Life Moves Pretty Fast!

        With the end of 2013 just hours away and my self imposed hibernation, using up some remaining vacation days, here are some of the highlights of the year. For me there were some events that I will never forget, namely the US Open in my backyard at the course I worked at growing up and the chance to play (if you can call it that) at the number one course in Wales, Royal Porthcawl!
       The US Open was lots of early mornings or maybe what is really a late night when I was younger and lots of coordination with our shop to have all the loaner equipment there on time and set up as requested. In the end, being able to be a small part of something that was historic in Philly golf, the ridiculous amounts of rain and the final result being the course won, was pretty cool.
        In the late fall, I had a chance to go over to the United Kingdom to attend a factory visit with Bernhard & Company. A few of us were able to flyover a few days early and had the chance to play the home of the 2014 Senior British Open. It is something that I consider truly an incredible memory of a lifetime.
        The year was full of cool events such as our customer visit to the NFC East Champion Philadelphia Eagles training camp, Field day at Glen Mills Schools, Sprayer schools with Jim Nedin and some special golf events (PAGCS Meetings at Whitemarsh Valley & Huntingdon Valley CC and the Delaware Valley College outing at Saucon Valley CC to name a few...). Attending my first Penn State Turf Conference was a great experience and something I look forward to continuing. Working the "Live Green" event at Walnut Lane GC, home of  the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia was truly awesome!

     All in all when you take a look back it was a full year and to quote Ferris Bueller....
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while you could miss it."

        
Looking forward a memorable 2014!

Wishing you and your family a Healthy & Happy New Year!

WJC

      

December To Remember!

       For Tony Leonard, Field Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, and John Torres, Field Manager for the Philadelphia Union, I would guess it is not a stretch to say this will be a December to remember!
       It all started when the Eagles vs. the Detroit Lions game became a piece of Philadelphia sports history. With near white out conditions' just before kickoff, and the accumulation of about 8" of snow throughout the game, it was something people here will never forget! Shockingly, the weather forecasters had not seen this one coming. So with backpack blowers and shovels, Tony and his staff did all they could. To me, the funniest part of the whole thing, is the questions about field conditions  when the teams combine for 54 points.
       To add just a little more to the challenge, there was a second snow storm during the week and then that small event known as the Army Navy Game, when another storm hit! Being there for my first Army Navy Game, it was something to see and the field looked great!

 

Lincoln Financial Field-2013 Army Navy Game

       Then just down the road is PP&L Park, home of the Philadelphia Union. John Torres was preparing to host the NCAA College Cup finals. Using all options available, including a Toro Sand Pro 5040 with a plow with PVC pipe on the bottom, they were able to get the field up and ready!

                             PP&L Park-2013 College Cup

 

 

      To me a sports field manager has a similar outlook as an umpire or referee, the less people notice them and just appreciate an excellent playing field or a well officiated game, the better. But for these two gentlemen and their staff' it has been a long week, but hopefully rewarding, for the incredible jobs they did!

 

Congratulations to Tony & John and their staff's for a job well done!!!

 

 

WJC 

Tom Hurst Wins The Edwin Budding Award

       Recently the International Golf Course Equipment Manger's Association announced the 2013 winner of the Edwin Budding Award and the winner is Tom Hurst!

Per the IGCEMA website:
The Edwin Budding Award is a significant award that is given by the International Golf Course Equipment Manager's Association (IGCEMA) in partnership with sponsor Ransomes/Jacobsen. This award is given to innovators, technicians, educators, engineers, etc. that have gone above and beyond their normal day to day jobs and made a significant impact in the golf and turf business. An individual that qualifies for this award would be someone who has had a significant impact in our business.

       Tom Hurst is a true living legend! Here in the Philadelphia area, Tom has been helping people for over 40 years. First as the Service Manager for the local Jacobsen distributor, Lawn & Golf Supply Company and then transitioning into their grinder specialist. Then after a short lived retirement, Tom became a factory  representative for Bernhard & Company, with lots time spent in a tournament support roll. The impact that Tom has had on people is immeasurable. When we attempted to have a training seminar a few years ago, the hope was to have about 25 people attend. I have to admit, I would enjoy each call to Tom telling him how high the sign up number had gotten every few days. When we ended up over 60, it was mainly because of one reason and that was Tom was our presenter. So many guys came up and said "do you know that Tom taught me how to grind?".
       While Tom's history of training and helping people is obviously a big part of why he is so beloved but the true reason is Tom is a great person. Think about someone who has touched so many people and I am sure you would find a few who might not be a fan but if you can find someone with nothing but good to say about Tom, I would like to meet him. Tom's love of the turf business and the relationships that he has fostered over the years is what keeps him going. His positive outlook and never a bad word to say make him someone you want to be around. It is really great to see him get the recognition he so deserves. Congratulations Tom!

WJC

Self Investment

       This past week I had the chance to attend a talk given by Jeffery Gitomer. Jeffery is considered one of the top people in the field of sales training. His one book, " The Little Red Book of Sales" is the all time leading seller in the sales category! Of all the sales & business books I have read, his stuff is what clicked for me the most. It helps he grew up in the Philadelphia area and his approach is really common sense and direct.
       The reason I bring this up is here in the North Eastern part of the US, this is the start of the trade show and educational event season. So it is time to invest in yourself. For our company, we will be hosting two big events called Turf Equipment University in Maryland and Pennsylvania. While there is a ton of planning that goes into putting on one of these events, it is really worth the effort. I am one of the track leaders and have put together the program for the Superintendent track in PA. with representatives from the USGA & GCSAA to kick it off. We then have Bill Brown from Turf Republic speaking on Turf Apps. The program then trends towards safety at your facility with Todd Miller of Golf Safety and John E. Tyrrell a lawyer from Philly, who deals with sports facilities. Then the program moves into self improvement with Sabrina Bladon, who is a marketing specialist who deals in the turf industry speaking on behaviors for success. And finally,
 we were lucky enough to get Steve Keating to speak at this years TEU too. Steve is head of sales training for The Toro Company and also an expert on the topic of leadership.
       Hopefully, you can tell that I am pretty excited about how it came together and the all star line up that we were able to agree to join us! So I would urge you to take an extra class or attend one more event this winter and continue to invest in the most important person you know....YOU!

