Amid the hum of power tools and the precise whir of reel grinders, Jeff McCleary leads a skilled team in Alabaster, Alabama, dedicated to restoring used turf maintenance equipment to like-new condition.

Jeff’s journey to his current role as a service manager for Beard Equipment Company began in 1981, when he joined the military and trained as a heavy equipment mechanic. By the 1990s, Jeff transitioned into the specialized realm of turf maintenance, working at various golf courses and resorts. When Beard Equipment Company began planning to open its first-ever standalone refurbishment center, Jeff’s extensive experience made him the ideal candidate to lead its service department.

Jeff joined Beard Equipment Company in 2023, under the leadership of Herman Bloch, Vice President of Golf & Turf. “When we began looking for a service manager for the refurb location, Jeff was the first person that came to mind,” says Herman. “I knew his knowledge and background in the golf industry would be influential in the success of our new operation. We are blessed to have Jeff on our team.”

The Alabaster shop officially opened its doors in November 2023 with Jeff, two technicians, and a handful of machines. The team has grown since then, with the addition of two more technicians and a full-time detail specialist. Through the refurbishment of used equipment, customers can more affordably add top-quality machines to their fleet.

“ We take equipment from municipalities, golf courses, lease returns and try to put them back as best to factory set as we can,” says Jeff. “A typical day on the job for me is opening and closing work orders, inspecting work being performed on the equipment, going over parts lists for the equipment and making sure the techs have what they need to perform their duties.”

Though the team in Alabaster is small, they are mighty. David Davis, Jeff’s go-to for large-scale refurb projects, is known for his meticulous attention to detail. Jeremy Bryant showcases his versatility in the shop working on equipment of all sizes, from walk greens mowers to 7700s. Jacob Fowler focuses on fairway and triplex units, showing skill with reel grinding and bed knife setup. Kyle Strickland, the team’s newest addition, is learning quickly and showing exceptional promise as a technician. Cesar Arguello, the shop’s detailer, ensures every machine receives a beautiful polish and shine when the mechanical work is completed.

The facility itself is outfitted with a variety of the best tools and technology the industry has to offer, ensuring quality and precision. From Golf-Lift 9000s to Bernhard grinders, every piece of equipment is geared toward self-sufficiency and top-tier results. “The right tools, especially the grinders, are essential for the kind of work we’re doing,” says Jeff.

With each used machine that enters the shop, the mission remains the same: restore it to peak performance and visual polish, ensuring it meets customer expectations. For Jeff, seeing the end-result of their work is the most rewarding part of his job. “Sometimes we get in some equipment that’s pretty beat up. We’re able to refurb it, get it back to the best shape we can, and the end-result is knowing that the customer is going to get a good piece of equipment… something Beard and the customer will be proud of,” says Jeff.

Looking toward the future, Jeff’s goals are clear: keep improving, keep growing, and keep delivering value. The team in Alabaster has built a remarkable operation by focusing on what matters most to customers—performance, reliability and affordability. Their efforts are helping to shape a smarter and more sustainable approach to turf maintenance.