business. But once he made up his mind, Mike said he wanted to attend IAA, which he discovered has a nationally recognized turfgrass and golf course management program.
“The turf management faculty here has a great reputation, especially Dr. Kevin Mathias who also taught my Dad who graduated with a degree in agronomy. It’s pretty cool now that I will be taking classes with Dr. Mathias who also serves as my advisor.”
Mike hopes to transfer into a four-year plant sciences degree program. When he graduates in four years, this young man is certain to have all the tools needed to succeed in the turfgrass industry. Just like his father and grandfather before him, Michael Carriello hopes someday to be outstanding in his field.