Link to learn more about TEU:
http://www.turf-equipment.com/#!teu-landing/cr71



WJC

Self Inflicted

       At the Penn State Turf Grass Conferences this past week Darin Bevard of the USGA spoke about how often this past year he would see self inflicted damage to turf. Often it was related to mowing in wet conditions. So while quality of cut on turf can be effected by how wet it is, the thing you have the most control over is the setup of your cutting units. I have been very lucky to sit through a bunch of Jim Nedin's reel technology classes and each time I walk away thinking about how often it is taken for granted or by chance to get reel mowers to preform at their best. Reel setup is definitely a science and becomes even more so as reels age.
       So if I told you could have healthier turf, would you be interested? The reality is cutting units not set up correctly or out of factory specification can be costly. It will be worth the investment of your time to take a look. I would also suggest you take a look at reel speed adjustments (if available), you might find a surprise. For some reason they often get adjusted by operators who think that turning them to the highest speed setting is the best.
       

WJC

Assurance Of Your Insurance

       If you got the call that your maintenance facility was destroyed by a fire or flood and all your equipment and inventory was lost are you prepared? With our company doing yearly inventory this past week, one of the things I thought about was how important, and sometimes taken for granted, it is to have your records up to date. Do you really know what you have on site and it's current value.
       Have you had the chance to review your facility's insurance policy? Do you have a current value for replacement costs for your equipment? I know in just a one piece policy claim, I have seen it take weeks to get exactly what dollar amount was to be reimbursed. If your policy was for an 11 foot rotary that you bought 5 years ago, are you covered to purchase a new unit at the current sale price or will you be scrambling try to find a used unit. May sound crazy but it happens. Maybe an excellent project for your assistants over the winter......This could be even a win/win where your records are up to date and they will get the opportunity to learn more about the dollars behind all that equipment!


WJC

The Little Things

       I have coached football for 20 years. I have mostly coached the 7th & 8th grade youth level and spent a couple of years as the varsity offensive line coach for local high school. Why I mention this is I always preach that it is the little things that make the difference. I am constantly preaching it and really do believe it make the difference between being successful or not. So what does this have to do with the Turf industry? Well this past week, I had the chance to sit in on a training event that Jim Nedin presented about reels. He always brings up so many important things that I often think are not thought about enough. Just a small thing like the reel diameter and how it effects the cut, is not something that people often look at. With heights going lower and expectations going higher, do yourself a favor and take a look at your money makers (Greens Mowers!). Are your reels still within spec? Grounding down to the spiders, as it was done in the past, is probably not going to be your best option. And what is the most important thing is bed knife & reel sharpness! A sharp clean cut promotes a healthier plant and to steal a Jim Nedinism, you will have "Happy Grass"! And as Jim always says" When your grass is happy, your customers are happy and your boss is happy, which helps make you happy!".
      

WJC

"Live Green" at The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

         Yesterday at Walnut Lane Golf Club, home of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, the last leg of the "Live Green" program took place. The program was a collaboration between The First Tee, Audubon International & The Toro Company to host educational events at First Tee facilities throughout the USA. The Walnut Lane program had about 70 students signed up and broken into 6 rotating groups. The students had the chance to do some service activities like planting some flower beds. They also had the chance to attend some Turf industry education stations that were taught by Rob Nolek, Superintendent of Cedarbrook CC & Chase Rogan, Regional Representative for the GCSAA. They spoke with the future of golf about cutting cups and repairing ball marks. Joe Agnew, Superintendent of the The Bucks Club, was also manning one of the flower bed stations. I had the pleasure of working with Judson McNeil, who is the president of The Toro Foundation. With each group Judson & I would talk about the technology behind the equipment needed to provide the golf courses the students play. What was really fun when we asked the kids about what they thought  the HOC greens are mowed or what a piece of equipment costs.

As always it is a great opportunity to work with The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia! Dave Smith, the Program Director,and his crew at Walnut Lane GC love what they do and make you feel like you are part of their team as soon as you walk through the door!  

 

http://pressroom.toro.com/golf_course/07102013_live_green.html     

 

Toro station at the "Live Green" event at Walnut Lane GC for The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

 

 

 

Rob Nolek of Cedarbrook CC & Chase Rogan of the GCSAA address some of the students

WJC

Motivation & Glen Mills Schools

       This past week we hosted a Sports Fields & Grounds Manager field day at Glen Mills Schools. While the draw of the beautiful 800+Acre campus and the chance for some golf on one of the top public golf courses in PA made it a great location choice , there was a much better reason which was the students. Glen Mills School is a reform school on the edge of Delaware Country, outside of Philadelphia. But it is not what you would expect.... When you drive up, it looks more like a small private college with no walls or fences!The current location became home in 1892. Everyone I have ever taken there is blown away by the facilities and the mission of the school. So why is it different? Glen Mills is not a government run facility. The program gives them the opportunity to learn life skills and  gives the student a chance to turn their life around when they leave. In the Turf Industry, they have the chance to work on the golf course. There is also a small engine section & a landscape group.
       What is also special about holding events at Glen Mills Schools is the motivation it always seems to give those who visit. After our event, I was contacted by one of the local townships that had attended. They wanted to get involved and are looking at creating an intern program for a student. One of my coworkers asked if he could do more. He really felt strongly about needing to get involved.
I would urge you to take a look at Glen Mills' website and learn more about their program!

Take a look at the article about Sean Kearney, who is now an Assistant Superintendent at Fishers Island GC in New York.
http://www.glenmillsschool.org/battling-bulletin/news/glen-mills-penn-state-grad-kearney-takes-knowledge-to-nassau-country-club

 

 

 

Some of the student attendees getting an equipment demonstration

 

WJC

The Roof-The Roof-The Roof Is On Fire!

       With a memorable week behind me and some jet lag to make me soon not forget....It was another excellent visit across the pond with the folks at Bernhard & Company! We did have an event that I hope to never experience again, being evacuated from our hotel at 5:30AM with a room on fire!(See photo below)Everyone got out OK & no one was injured, which was most important.

       The chance to talk about the industry with all-star sales people from places throughout the USA and not all that sell Red Iron. The opportunity to see some new products that are in the works from Bernhard & Company and now a year into their new facility, how well it is doing. With incredible hosts and a few Guinness pints shared, traveling over to the UK with the great people from Bernhard is always a worth while trip!

 

 

WJC

 

Golf Nirvana

       I have been to golf heaven and its name is Royal Porthcawl! I am in the UK with the Bernhard Company this week. While making the trip over the pond a few of us decided to head over a few days early and get in some golf in Wales. After a 36 hour marathon that would make the men on the Deadliest Catch proud, we had 15 holes of golf at Celtic Manor and a few pints as a warm up and finally some sleep. Saturday was to be the something special. As we headed to the town of Newport, will full rain gear in tow, we were all looking forward to a chance to play the home of the 2014 Senior Open Championship (by the way  here it is not the British Open as we call it in the states!)

