Meet Rob Ratliff: Territory Manager – Coastal South Carolina & Eastern North Carolina
At Buy Sod/SodStar, we believe that behind every successful sod rollout is a team of passionate professionals who bring service and dedication to the field. One of those people is Rob Ratliff, our Territory Manager serving Coastal South Carolina and Eastern North Carolina.
Rooted in Agronomy, Focused on Service
Rob’s journey in the green industry began after graduating from Clemson University, when he entered the Ag sector working for a major seed company, focusing on sales to landscapers and sod farms. That experience soon opened the door to the sod production side of the business, where Rob gained firsthand knowledge of the operational challenges and logistics that turfgrass professionals face every day.
When Rob and his wife relocated to North Carolina in 2021, the timing aligned perfectly: Buy Sod/SodStar was looking for a new field representative in Eastern North Carolina. By 2024, he stepped into a leadership role, managing both Eastern NC and Coastal SC territories. Today, Rob is proud to serve as a trusted partner for clients across golf courses, schools, parks, athletic fields, and commercial landscape projects throughout the region.
“Getting to work in the green industry and building new relationships gets me excited to come to work every day,” Rob shared. “Knowing that you’re an integral part of someone’s business is very exciting and rewarding.”
Success Built on Communication and Trust
One of Rob’s most rewarding projects to date was a large school sod installation outside of Raleigh, NC. The team was tasked with delivering four truckloads of fresh sod daily over the course of two weeks—with no room for delay.
“That project reminded me that with proper communication and planning, we can absolutely meet tight deadlines and deliver a high-quality product exactly when the customer needs it,” Rob recalled.
That ability to anticipate challenges and collaborate across teams is what makes Rob such a valued resource—not just for clients, but for colleagues as well. He credits Buy Sod/SodStar’s collaborative culture for expanding his perspective and improving outcomes across the board.
“Working with a team of bright individuals allows me to see that my way isn’t always the best way,” he said. “Someone’s always encountered a similar situation and having that open communication is a powerful tool.”
In and Out of the Field
When he’s not advising customers on turfgrass selection or coordinating sod deliveries, you’ll likely find Rob outdoors—often with June, his yellow Labrador retriever, in tow. An avid retriever trainer and outdoor enthusiast, Rob jokes that some of his customers like June more than they like him.
“She’s a staple in my vehicle,” he laughs. “I think June has become the real face of the Coastal territory.”
Final Thoughts: Relationships Matter
Rob’s advice to others entering the turfgrass industry is simple but powerful: maintain your relationships.
“The green industry is a small world. I’ve run into people I haven’t seen in years who end up offering a lead or collaboration. Stay connected—you never know where it’ll lead.”
Looking for a Turfgrass Partner in Coastal SC or Eastern NC?
Rob’s deep industry knowledge, collaborative mindset, and commitment to service make him an ideal partner for turf professionals across the Southeast. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or need routine sod delivery and support, Rob Ratliff and the Buy Sod/ SodStar team are ready to help.
➡️ Request a quote
➡️ Connect with Rob on LinkedIn
➡️ Explore sod varieties like Zeon Zoysia, TifTuf Bermudagrass, and Prizm Zoysia