Summary Book a Strategy Call

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Meredith Otero and Mitch Rupert dive into a candid recap of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Fresh off the heels of an incredible week, they reflect on the exponential growth Bloom Golf Partners has experienced over the past 12 months and how it transformed every conversation on the trade show floor. From sold-out education sessions to meaningful booth visits, Meredith and Mitch discuss what made this year feel so different—intentional connections, industry recognition, and the pride of watching their team shine. They also touch on workforce trends, the critical need for equipment managers, and the power of developing talent from within.

What You'll Learn

• Why intentional networking and consistent marketing efforts lead to more meaningful conference conversations

• How Bloom Golf Partners' growth over 12 months shifted booth visits from "What do you guys do?" to purposeful engagement

• The current workforce crisis facing equipment managers and why this trade skill offers incredible career potential

• Why developing talent from within—whether from your own staff or the local community—is key to solving hiring challenges

• How team balance and individual strengths create a winning dynamic at industry events

• The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone for speaking engagements and professional growth

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and post-conference exhaustion

00:42 – Overview of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show

01:06 – Team photos, Disney fun, and the famous Sunday sundae

02:48 – Mitch's comparison: What felt different from last year

04:55 – Nonstop booth traffic and meaningful conversations

05:28 – Meredith's takeaway: Intentional visits and genuine connections

07:52 – Feeling rejuvenated, not drained, after a full week

09:23 – Mitch's sold-out education session and key takeaways

11:24 – The equipment manager workforce crisis and aging out of the profession

12:43 – Career potential in trade skills and equipment management

14:51 – Mary's speaking debut and overcoming presentation nerves

16:19 – Mitch's first speaking engagement at Union League and lessons learned

17:56 – Meredith's upcoming speaking opportunity at Club Managers

18:38 – Team dynamics, balance, and playing to individual strengths 1

9:21 – Plans for future events and getting the whole team together

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: https://www.gcsaa.org Club Managers Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.org

Book a Strategy Call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Ken Mangum, longtime golf course superintendent and respected industry consultant, to discuss leadership, course standards, workforce development, and the evolving expectations within golf operations. Ken reflects on lessons from his decades of experience, including building long-term leadership teams, managing championship-level expectations, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain talent. The conversation explores how clear maintenance standards reduce operational "noise," why superintendents benefit professionally from playing golf, and how relationship-building with committees and members strengthens long-term success. Ken also shares perspectives on staffing challenges, developing talent from within, emerging turfgrass innovations like Zoysia, and the future of workforce recruitment in golf. The episode concludes with practical hiring advice, including preparation for Zoom interviews and how professionals can better present themselves during job searches.

What You'll Learn • Why establishing maintenance standards creates consistency and minimizes operational conflict • How leadership, communication, and culture shape long-term success in golf operations • Why employee care and appreciation lead to stronger retention and recruitment • How playing golf improves professional relationships and operational understanding • The benefits and growing adoption of Zoysia grass for playability and maintenance efficiency • Practical hiring advice, including how to prepare for modern Zoom interviews

Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Ken Mangum career journey in golf course management 05:30 – Managing championship expectations and reducing operational noise 09:30 – Leadership, committees, and relationship management 12:00 – Workforce challenges and staffing evolution in golf 14:00 – Employee retention and culture-building strategies 18:30 – Full-time staffing versus seasonal workforce models 22:30 – Why superintendents benefit from playing golf 28:30 – Using golf to build credibility and member relationships 32:30 – Recruiting challenges and developing talent within the industry 40:20 – Zoysia grass adoption and maintenance advantages 49:30 – Hiring advice and preparing for interviews 59:30 – Why Zoom interviews now play a critical role in hiring decisions

Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org Syngenta Turf Solutions: https://www.syngenta-us.com/turf Dream Golf Developments: https://dreamgolf.com

Book a Strategy Call: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com/book-a-strategy-call

Summary

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Kenton Brunson, Director of Agronomy at Mid Ocean Club, to explore why golf course superintendents are uniquely positioned to become elite club leaders. Kenton shares his unconventional career journey, from agronomy student to superintendent to earning his MBA and CCM, while challenging long-held assumptions about silos in club operations.

The conversation dives deep into education versus experience, the real value of advanced degrees, and how continued learning helps superintendents earn credibility in the boardroom. Kenton explains how exposure to club management disciplines reshaped the way he leads people, collaborates with department heads, and measures performance across his team.

Listeners also gain a behind-the-scenes look at Mid Ocean's progressive people-development systems, including skills matrices, performance scorecards, emotional intelligence tracking, and learning-and-development investment. Kenton emphasizes that leadership longevity isn't about doing everything yourself, it's about building systems, trusting people, and choosing the right leaders to learn from early in your career.

This episode reinforces a powerful message: superintendents already manage the largest assets, budgets, and teams at the club, now it's time to fully step into that leadership potential.

What You'll Learn

• Why superintendents are naturally positioned to become club executives • The real ROI of MBAs, CCMs, and continued education • How education helps superintendents earn trust in the boardroom • Why getting "out of your silo" makes you a better leader • How to use performance scorecards instead of opinions • Building staff development systems that improve retention • Why people development is a competitive advantage for clubs • How emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness • Practical approaches to delegation and time management • Career advice for young superintendents planning long-term success

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and why superintendents are built to lead 01:50 – Kenton's early career path and agronomy background 03:40 – From superintendent to thinking like a club executive 05:45 – Education vs. experience: MBA and CCM insights 08:30 – Getting into the room: why education still matters 11:00 – What superintendents learn from club management programs 13:10 – Breaking silos and connecting with department heads 15:40 – Performance management and staff development systems 18:30 – Skills matrices, scorecards, and measuring success 22:10 – Emotional intelligence and leadership self-awareness 25:20 – Delegation, time management, and leadership mindset 29:40 – Governance, alignment, and defining success at the club 33:00 – Choosing leaders over logos early in your career 37:10 – Leadership advice to Kenton's younger self 38:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com Club Management Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.orgGCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org

Summary

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Jim Pavonetti, recipient of the 2025 GCSAA President's Award for Environmental Stewardship, to explore how sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and long-term planning define elite golf course leadership. Jim shares his journey from working his way up through municipal golf to leading a premier private club, detailing how a lifelong connection to the outdoors shaped his philosophy as a superintendent.