       As we arrived we were met by the PGA Professional, who could not have been more welcoming. He told us to make ourselves at home and head to the clubhouse for a pint before our round. This is where it got good. The members after a kindly reminder of hats indoors equals to you buying a round of drinks, we were welcomed into their club. The golf talk began and it was became clear that playing golf was not what makes this incredible place so special. From the questions about the US Open at Merion to some home course knowledge tips, you could not have asked for anything more! As the round went on, my golf may have been bad and the 20+MPH winds not helping but it was a day I will never forget! From the incredible views to having one of the members from inside come over as we were on adjoining holes to see how we were doing, just really an incredible experience.

       As we finished up and headed into the clubhouse there were still two members finishing up their drinks. As we talked some more golf in a room filled with photos of past club Presidents and Captains dating back to 1891, I truly believe I have been to golf heaven and its name is Royal Porthcawl!

 

WJC

 

 

That Is Pretty Cool

       This past week our sales group held a training event. While we covered many topics, one of the primary reasons we got together was to talk about our allied lines. While Toro products is what our distributor spends the majority of our time representing, there is still a boat load of other products out there that don't get the attention that the main product lines do but can be time and money savers.
       The hard part for allied products is to stay in the conversation but when you hit the trade show trail this fall think about spending a few more minutes walking down those side aisles. Some of the pieces that we rep for that are really worth a second look come from Seago International, True-Surface and Bernhard & Company. Scott Sweeney from Seago does a great job scouting the globe for products that fall into the "that is pretty cool" category. From the Atom Cart Path Edger to the Hover Trimmer, they have some things that might make you think about changing how you have always done your maintenance practices. True-Surface has the vibratory rollers and multi-option cassette heads. With some independent research on their side, the use of vibratory rollers to work in topdressing will be a process that should be more common in the future. And another product we represent is Bernhard Grinders. While your grinders seem to last forever the difference in a 10+ plus year unit grind and a new unit is worth thinking about. Even just adding the use of a rapid facer into your reel maintenance practices could help to improve your turf's health.
       While these are only three of many, it really is worth the investment of your off season time to do some research on the products from some of the smaller companies. You never know what you might find that just might make your job a little easier!

www.SeagoInternational.com
www.True-Surface.com
www.Bernhard.co.uk

WJC

Moving On Up

       I recently spoke with a Superintendent who had been approached by his club to take on a larger roll. It is an interesting trend that seems to be happening more often. When making the move from Superintendent to General Manager/Superintendent there  are obviously many variables that need to be considered. While being an excellent manager of the most important and profitable asset for the club, in most cases, few Superintendents have the food and beverage background.
       From talking to those who had made this transition, the key seems to be to do your home work. With many Superintendents already putting in long hours, the thought of having to be required to be at the club at night too is not something they are looking for. So how do you do it without living there 24/7? The common thread seems to be the same thing that makes a very good Superintendent, the ability to surround yourself with good people and the ability to delegate.
       With one of the main suggestions in career advice articles being to make yourself the go to person at your facility, the transition to GM/Superintendent seems to be a logical move. It is an interesting trend to watch as clubs evolve.


WJC

Don't Touch That Dial

       When you are having issues with a reel mower, what is the first step you take? One of the best things I have learned over the years from working with Jim Nedin is having a process. The first thing Jim always suggests is to take a step back and check all your adjustments. The key is starting with everything set up the same. It may sound obvious but you would be surprised how often something as simple as reel speed is where the trouble is. It seems like many of the operators think they are helping by messing with the dials!
       With heights of cut going lower and lower, the impact is quickly seen when just one thing is out of specification. So the next time you have a mower that is acting up, take a step back and take a few minutes getting the unit back to the having everything the same. It  may not solve all issues but it gives you an excellent baseline when trouble shooting.


                         Hopefully you don't get to this point!

WJC

Assume

       When anyone uses the word assume, I cannot help but think right away of the old saying" You know what happens when you assume....You make an a** out of you and me!" The reason I am on the assume train is some recent transactions in my own territory and my 12 year old daughters new business.
       My daughter, Sydney, at 12 has her heart already set on buying my brothers old Jeep when she turns 16. So last year she put out a flyer to our neighbors offering to do anything from walking dogs, taking care of cats, collecting mail and watering plants. What is great to see is she is getting referrals and she is now getting calls from her customers friends and neighbors. Now as her business grows so does some of the growing pains. She had not set a fee in the past and would tell neighbors to pay me what you think is fair. Well after one person gave her some syrup as payment, she is now rethinking the pay as you feel as a fair plan.
        As I talked with her about giving the new people who she is dealing with some type of sheet with her charges or an invoice, I started to think about how I often conduct business and make  assumptions. This past year, I have had a few occasions where if I had it do over I would have gone in to more detail before coming to an agreement. For me, sometimes it is just because of a comfort zone with a longtime customer that I have let some things go unsaid. In reality, when both sides have a clear expectation what they are agreeing to and there are no surprises, everybody wins.
       And no, there are not any plans for a syrup special for greens mowers in the near future....


WJC

Vollie

       There are a few names you can say in the golf business and the majority of people know who you are talking about right away. One of those names since I started has been Vollie Carr. I had only met Vollie a few times over the years but I have heard so many stories involving him. Sadly Vollie Carr pasted away this week. When someone is spoken about so highly by so many, that shows what a special a person they were. I never had the chance to work on the same team as Vollie but was always amazed by his reputation for taking care of the customers needs.
RIP to a Legend.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/courierpress/obituary.aspx?pid=166291510#fbLoggedOut

Can Wait To Aerate

       As we enter the first week in August and the count down clock to aeration is ticking!
High temps/soaking rains/high humidity/soil temps over 75 degrees for 30 plus days all created turf struggles. For many this is why people talk about this being one of the tougher areas to grow turf. While the long range forecast looks a little better as some good weather would help on many fronts. For most the damage has been done and the reality is that this has been a tough summer. Even with all the preventative actions sometimes Mother Nature just wins. Hopefully the rain switch is turned off and we have a nice dry fall.
       I do know one thing, there will be lots of additional plans for drainage and fan purchases for next years budgets...but if that is anything like buying a snow thrower we will have a dry 2014!
      

WJC

Frost On The Window

       When we get into the summer heat waves here in Philly, I cannot help but think back to one of my first lessons of what never to do in sales. During the summers, while I was working for Dick Bator at Merion GC, I saw many a salesman with bad timing. Dick was notorious for being very hard on salesmen. If you did not know what you were walking into it could be ugly. One day during a streak of super hot days and lots of hand watering, one sales rep pulled his truck right up into the court yard in front of the shop. Now pulling right up to the shop was not the best idea but then sitting in his diesel truck with it running and the windows frosting up from the A/C, might have been the match that lit the fuse! As I watched Dick's anger build and his pacing back and forth get faster, you could not help but hope the guy never got out of his truck. Luckily or unluckily, depending on how you see it, I was back out hand watering and did not see the final explosion.

