As we head into the official end of summer, summer must not have gotten the memo. With another week with multiple days of temperatures in the 90's and not much chance of rain in the long range forecast, most Turf Managers in the Mid-Atlantic have had enough. After the last measurable rain, when you took a core, the turf was moist the for the first few inches down and powder just below that. What started out as an average year, has turned into a especially long season.
This week the information regarding the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association Aeration Days at Walnut Lane Golf Club will going out. On September 28th & 29th, the home of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia will be getting the course aerated with volunteers from the PAGCS. On top of members donating their time, vendors donate seed, fertilizer, tines and equipment for the aeration process. We did a similar event, a few years ago, and it was really great to see it all come together. Hopefully, the weather breaks our way and Bob Sawicki and his staff will have an overflow of help!
WJC
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Own It
This past week, what had been announced privately to the employees of Lawn & Golf Supply Company has finally been made official. Lawn & Golf Supply Company is now employee owned! Bob Holman had a dinner for all the employees on January 22nd. The reason for this special dinner was to discuss the future of the company. I have to admit when he stated, "There is going to be a new owner of Lawn & Golf", my heart dropped a little bit. After seeing the transition already from one owner to another once in my career, it was not something I was hoping for. Then in the next sentence Bob stated, "It's is YOU!", I don't think it sunk in. Bob Holman was gifting the company to the employees. The company, that his father started in 1937 and that he and his brother ran, was now being giving to the people who made it go. Me, being with the company only a short time, I did not really understand how the amount of long term employees had been the basis of the culture. With 20 year & 30 year and even 40 plus year employees, that always indicates, to me, that it is a good place to work.
This past week, the paper work was completed and with the blessing of lawyers and the IRS, Lawn & Golf Supply Company is now employee owned. But one of the original parts of the plan had slightly changed. Bob had spoken about being involved for another 3-5 years back in January. He has now decided that in October, 2016 he will be stepping away from the position of President of the company. With that being said, there were some other things that would change too. Ken Jeinnings, current Vice President/Sales Manager, would be transitioning into the Presidents role, as originally planned, just sooner. I will be transitioning into the spot that Ken had.
Truly, pretty amazing; After a few years of not being happy with where I was working and trying to pursue different opportunities, I will have a chance to manage the sales group at the oldest turf equipment dealer in Philadelphia is unreal. I had tried starting my own distributor, interviewed with multiple manufacturers for a factory representative positions, and in the end, it was hearing from two friends in the Turf industry, who's opinions I respected, that suggested calling Ken to talk. That is started the wheels in motion. I am really grateful to Bob and Ken for this incredible opportunity!
https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/gci/082715-Lawn-Supply-Golf.aspx
http://www.turfrepublic.com/2015/08/27/lawn-and-golf-now-employee-owned/
WJC
This past week, the paper work was completed and with the blessing of lawyers and the IRS, Lawn & Golf Supply Company is now employee owned. But one of the original parts of the plan had slightly changed. Bob had spoken about being involved for another 3-5 years back in January. He has now decided that in October, 2016 he will be stepping away from the position of President of the company. With that being said, there were some other things that would change too. Ken Jeinnings, current Vice President/Sales Manager, would be transitioning into the Presidents role, as originally planned, just sooner. I will be transitioning into the spot that Ken had.
Truly, pretty amazing; After a few years of not being happy with where I was working and trying to pursue different opportunities, I will have a chance to manage the sales group at the oldest turf equipment dealer in Philadelphia is unreal. I had tried starting my own distributor, interviewed with multiple manufacturers for a factory representative positions, and in the end, it was hearing from two friends in the Turf industry, who's opinions I respected, that suggested calling Ken to talk. That is started the wheels in motion. I am really grateful to Bob and Ken for this incredible opportunity!
https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/gci/082715-Lawn-Supply-Golf.aspx
http://www.turfrepublic.com/2015/08/27/lawn-and-golf-now-employee-owned/
WJC
Monday, August 24, 2015
Chillaxation
What is vacation for you? I think the last time I had a completely detached vacation, no communication, would have to go back to pre-cell phone times. While the always in touch world we live in helps us to be better at our jobs, in some respect, it also raises the expectations that no matter where you are or what you are doing, you need to get back to your co-workers and customers within a timely manner. Every vacation, I have the same hopes of turning off my phone and responding to emails and calls when I return. yeah, not so much....
One of the best talks I have ever heard on vacation , as a turf manager, was given by John Segui, who at the time, had recently retired from his longtime superintendent position at Waynesborough CC, outside Philadelphia. John spoke of the need to get away with your family, even if it meant making some runs back and forth during the week. He spoke of how important it is to make time for your family. John, who is a past president of the GCSAA, is a truly a class act. To hear someone who was so successful advocate family, was great to hear. With the majority of courses starting to or down to the final days before aerification here in the Mid-Atlantic, shorter days are coming.
Hopefully, you got a chance to spend some family time and as my 11 year old likes to call it Chillaxation!
