ANKENY, Iowa, May 4, 2026 — Albaugh Specialty Products, the turf and ornamental division of Albaugh, LLC, has announced a leadership transition that will position the organization for continued growth. Justin Watts has been promoted to Director – Albaugh Specialty Products, while longtime director, Russ Mitchell, will transition to Key Account Manager as he prepares for retirement in February 2027.
Mitchell started his career in 1982 with Stephenson Chemical, now part of Veseris, as a sales representative. Over 30 years, he held various territory and division leadership, product management, and marketing management roles within the industry before joining Albaugh in 2012 as Director of Specialty, where he was tasked with developing the company’s turf and ornamental business. When Albaugh acquired the assets of Prime Source in December 2020, Mitchell was appointed Director of the new division. He oversaw the transition of the Prime Source brand to Albaugh Specialty Products in the fall of 2023.
Watts began his career in the golf and turf industry in 1997 and spent 16 years in golf course management and facilities and branch management before joining Prime Source in 2013. He served as Senior Vice President at the time of the acquisition by Albaugh and joined the company as National Sales Manager – Specialty Products where he has managed sales efforts across the turf and ornamental market, supporting customers in golf, landscape, professional lawn care, nursery, sports turf, and IVM pest control. He holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Clemson University.
“Russ and Justin have been instrumental in developing the Albaugh Specialty Products business through their leadership, deep industry knowledge, and staunch commitment to our customers,” said Mark Helt, Vice President - Commercial. “As Russ prepares for a well-deserved retirement, we are grateful that his expertise will continue to benefit Albaugh during this time of transition. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Justin into the Director role. He has consistently demonstrated strategic thinking and customer focus that will continue to build on Russ’ legacy and drive the organization forward.”