       Almost everyone I have spoken with this past week has said the same thing, we are in survival mode. Guys are skipping a mow or just rolling. It is still amazing to hear stories of members questioning green speeds or cart paths only after some of the multi-inch rains to some Superintendents!

Just remember only 23 more weeks until Christmas....

WJC
      

Do I look Puffy In This Outfit?

       Puffy seems to be the word of the month in the Mid-Atlantic region. If you have not vented your greens, you are in the minority. With the ridiculous amounts of rain and how many days where it rains period, everybody keeps saying the same thing. " I need to get some air into the turf!'. To me what is interesting is the high humidity seems to be affecting the new varieties of bent grass even more than in the past from humidity. Obviously, the saturated soil is having an impact.
       Many have said they have been able to keep green speeds up to reasonable expectations but a few are at the point where if the rain doesn't stop soon it won't be pretty. I have spoken to a few Superintendents who said the already had some "boiled" turf from standing water followed by some high temps. Ugh!
       So what can you do? As I said, many are using needle tines as often as possible. If you have not tried a bayonet tine, I would suggest giving that a shot. Many have raised the HOC and what seems to be helping the most is going to a full roller to stop any digging in on soft turf.
I spoke to a turf manager the other day and he said he was using a pitch fork to try and dry out some areas. At this point, whatever works!


WJC

Product-People-Price

       I had a really interesting conversation with a customer this past week about why people buy a particular piece of turf equipment over the other choices. My feeling on why people buy comes down to 3 simple things Product, People and Price. While all three play a part in the decision process, what is the percentage breakdown is the interesting question. Sure this is a simplistic view of a complicated process, but I think it is the basis of what a purchase consists of. When you have the opportunity to buy, what makes you choose one piece of equipment over the other?
       Now I hate to share such a big turf industry secret, but they all cut grass or spray chemicals or pull plugs! Yes, some units are just better than everything else available, but the reality is basically all reel and rough units cut grass, aerators pull plugs and sprayers spray. And of course, I feel strongly about Toro products from my years of selling red iron. Obviously, some units have better features and just like all cars are not the same design, they all do the same thing.
       To me that is where the other two parts of the equation come into play. When I reference people, I am not just talking about your sales rep either. It is the support from the salesman, service department, parts department and training provided that are the difference maker. Again just as it all cuts grass....It all breaks at some point! I just want to be the rep from the company that can get you up and going faster than anyone else.
       And the final variable is price. Now the funny part about price to me is it is not the same as cost. If something is cheap up front, I can almost guarantee that over the life of the unit it will cost you more with down time and parts. I am talking about an apples to apples purchase, not any special pricing because of  multiple units or special deals.

       So the next time you have the chance to spend some capital dollars, I would ask you to think about what is the percentage break down in importance of             
Product-People-Price of your purchase.


WJC

Say Uncle!

       As we close the books on June 2013, here in Philadelphia we have been witness to the wettest June on record! With the daily cycle of showers continuing for a least another 5 plus days, I hate to think about the impact on the turf and the cash register at many clubs. Coming off a center of the golf universe high of the US Open at Merion, clubs are all wet.
       Many  Superintends are talking about opening up greens to get some air into the saturated surfaces. Others have talked of beginning to build an ark and start collecting two of every animal species on their property....The second half of the equation is when this weird Florida cycle of daily storms breaks, how high will the disease pressure be with the turf so wet and the normal hot and humid weather of July and August just around the corner. This will definitely be one of those years in the future you will be saying "Do you remember the summer of 2013?".
      

  



WJC

The First Tee & 43

       Last Saturday evening I got the chance to attend a fundraiser for The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia at The Ace Club. I was the guest of Frank Shuman, who is a board member of TFTGP and the former owner of Philadelphia Turf. The featured speaker was President George W Bush, who is now the honorary chairman of The First Tee! Whether or not you agree with his politics, it was pretty cool to hear a former President speak. Mike Tirico of ESPN was the interviewer but really wasn't needed. President Bush was very energetic and you can tell he is passionate about golf. He kept referencing his day playing Pine Valley GC and giving grief to the rest of his foursome.
       While his talk was focused on how golf is a great learning tool for children and how important mentoring is, it had a mix of his opinions and shots at himself (How some think English is his second language). For me it was something I will never forget.
       Now for the fun part of the evening....As I approached the security entrance, I was greeted in my Ford F-150 pickup truck with a "May I help you?". As I said "I am here for The First Tee event!",
I got the response of "Are you a guest?". With the response of "Yes I am!", I proceeded off to valet parking. As I pulled up I told the Valet "Over/Under of 2 pickup trucks tonight", he laughed. So as the evening ended and I came out to get my truck, I asked the Valet "How many?". He laughed again and said" You were the only one!".

        

The West Is The Best

       As I return from my second to last shift as a volunnteer at Merion Golf Club this morning, I thought about how the US Open week had played out. At the Sunday night meeting my named got announced as part of the West Course crew. The West Course has been set up as the practice facility for the US Open. After some discussions of what happened to the plans for me to work with the Technicians on The East Course,  I was set to head to the West. The reality of being a volunteer at a tournaments is you do what is needed to help. This past week I have raked mulch paths during the aftermath of the early week rain/mowed rough/mowed fairways/filled divots/raked/ran the back pack blower on the range tee and Squeegeed/squeegeed and squeegeed some more....
       Did I want to be on the East, sure but the reality is for these events to be successful not everyone can do a glamorous job and it is about being part of a team. What was fun was listening to the young staff members from the West Course. I had some flash backs of my time at Merion. They really took pride in what they do!The other cool part was a couple days into it, guys knew what needed to be done and hustled and helped wherever needed to make sure things were ready to go before 5:45AM range opening.
       Now I must admit that the 2:00AM wake up has not been a treat but the way the East is doing with all the rain and defending par is awesome to see (By the way read last weeks post and you can call me Nostradamus)!
       So over the next two days I will be watching as much as I can. But the best part to me is the rest of the worlds seeing why Merion Golf Club is a Top 5 rated golf course in the USA & Top 10 in the world!

Yeah that is the clock in my truck on Monday morning!

Congratulations to Matt Shaffer, Arron McCurdy and the Merion Staff on shocking the golf world!


WJC

Rain Rain Go Away!

