What sets good superintendents apart from great ones is their business ability. The most successful superintendents bring a higher-level thought process to their leaders, club members, and team. Patrick Michener shares how you can become that irreplaceable leader.

Patrick has been the Superintendent at Bidermann Golf Course and Vicmead Hunt Club since January 2019. Prior to that, he was the Golf Course Superintendent at the Country Club of York in York, PA for six years. A graduate of Penn State University with over 20 years of experience in the turfgrass industry, Patrick has crafted his leadership skills at Aronimink Golf Club and Bidermann Golf Course. He currently serves on the PAGCS board and as a GCSAA Grass Roots Ambassador. 

Executive-Level Leadership

As a superintendent nowadays, turf management skills are a given. What sets you apart from others are your leadership and business abilities. 

If you want to demonstrate your executive style thinking, stay ahead of club operations. If you know your GM is going to ask for a budget spreadsheet, make sure you’ve finished it before they even ask, and always know where you’re at in terms of capital. 

Lastly, work on your communication skills. Learn to enjoy presentations so you can showcase what you’re doing to improve yourself, your operations, and your team. Take continuing education seriously and go beyond the expected turf management classes. Look for ways to expand your thinking, and invite other experts or mentors to provide a different perspective.

Building a Great Team from Within

Like many superintendents, Patrick had a hard time filling entry-level positions. Job postings were fruitless. But instead of being a victim of the circumstances, he decided to take responsibility for the hiring process. 

Patrick shifted his focus from constantly rotating and training new staff to internal talent development. He knew if he could find a way to consistently bring in good people and keep them over time, the club would be much better off. 

These days, everyone at Bidermann is on a track somewhere, whether it’s working toward a degree or certification or just their next job up the ladder. The result is a more consistent, skilled workforce.

Enjoy this episode with Patrick Michener…

Soundbytes

9:42-10:05 “Our department is much more than just keepers of the green or caretakers. The science that’s involved with turfgrass, the financial aspect, the business aspect, and most importantly, the leadership aspect. We’re a significant portion or maybe even the most significant portion of a club that helps with the operation.”

16:33-16:56 “We always talk about nowadays with the superintendent that turf management skills are all table stakes. You either have them or you don’t, and if you’re at that superintendent level, it’s likely that you have them. So then what’s the difference or what’s going to separate you from others?”

Quotes

“I've always felt you get out what you put into the industry.”

“I love this job, I love what I do, I love the artistic aspect of it, the turf management aspect…but most of all, I really love developing the people that work with me and are on the leadership team day in and day out.”

“I think every superintendent has it within them to bring that executive-level presence.”

“Be as communicative as possible. Through good communication, all things are possible.”

“Everybody is really just a flower waiting to bloom, is one thing I was told many years ago. Does everybody bloom? No, but many do if they’re put in the right circumstances. I just try to put people in the right positions to be successful.”

Links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-michener-77623591/