One of the best talks I have ever heard on vacation , as a turf manager, was given by John Segui, who at the time, had recently retired from his longtime superintendent position at Waynesborough CC, outside Philadelphia. John spoke of the need to get away with your family, even if it meant making some runs back and forth during the week. He spoke of how important it is to make time for your family. John, who is a past president of the GCSAA, is a truly a class act. To hear someone who was so successful advocate family, was great to hear. With the majority of courses starting to or down to the final days before aerification here in the Mid-Atlantic, shorter days are coming.
Hopefully, you got a chance to spend some family time and as my 11 year old likes to call it Chillaxation!
WJC
Friday, July 3, 2015
Momentum
Walnut Lane Golf Club is the home of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia. The course is owned by the City, but TFTGP maintains the golf course. This past winter, the Superintendent resigned . Bob Sawicki, had just left the Superintendent position at Gulph Mills GC. When Bob said he was interested in the job, obviously there were thoughts that this might not be any easy transition. But as my Mom always says, "things happen for a reason!" Bob has had an incredible impact, in just a short time on the property, primarily because of his personality.
Bob's positive influence has helped to create a push to upgrade some of the tools he needs to keep making improvements. Just about when Bob started, Arader Tree had stepped in to help and dropped some trees that the city had deemed dangerous and needed to be taken care of as soon as possible. Now the trees were down, but what was available to clean them up? With a little luck and the generosity of a board member, Frank Shuman, a slightly used chipper was delivered that still had the paint on the feed deck!
Next up was looking at his equipment fleet. The rough unit, fairway mower and sprayer ,all ranging from 15 to 25 years old, are obvious candidates for retirement, but as we all know not cheap.
After talking about some options with Ken Jeinnings ,the Vice President & Sales Manager of my employer, Lawn & Golf Supply Company, we were able to work with Jacobsen and provide Walnut Lane with a brand new Jacobsen LF550 fairway mower! We delivered it this past Thursday.
With the Director of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, John MacDonald and some board members in attendance, it was a great photo shoot! Especially appreciated was the banner made up to thank Lawn & Golf and Jacobsen.
The momentum that has been created in improving the golf course at Walnut Lane is exciting to see.
The goal of enhancing the playing conditions for the kids in the program is truly inspiring.
Yesterday, for me, was a day I won't forget and one of the better ones in my career!
John MacDonald, Director of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, Assistant Ben Davies, Superintendent Bob Sawicki, Ken Jeinnings, VP & Sales Manager at Lawn & Golf and me.
Bob's positive influence has helped to create a push to upgrade some of the tools he needs to keep making improvements. Just about when Bob started, Arader Tree had stepped in to help and dropped some trees that the city had deemed dangerous and needed to be taken care of as soon as possible. Now the trees were down, but what was available to clean them up? With a little luck and the generosity of a board member, Frank Shuman, a slightly used chipper was delivered that still had the paint on the feed deck!
Next up was looking at his equipment fleet. The rough unit, fairway mower and sprayer ,all ranging from 15 to 25 years old, are obvious candidates for retirement, but as we all know not cheap.
After talking about some options with Ken Jeinnings ,the Vice President & Sales Manager of my employer, Lawn & Golf Supply Company, we were able to work with Jacobsen and provide Walnut Lane with a brand new Jacobsen LF550 fairway mower! We delivered it this past Thursday.
With the Director of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, John MacDonald and some board members in attendance, it was a great photo shoot! Especially appreciated was the banner made up to thank Lawn & Golf and Jacobsen.
The momentum that has been created in improving the golf course at Walnut Lane is exciting to see.
The goal of enhancing the playing conditions for the kids in the program is truly inspiring.
Yesterday, for me, was a day I won't forget and one of the better ones in my career!
Superintendent Bob Sawicki out taking his new unit for a test drive!
Hope you and your family have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
WJC
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Welcome To Valentine East!
This past week our company hosted a field day for Turf professionals at Penn State-Berks Campus , on the turf plots, known as Valentine East. Dr. Mike Fidanza was our host. As with everything, it all started with a couple of conversations between myself & Dr. Mike and then a few months of serious planning. Put that all together and you have yourself a field day! The behind the scenes work of organizing was definitely a big part of the challenge. From just organizing with your Service Department for the equipment needed, to who is hauling what, to having your paperwork in order to bringing in an outside food vendor on to a state run facility , we got it all done. What is great is everyone in our company had the same answer, "Whatever you need me to do!" We also had 7 of our factory representatives, who came into town to man their equipment. From Truck Drivers, Factory Reps, Salesmen, Service Department and the inside support people and Ownership, it took a team effort!
Now we did get a curve ball in the last 48 hours, with some thunderstorms with high winds, to make it tough for guys to leave work just for good measure. In the end , we still had almost 70 customers in attendance with a mix of golf & professional turf managers. Bill Brown, from Turf Republic, was also there to see the event and even helped me out with my first Periscope transmission for the introduction. He also did an interview with me for Turf Republic about the event.
The location could not have been better and the feedback from customers and vendors was all very similar with the concensus opinion being a very good day.
Now maybe that was the Jim's Steaks and cheese fries talking, but I will never admit that.