      Well it is finally here! The US Open at Merion is next week and the circus has come to town. I grew up in the area and live only a few blocks over from the East Course (and no you can't park on my yard!). So the good part is I can walk back and forth. The bad part is I am not sure you will be able to get anywhere without it taking hours to drive until the Monday after. I have been able to drive
into the East Course the last two days to get to the Turf Grass Maintenance Facility. Yesterday was a "park anywhere in the shop yard" day and today was a" I can't get there from here and can you come meet me" day. The amount of people and tents and trucks and fencing is unreal.
       It looks like I will be on the light tower crew each night/morning for the week of the US Open.
I am sure I will find out more at the volunteer meeting late tomorrow afternoon. It is going to be something very cool to be a part of! Yesterday afternoon I dropped off some right out of the oven Philly Soft Pretzels. I figured the guys who were stuck working could use some carbs. As I came in to drop them off Matt Shaffer, Director of Golf, walked in behind me and said " What do you think we have something going on here this week?" This is the cool part of my job....Matt sat down with Robert Smith, Merion's lead Technician, and I and just shot the bull. We talked a little equipment but mostly about things that were going on. For those of you who know Matt, he is as generous with his time as anyone I have ever worked with in the Turf industry. If he can, he will always make time for you. For a man who was hosting the US Open next week and in the middle of a tropical storm, you would have never known it. Sometimes nothing beats experience.
       All everyone has said (me included) was the place will hold its own as long as it doesn't rain. Well depending on who you talk to 3.5" to 5" of rain later....Well I have changed my mind! I think the rough is going to be an all-timer and I think that the course is in great shape. I think they really have it dialed in and things will be perfect.
Yes, I am biased but I think the second half of the week will be something to see!

 

 

 

WJC

 

 

 

Merion Man

       The truth is like Flounder in Animal House, I was a legacy. My older brother was a greens mower for the 1981 US Open and as it is with most things in life...it is who you know. For me that is how my life/career in the Turf business started. The reality is that Merion Golf Club has been the launching pad for many in the Philly area and nationally is no coincidence. When you talk to people about their path it is always funny how many have spent time at Merion. Just the fact that the local Superintendents at Aronimink, Concord, Llanerch, Overbrook, Rolling Green and Saucon Valley all are Merion Alumni is not hard to read into. Whether you worked for Mr. Valentine, Dick Bator, Paul B Latshaw, Greg Armstrong or Matt Shaffer it has often been an advantage. For as many of us that have gone to the dark side (Sales...) or for those who have gone on to manage their own golf course, you always are proud that you had the chance to work at a Top 10 club with a history that matches up with any here in the USA. For me it was incredible to work for 2 of the true legends in the Turf business. Mr. Valentine, who was a true gentleman and just an incredible person. Then to work for Dick Bator who could not be out worked and pushed you to your limits and in the end was a driving force behind me getting my job selling Toro equipment. I consider myself lucky to have had my start at Merion and I really appreciate the opportunity to work one more tournament at what I consider my starting point.

The article below is one of the best insights into the history Merion and the Valentine family's influence. It really brought back some memories for me.

http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/June-2013/Merion-Golf-Clubs-Legacy-Among-Amateur-Golfers-and-US-Open-Professionals/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc


WJC

Merion Merion Merion

       In just about two weeks the United States Open Championship will be held at Merion Golf Club. If you have never had the chance to visit the area, I would tell you it might be defined as short on space! For me this is going to be something I don't think I will ever forget. I grew up about a mile from the course and have lived for most of my married life only a few blocks away from the East Course. So I know the area just a little bit...Starting in the turf business back in the late 1980's on the crew and now coming back 20+ years later as a volunteer will be pretty cool. Now will I be a zombie by Wednesday? Yes but I really appreciate Matt Shaffer giving me the opportunity to be a part of something I don't know if we will ever see here again in Philly.
       A few years ago I had the chance to go and visit Congressional CC a few weeks before they hosted US Open with Robert Smith, the Lead Technician from Merion GC. He wanted to get some insight from CCC on how they ran things. The comparison between the two sites is night and day, mainly just available acreage. I don't think TV will do it justice on how much this is going to be 10 pounds in a 5 pound bag. From the corporate tents on neighboring properties to using West Course as the driving range, this US Open has definitely taken some outside the box thinking!

No Parking!

Feeling Lucky?

       I got a great comment this past week from a Turf Manager " A bad cut will grow out but a bad spray application will cost you your job." AMEN! I have seen in my travels where people are rolling the dice with their sprayers. Some things to think about:
1) How often do you recheck your calibration?
2) Is your sprayer up to date with all factory recommended service? (Pump rebuilds)
3) How clean is your spray system? ( Do you have excessive residue in your hoses/agitation)
4) When is the last time you had your Raven and flow meter recalibrated?
5) Don't ignore pressure spikes!

       Do you have a cleaning process in place that you follow every time?
Does anyone who uses the sprayer follow the same steps?
I would urge you to take a look at your sprayers this week and all your processes. It is a time investment that is worth it!

Take a look at this link for some calibration info from Toro:
http://www.toro.com/en-us/customer-support/Pages/educational-technical-references/sprayer-calibration/spray-calibration.aspx



WJC

Top Secret

       One of the cooler parts of my job is the chance to see prototype units, sometimes years before they come to market. This past week I had the chance to work with someone from Toro and an upcoming release. To me it is interesting to see the process of fact finding on changes that need to be made and why there is a need for a new product. In 2012, we had the opportunity to have multiple visits of the RM3550 that is now coming to market. We had engineer team members looking for end user opinions on their hours of work. The progression with the visits was interesting to see. Small changes that were suggested were made and product makes it to final design. Something like a seat belt buckle location is just one of the little things that makes a unit that operators like to use.
Or maybe in the end I just enjoy the interaction between the people from Minnesota and Philadelphia....
    




WJC 

Shirt & Tie Required

       What is someone walked into your office today in a shirt and tie? Would you think lawyer, OSAHA or Immigration? When I started in sales back in the early 1990's, we were white shirt and tie everyday, even on demos. Now after the first couple of years might I have broken the rules and been out in a golf shirt...Maybe. I once had a long time well respected Superintendent ask me if I worked for IBM.
But at the time the owner of Philadelphia Turf, Frank I Shuman, said that was how he wanted you to dress for work. Some of the rules and regulations came from his experience as a Major in WWII. We used black ball point pens (clearer when copied) & staples at a 45 degree angle in the left hand corner (making it easier to fold over). Some other things came from experience on the road, such as always have a blue sport coat hanging in your car in case you get asked to go into the club house. Now has the world changed since then, obviously yes! Considering I would call from a pay phone to check my voice mail and we did not even have a high tech pager yet.....

       At the time did I question the rules? Sure but looking back I understand the reasons behind the rules. So for me just starting out with no sales experience, it was probably a good foundation.

