Years ago I was at a dinner where the discussion was about passion and how to be successful in any career it is so important. A few weeks ago at the Eastern PA Turf Conference during one of the speakers presentations that discussion came to mind. Tim Moraghan owner of Aspire Consulting gave a talk about unintended consequences and he was on fire! Tim is someone who loves the game of golf and has the ability to speak from a view of common sense like not many others in the industry. With 20 years as the USGA Championship Agronomist, Tim has so many incredible stories about his experiences.
I was lucky enough to meet Tim when I was a kid working the 1989 US Amateur at Merion Golf Club. Recently I have asked Tim to come in and speak at some of our training events. If you have an opportunity to hear Tim talk, I would urge you to do so. Obviously, like any presenter, you will not agree with everything he says but I can guarantee that he will make you think about how you come at your job.
WJC
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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
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
Sunday, December 15, 2013
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!
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
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
Sunday, December 1, 2013
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
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
Sunday, November 24, 2013
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
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
Sunday, November 17, 2013
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
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
Sunday, November 3, 2013
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
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
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