Now we did get a curve ball in the last 48 hours, with some thunderstorms with high winds, to make it tough for guys to leave work just for good measure. In the end , we still had almost 70 customers in attendance with a mix of golf & professional turf managers. Bill Brown, from Turf Republic, was also there to see the event and even helped me out with my first Periscope transmission for the introduction. He also did an interview with me for Turf Republic about the event.
The location could not have been better and the feedback from customers and vendors was all very similar with the concensus opinion being a very good day.
Now maybe that was the Jim's Steaks and cheese fries talking, but I will never admit that.
The Jacobsen station with the new Truckster XD
The Ventrac Station before they started mowing
Chuck Hicks from Redexim demonstrating the Carrier
The Turflux Station with the system on a Smithco Sprayer
The Turfco Station with the CR-10
The Big Dog & Ferris units
Chuck Hicks showing the Redexim Verti-Top for synthetic turf maintenance
Dr. Mike giving the group a brief talk on the Valentine East Facility
And the most important part of the day.....
A big thank you goes out to Dr. Mike Fidanza and the staff at PSU-Berks for all their help!
WJC
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Hail to the Chief!
Today was the end of an era. Scott Keener officially retired after over 25 years of selling Toro in Central Pa. My history with Scott dates back to my start in 1992. What Scott thought was just showing the new kid the ropes, became a fulltime Psychologist job! He was the one I would call each night to review my calls and advise me how I should handle them differently. While the calls might not have been every night over the last few years, his advice was still very important to me. When I read in business books that a mentor is key to being successful, think of how very lucky I have been to have Scott. What was great about it was we could disagree on how to handle a situation and I know I would get the all familiar, " I am not going to tell you how to run your territory but....." and in the end I would do what I felt best, but he always would give me the straight opinion of how he would do it.
My change in colors was slightly weird for both of us, especially since we had some similar accounts.In the end, it was Scott that helped me through a very challenging time in my career, by being a sounding board for my frustration.
As his retirement gift, I wish there was some way to turn back the clock and give him the Toro Master Salesman award that I had won back in 2008. Scott was more deserving and I always believed the time that he gave to the military on deployments and rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant prevented his winning, when he was so deserving.
Scott's support throughout my career is something that made an incredible difference in my path. It is always funny when someone refers to Scott as my Father and someone who doesn't know will ask what they are talking about. It says a lot when the people you work with refer to you as father and son. To a true mentor and friend, "Congratulations on your retirement!"
Happy Father's Day!
WJC
My change in colors was slightly weird for both of us, especially since we had some similar accounts.In the end, it was Scott that helped me through a very challenging time in my career, by being a sounding board for my frustration.
As his retirement gift, I wish there was some way to turn back the clock and give him the Toro Master Salesman award that I had won back in 2008. Scott was more deserving and I always believed the time that he gave to the military on deployments and rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant prevented his winning, when he was so deserving.
Scott's support throughout my career is something that made an incredible difference in my path. It is always funny when someone refers to Scott as my Father and someone who doesn't know will ask what they are talking about. It says a lot when the people you work with refer to you as father and son. To a true mentor and friend, "Congratulations on your retirement!"
Happy Father's Day!
WJC
Monday, June 15, 2015
GP-YES
On Monday morning, Andy Billing and Mark Luffy of Turflux will make the trip over to the good side of the state of Pennsylvania (HAHA!). They will be bringing the second Turflux upgrade unit to White Manor CC. White Manor was the first club in the Philadelphia area to convert their Toro sprayer to the Turflux GPS spray system and with a little creativity, we were able to get their 300 gallon sprayer converted only a few months later!
It is interesting when I have been sitting talking with customers, most have the same question, "Where do you think GPS spraying is heading?". My answer is,"It is coming!". I keep repeating the analogy of a Raven controller that years ago was a big deal and now is common place. I know that some of the guys are looking at it as too much technology, but not many of us go anywhere without the GPS on in our car!
Now there is Smithco's version of a GPS sprayer, Turf Geeks and Toro and John Deere have something on the way. While the transition to a new way to do things in our business is usually like turning an ocean liner, I truly believe that this is where all sprayers are headed. Why? Well, the more environmental restrictions and enforcement become more of a challenge, you are going to need to show more ways that you are being environmentally conscientious and being sub-inch exact with precise applications, I would think is the right answer!
WJC
It is interesting when I have been sitting talking with customers, most have the same question, "Where do you think GPS spraying is heading?". My answer is,"It is coming!". I keep repeating the analogy of a Raven controller that years ago was a big deal and now is common place. I know that some of the guys are looking at it as too much technology, but not many of us go anywhere without the GPS on in our car!
Now there is Smithco's version of a GPS sprayer, Turf Geeks and Toro and John Deere have something on the way. While the transition to a new way to do things in our business is usually like turning an ocean liner, I truly believe that this is where all sprayers are headed. Why? Well, the more environmental restrictions and enforcement become more of a challenge, you are going to need to show more ways that you are being environmentally conscientious and being sub-inch exact with precise applications, I would think is the right answer!
White Manor CC's Sprayer getting the Turflux conversion
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