 
                                                    

WJC

Water World

       This past Thursday the GCSANJ  hosted the PAGCS for the annual "War at the Shore" season kick off meeting. This year it had moved to a new spot, Stone Harbor Golf Club. What is always a well attended event and this year it was too. It is a friendly competition between the two associations and is always run very well. With this years win going to the NJ Superintendents to retain the cup.
       I have had the chance to play Stone Harbor before, so I knew one important thing.....Make sure you have a lot of golf balls! The course has water on I believe 12 of the 18 holes and add in a nice breeze and it can be a long day. The finishing hole Stone Harbor GC is really something to see and the 7th hole (seen below) is too. It was a great way to kick off the season!
      
      

 

 

WJC

Reely Important

       This past week I had the chance to work with Jim Nedin. Jim works as a consultant with our company and has over 40 years experience in  the Turf business! We had a customer who was having a quality of cut issues with a reel mower. One of things I am always amazed at when Jim visits a customer with an issue is his ability to diagnose the problem by taking it step by step and not throwing everything at the wall and waiting to see what sticks. What Jim really focuses on is isolating all the variables that might be impacting the cut.
       As with most times, there was more than one thing that needed to be fixed. The interesting part was how a bunch of small things could all add up and to make the mower not preform correctly. The other thing is that sometimes tighten things down as far as they can go is not always the right answer....Correct reel set up to me is an art form.
       Sometimes one of the hardest things to have is patience but to dial in a reel mower that is what it often takes. With multiple mowings to have the original problem grow out, it is often hard to wait. It normally take abouts 3 mowings for grass to "grow to the cut". It maybe one of the hardest things to have but patience is the key to success!



This was once a spring......Tighter the better is not a good motto for every  part  of a reel mowers! 
       

 

 

 

WJC

 

 

 

 

It's Grass....It'll Grow Back

       This past week I ran into one of the former Assistants at Merion who taught me how to mow greens. I am still not sure why but we had gone out to #13 on the East Course. For those not familiar with the course, this is one of the best par 3's in golf on the driveway into the property! As he turned the mower over to me after a few passes, my first pass went a little long and right into the collar...and expecting a panic attack, I got "it's grass...it'll grow back". So with the spreading of some clippings over the scalped turf we moved on. The old trick of spreading fresh clippings on was a favorite of legendary Superintendent, Mr.Valentine.
       Well we are just about 60 days out from the US Open coming to Merion GC and things are starting to take shape around the perimeter of the club. The cooperate tents are going up across the street at Haverford College even with the local welcoming committee of local union pickets and their inflatable rat.....Matt Shaffer and his staff have the place looking great and now all we need is mother nature to give us some good weather.
The main property is now surrounded with fencing and before you know it the traffic nightmare will begin!

Welcome to Philadelphia!

 

 

 

 

 

WJC

 

 

 

 

Reality Turf

       As I sat Friday night switching between the Phillies game and one of my new reality TV show favorites, Fast & Loud, on the Discovery channel, I could not help but think about used turf equipment. For those of you who have not seen Fast & Loud, it is about the owner of Gas Monkey Garage in Texas and his head mechanic, who buy and resell classic cars. What hit me was how the negotiations go in the purchase of the cars from the owners before they start the rebuild process. It made me think of sometimes what happens when people purchase or sell used equipment. The other correlation was the trip they made to the North West of the US and talked of how with the tough winters these cars were in better shape because they were put away for the season. Which is why I believe I would rather have a used piece from the Mid-Atlantic or the North East than down South where the conditions are tougher and seasons are longer. (IMHO) 
       We all want the most for our trade in but the problem is a 12 year old walk greens mower is not in big demand....I know over the years, more than a few times, my old boss Tom Drayer would say "Tell them we will give them $100 to keep it". The hard decision to make is it better to sell it off on your own or trade it in, where the price maybe lower but the deal gets done quicker. I know with some clubs the sale of old equipment goes into the general fund and does not help the greens department budget.
       I often get told that someone is selling a piece on the internet for $10K. So how are you offering $2K for a trade? When someone asks what a used piece of equipment is worth, the truth is Whatever you can sell it for! Also, just because they are asking $10K doesn't mean they have or will sell it for $10K. The truth is used turf equipment is like buying a used car. If I could buy it from the grandmother down the street who drove it to the store once a week and to Church on Sunday, I am in!
But if it has had multiple owners and there are no service records....Not so much.
Over the years, I have seen some great deals where both buyer and seller were happy. 

In the end-Caveat Emptor!


Classic Mower/One owner/Was only used on days that end in Y!

WJC

Stuck in Neutral

       The unofficial start to the golf season, Good Friday, has passed and we are still stuck in neutral! After hearing a story this past week of a course in New Jersey aerifying in the snow, I know that people have gotten past the point of frustration. Many clubs have pushed back aeration a few weeks. It is really brutal with predictions of highs next week in the mid 40's! Sometimes you just have to work with the circumstances you have been given.....
       After last years extended playing season, each day with this gloomy weather puts some clubs in a tougher situation. The interesting thing to see will be if the               US Open has as much an impact on the local golf economy as some expect. Interestingly enough, I have heard from many superintendents that their clubs are swamped for the week of the US Open. Clubs have multiple outings and events have filled the calendars. Now if you just had a big parking lot and a bunch of vans you could really make a killing. For those of you who have not been to the area, parking will be at a major premium!

Hope you and your family have a healthy & happy Easter!

WJC

CHA CHA CHA Changes

       This past week The Toro Company hosted a training event for their commercial distributors in the USA and Canada know as Toro University. It was held at Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas. The week was split between two groups of a Monday-Wednesday and a Wednesday-Friday group. I was in the second group. I believe I have been an attendant at everyone of these events over the past 21 years....
       Some years there are more new products and changes and other years there may only be a few things that change. One thing you can see over the years is the rotation on the R&D money and which line will be having new products in the near future. So with the new restrictions coming with the Tier 4 emissions standards the biggest changes are in the 25-75 HP diesel traction units (large rotaries & fairway mowers). Now Toro has done a great job communicating with their distribution on how this transformation would take place but maybe it is just the way my mind works and seeing the new products in action helped to make me really grasp the change that is coming to our industry. With lots of cool new abilities like to be able to control speed, find intermittent faults and track real use hours, all electronically. It is going to be really amazing what you will be able to do! What was cool for me to see was Toro took the mandates caused by Tier 4 and used it as an opportunity to make some big improvements to products in other ways in the process and still meeting the new standards.

       Thanks to all the people at Toro for a first class training event!
      

 

Master Salesman Lou Bosco tests out one of the new Toro Reel Masters!


