For state playoff competitions this spring, Sussex Technical High School softball and baseball teams played their first games on the school’s new athletic fields.

The fields were made game-ready by the hard work and dedication of a Sussex Technical High School graduate who understands the importance of home-field pride. 
 
Brian Rowe, a 2006 carpentry and construction technologies graduate, returned to his alma mater in 2025 with his company, Rowe Property Maintenance, to build out the new competition fields. Having played soccer in both high school and college, Rowe understood the importance of students playing on their home field, especially during postseason competition.

He and his crew worked hard to ensure the opening of both fields in time for each team’s state championship game. His company also built the practice baseball and practice softball fields, and two multiuse fields.

Rowe started his business at age 16, beginning with simple jobs such as picking up sticks, raking leaves and mowing lawns. He built his business while attending Sussex Tech, often parking his work truck behind the school’s shop and going to a job after school.

Following graduation, Rowe attended Delaware Valley College to study horticulture. While in college, he returned home on weekends to operate his business. After his first year, he decided college was not the right path for him and chose to focus on building his company full time. Today, Rowe Property Maintenance employs a 20-person crew.

Reflecting on his time at Sussex Technical High School, Rowe credits the hands-on learning environment and trade-focused education for helping shape his career. He especially appreciated the opportunity to learn practical skills while exploring multiple trades.

When asked what he likes most about his job, Rowe said, “I like showing up in the morning looking at one thing and leaving at the end of the day looking at something completely different.”

Rowe currently resides in Selbyville with his wife, also a Sussex Technical High School graduate, and their two children.  

Sussex Technical High School is a vocational public school that prepares Sussex County students for their future success in workforce environments, higher education and the military.