*Just a reminder that we will be hosting Jim Nedin Sprayer Calibration Seminars over the next 2 weeks in PA/NJ/DE/MD & VA! All will have each state's Department of Ag Pesticide License credits & .40 GCSAA continuing eductaion credits available too. Hope to see you at one of the locations!*
http://www.turf-equipment.com/xCourseSchedule2.htm





WJC



  

Goal And An Assist

       Congratulations to the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Association for the new Assistant Superintendent Outreach program! With Jim Lynagh and Rob Nolek leading the committee and Assistants Nick Lubold, Cedric Karp & Derrick Mohler playing a big part in trying to grow the involvement and numbers of Assistant Superintendents in the Association, I think it is going to be very successful.

       I know that time line has really changed in the career path of an Assistant from where it was 10 years ago. With the loss of clubs and the 300+ resumes that are sent in for an open position, it is easy to get frustrated. So what do you do? Keep attending as many educational events as you can, become part of the local associations, continue to network! The biggest thing that came out of our Future Superintendent Academy experts back in December was differentiate yourself.
       So when you feel like you are stuck....change something! Think about what you have done lately to improve your chances of getting where you want to be.


Happy St. Paddy's Day!

       

 WJC

 

 

 

Politics, Religion & Grinding

       This past week we had visit from some of the factory people from Bernhard & Company. They have recently come out with a stand alone unit that you can relief grind a reel mower and this was the focus of the visit. As you might be aware, Bernhard has done very well in the golf business through the years in preaching their spin grinding program. They can point to all of the many top 100 clubs that use their system and the amount of pro tournament events that are hosted by users of the product. Now if there is a few things I have learned over the years it is to avoid in my visits is discussions of politics, religion and I am now starting to believe grinding practices might fall under that umbrella!
       Obviously the manufactures requirements of bringing things back to factory specifications sometimes when there is a quality of cut complaint plays into it but the real thing is giving people what they ask for. Lately I have found some more people who swear it is only one way or the other that works....I know one thing that is true, if you are happy with your turf quality and your Technician is grinding your reels with a hand file then GREAT! It is what works for you. I do know one thing....Sharp reels are good for you turf's health. Using tools like macro scopes & prisms to see how your reels are treating the turf is something if your not doing, I would urge you to start.
       Years ago I was at a golf course where the Superintendent had just been fired after they had had a bad year. The new Superintendent was letting us host a Jim Nedin training event in his shop. As we began to talk about the topic, the Superintendent said lets take a ride out and see the course. As we came up to one of the crew mowing a green, the Super said what do you think? Jim went down to the greens mower and took a handful of clippings. He spreads some out on his hand and took out his hand held microscope. You could see the clipping were torn off and the cut was anything but clean. Jim then took a look at the mower (wasn't even Red..) and found the reel ground down to the spiders. They ended up spending some money immediately replacing reels that were all way out of spec and proceeded to purchase a new set of grinders in the near future. That Superintendent is still there and I do believe it helped him turn things around for the better.

       I will steal one of Jim Nedin's favorite terms in his talks "Happy Grass". If your grass is happy, your members are happy and you are happy! Spin or relief is your grass happy???


Bob Beven of Bernhard & Company at the Dual Master 3000iR Demo Day at Aronimink GC

WJC

       




  

Spring Knocking At The Door

       Well the days are getting a little longer, it is just a bit brighter each morning and tine catalogs have gone out to our customers. To me it sounds like spring! Even though the current long term forecast does not show the jump in the temps, the normal buzz about the the start of the season is building. Last years early start had a positive impact on clubs bottom lines. Seems like most clubs that have not spent capital in the last few years have at least one new piece of equipment in the works.
       
       Before you know it we will be in June and the US Open will be here in Philadelphia at Merion GC. I would equate getting tickets to finding a golden ticket to the Willy Wonka Factory! Luckily or unluckily, I live a few blocks away. If you have ever been to the area you know how congested it is going to be. There will be many of the main roads closed for the week too.
So it will be an interesting week and not just the golf....

Here is a link to some great pictures of Merion GC.
http://www.myphillygolf.com/uploads/bausch/MerionEast/index.html



WJC

Just For The Record

       How is your record keeping? This past week I worked with  Jim Nedin, a consultant with our company, at a customer sprayer training event. The last section of Jim's presentation is about safety. When Jim was in the early part of his 40+ year career, he was a Superintendent. He had an accident one day while loading a sprayer and inhaled a large dose of chemical. He ended up in the hospital and to this day he still has effects from just touching a sprayer that has some chemical residual! His talk on sprayer safety is one of experience and you can tell when he talks about his accident it is incredibly important to him. But sadly their is another part of this....the legal side. Today if the same accident that happened to Jim occurred at your club (hopefully never!) what would happen? Well my guess would be a police report and a visit from your insurance agent, maybe a visit from OSHA or maybe even a Department of Ag Rep. Do you have your records ready for the fine tooth comb that is coming? Do you have it up to date? Are you ready for a lawyer to call and request all of it? Employee safety is always one of the biggest things at any club but it is the back half of being able to show the employee safety is in place.
       We are already sending out tine catalogs and we all know the season is right around the corner. So with one of the few days left this winter where you are doing office work, please take a look at your spray records! Make sure you are ready for something that hopefully never happens!

*Just wanted to say great job by the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association on Friday, especially Scott Kroll & Kristen Liebsch for running the fundraiser for Tom Gosselin in his fight against Leukemia! Incredible turnout of just about EVERYBODY in the Turf business in the Philly area to support someone that we are all pulling for!


WJC

Train Like a Champion

       One of the big beliefs of our company is education. For me it is one of our strengths and I enjoy being a part of it. A mix of customer focused events and training for our employees are what the majority of the schedule is for the next month. 
       This upcoming week I have scheduled a customer sprayer training event at their location with Jim Nedin. I hope these guys are ready because Jim has an incredibly in depth program for them! On Wednesday, Turf has a big training day scheduled for our entire company. The highlight is the sales trainer from The Toro Company, Steve Keating. Take a look at http://stevekeating.me/ for some of his great leadership insights! Steve has been with Toro for 17 years and before that was with Dale Carnegie. Seeing him many times over the years, he really makes you look at yourself and how you do your job. By the way I forgot to mention that the Central PA Superintedents are hosting their winter educational event on Monday at Lederach GC....
       Rolling into the next week, we have a ProCore 648 customer training events. Then we roll right into the next week with Bernhard & Company doing Sales & Service training first and then more customer Demo days. With Toro University in mid-March and customer sprayer training classes to follow at the end of March........WHEW!
       I would urge you to get out an attend something before the grind of the season starts. It is always worth investing in yourself even if you have to take a vacation day to attend!


WJC


      

Deplane Deplane

       With the GIS behind us, it is always interesting to see some indicators that tell you the health of our business. I have not seen the numbers from GCSAA but it seemed like the numbers were positive. Also, when you see smaller vendor booth numbers up that is to me a positive indicator too.
For me the 60 hours in San Diego was not good planning....In on Tuesday for the Toro business meeting and home on the red eye Thursday night was a killer. With the added adventure of having to deplane in Washington DC on the last leg of my trip home because the plane had mechanical issues.
       To me it was good to see the show expanding and not contracting. a few years ago I recall standing in the center of the show and being able to see the end of the booths in both directions.
This year you could get a good stretch of the legs and not see everything.
      
       Thank you to the Delaware Valley College students who took the time to tour the Toro both with one of Del Val's finest alumni Lou Bosco!

        Congratulations to Matt Shaffer of Merion GC &
 Dan Meersman of Philadelphia Cricket Club!

Matt Shaffer of Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., is among this year's winners of the GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf awards.

Dan Meersman has been named the winner of the 2012 TurfNet Superintendent of the Year Award, presented by Syngenta.

WJC

Ask The Expert?

       For the first time that I can recall in my career, I was introduced as an expert. The interview that I did with Tony Leodora, from the Saturday morning radio show was played here in Philadelphia yesterday. The topic was innovations in golf course maintenance in the last 20 years.
It was interesting to hear myself and see where I probably should have said something else then I stated but all in all not bad. I had sent out an email to some friends and family about it being on. On Superintendent said he looked forward to the ammunition but afterward said "hard to believe....but you did good". I will take it. The other funny line was I thought you would yell Babba Booey at the end of your interview.
      I am greatly appreciative to the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association for  giving me the opportunity, especially Jim Lyngh who is the media liaison on the Board of Directors. Jim said when the topic came up at their board meeting, I thought you would be a great choice. (Thanks Jim!)
      This was about a nine minute segment. What is pretty incredible is to think about all the changes over the years and not just in equipment that I did not have time to bring up.

       So when I run into you on the show floor at the GIS, no autographs please.... :-)

http://golftalklive.net/golfradio.aspx
The interview is at the 43 minute mark.

WJC

Word On The Street

       If you were to say one topic that is almost a common occurrence on my visits throughout my territory it would be "What is going on out there?" Obviously, most Superintendents & Grounds Directors have their friends in the business but they are often looking for a larger picture.
As of this month, I would tell you that things are very positive for the most part. It is now the new normal with more winter lay-offs than ever before but on the fleet replacement end, more clubs are getting a plan in place. The upcoming Tier 4 impact may be playing a big part in that but a few of the people I have been working with are just at the point that they need to upgrade their fleet . No chewing gum, duck tape or bailing wire will get them through another year!
       The good thing is more clubs & facilities are looking to spend. That is always a positive indicator of where we really are. Most places have changed their approach and tried to do more with less. The thing is at some point equipment wears out and you are throwing money at something that should have been replaced seasons ago....Those who have been the most successful at getting movement have really made it a point to educate their members or managers on fleet replacement. Whether it is making the club look at using leasing as an option (If I hear we are a cash club one more time.....) or just using the numbers to look at the repair and maintenance that an old fleet needs and how that cash could be used in better ways.
       Again, rumors of any new golf course construction on the horizon have not begun but it is definitely positive news.


WJC

Follow You Follow Me

       This past week I was asked if I would be interested in being interviewed for a local radio show called Golf Talk Live. The topic is going to be innovations in golf course maintenance in the past 20 years. The weekly show is hosted by Tony Leodora. Tony is one of the first people you think of when it comes to golf in the Philadelphia area. He has made a concerted effort to include the Superintendent's view in his show and has a great relationship with the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association.
       To me this was really an honor to be asked, hopefully it doesn't mean I am just old.
I started thinking about all the changes since I was a kid just starting out to what is done today. As my early Saturday morning started, I threw it out on Twitter to get some other opinions. I have not really figured out all the protocols on Twitter yet but I was blown away by the responses! What was cool was the first ones came from over the pond and then the US & Canadian Turfers followed. What was funny was Primo Maxx was mentioned a bunch. Not being in the chemical business, this was not on my radar. Final count was somewhere around 16 different votes. Very cool!
       Now I still occasionally get some grief from friends in the business with the "Are you going to Tweet that?" but I think it is a great tool to communicate. I think back to when I started in sales in the early 1990's and it was a big deal when I got a pager...Now I can throw out a question and get an instant response from a Superintendent in Ireland! Now that is innovation!


WJC

Off Broadway

       While the GIS is seen as the big show, local trade shows are still important to many people in our business. So why should I take another look at attending my local show? I was lucky enough to be asked to sit in on a discussion back in 2012 about "what can we do different?" for the PA Turf Grass Show. Matt Shaffer, who was the President of the PA Turf Grass Council at the time, had a refreshing view of asking the people who are on the business end of how to grow a shrinking product.
       So this year there is an opening speaker that has some big interest here in Philly, Bernie Parent.
The legendary goalie of the Philadelphia Flyers. There is also some other changes to the format in an attempt to revive the event. Hopefully it will bring some people back and maybe some new faces.
       In the end to me it is about supporting great programs like the PA Turf Grass Council and others that are vital to the turf business. While attending you get the opportunity for professional growth, networking opportunities, always important sprayer applicator credits and supporting the future.
For those of you who are local, I hope to see you this week and for those of you in other parts of the country, I hope you take a day to visit you regional show.

http://paturf.org/

WJC

How Are Your Fundamentals?

       Here in Philadelphia, it seems the only thing going on is that Andy Reid has been fired by the Eagles. Now as someone who has followed the team my whole life, it was time for a change...
The interesting thing to me is the whole dynamic of why he lost his job and team. Driving around I spend a bunch of time listening to all sorts of music and talk radio. Once in a great while you hear a point that sticks with you. Someone made the point that everything started to change when the Eagles got away from the fundamentals of their success and brought in a big name free agent (T.O!) to try and push them over the top. Instead of building through the draft they went down the road of signing high ticket free agents.
       Why the football talk? Well I think it is more about what are your fundamentals. I have traditionally spent some of the down time over the holidays re-evaluating how I do my job and how I can do it better. For me I am planning on going back to some of the things that I had always done but had gotten away from as the years have past.
       What are the fundamentals of your success? Have you gone away from what got you where you are today? obviously all our jobs evolve over time but is it for the best? Can you get out on the course or in the field more? I know for me, the Andy Reid firing is a message that carries beyond the world of the NFL. Don't forget your fundamentals.....

Hope you and your family had an excellent Holiday Season!

WJC