The conversation covers how environmental stewardship can become a competitive advantage for clubs—not just an operational initiative—by improving course conditions, reducing inputs, and even attracting new members. Jim explains how small, intentional steps build member buy-in, why data and benchmarks matter more than ever, and how defining maintenance standards protects both the superintendent and the club.

Throughout the episode, Jim offers candid advice on leadership longevity, continuous learning, and resisting the urge to "do everything at once." His insights reinforce that sustainable success in golf course management is built on trust, clarity, fundamentals, and a clear vision for what's next.

What You'll Learn

• How environmental stewardship can improve playability, resilience, and member perception • Why starting with "small wins" builds trust and long-term buy-in • How clubs can leverage sustainability as a membership attraction tool • The role of data in smarter mowing, water use, and labor decisions • Why intuition paired with data outperforms either approach alone • How maintenance standards reduce conflict and align leadership • The growing importance of BMPs, water conservation, and chemical reduction • How to stay engaged, relevant, and evolving over a long superintendent career • Practical advice for first-time superintendents navigating new roles

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and recognition for environmental stewardship 00:40 – Early connection to nature and career motivation 01:55 – Career path from municipal golf to private clubs 03:25 – Building confidence as a first-time superintendent 05:20 – Gaining member buy-in for environmental initiatives 06:10 – Starting with small, positive-impact sustainability steps 08:55 – Where to begin with environmental projects at a new property 10:20 – Sustainability as a membership attraction strategy 11:30 – Using data to drive smarter decisions 12:30 – Combining intuition with measurable benchmarks 14:20 – Technology, BMPs, and future industry challenges 16:45 – Staying fresh, curious, and engaged in the profession 19:15 – Importance of maintenance standards 21:15 – Long-range planning and defining the "next level" 24:50 – Advice for young and first-time superintendents 28:10 – Final reflections and where to connect

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com USGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html GCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org

Summary

BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Jordan Booth, a senior leader with the USGA Green Section, to explore the future of workforce development, apprenticeship, and leadership in the golf industry. Jordan shares his career journey from golf course maintenance to academia and ultimately to the USGA, highlighting the mentors, experiences, and values that shaped his path.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent, the importance of structured apprenticeship programs, and why training employers is just as critical as training employees. Tyler and Jordan discuss mentorship, communication, consulting, and the non-agronomic skills that separate good superintendents from great ones. They also examine reinvestment trends in golf, the balance between aspirational projects and fundamental infrastructure, and the role of lifelong learning in building sustainable teams and careers.

Jordan offers candid insights on leadership, humility, continuous development, and the long-term impact of mentorship, emphasizing that meaningful change in the industry happens through people, process, and consistent fundamentals.

What You'll Learn

• Why apprenticeship and workforce development require total buy-in from both employers and mentors • How strong culture, communication, and team buy-in drive successful recruiting and retention • Why training employers to recruit, develop, and mentor talent is a critical industry gap • The importance of lifelong learning and continuous development for superintendents and leaders • How consultants and organizations like the USGA can support better decision-making and communication • The difference between aspirational projects and foundational infrastructure investments • Why fundamentals like drainage, sunlight, and water management still matter more than technology alone • How mentorship can create lasting impact and shape the next generation of industry leaders

Timestamps

00:00 – Workforce development focus and challenges of administering apprenticeship programs 01:40 – Recruiting cycles, mentor partnerships, and long-term program growth 03:50 – Evolution of apprenticeship models and industry-wide collaboration 05:30 – Purpose-driven work and why impact matters more than monetization 07:20 – Building team buy-in and strong workplace culture 09:20 – Structural gaps in recruiting, training, and retention 11:10 – Training the trainer and why labor issues persist 12:55 – Non-agronomic skills and professional development gaps 15:00 – Lifelong learning, mentorship, and continuous growth 16:45 – Leveraging consultants and external expertise effectively 18:50 – Communication, credibility, and building consensus 20:55 – Reinvestment in golf and resetting long-term club trajectories 25:20 – Aspirational projects vs. fundamental infrastructure needs 27:35 – Why fundamentals still drive long-term success 31:10 – Technology as a tool—not a replacement for basics 32:50 – Jordan Booth's career journey into the USGA 36:55 – Apprenticeship programs and global perspectives 39:00 – Mentorship, legacy, and changing lives 41:05 – Process, consistency, and leadership reflection 43:30 – Favorite foursome and golf experiences 45:55 – USGA Museum highlights and educating the public 48:05 – Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and resources 49:55 – Closing reflections on leadership and impact

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program: https://www.usga.orgUSGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html

Summary

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet and one of the most influential voices in golf course management. Peter reflects on his 32-year journey building TurfNet, the evolution of the superintendent profession, and why focusing on people, content, and communication has always mattered more than chasing revenue. The conversation explores leadership, mentorship, technology, rising industry costs, work-life balance, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable and meaningful career in the golf and club industry. Peter also shares candid insights as he prepares for retirement, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, curiosity, and long-term impact.

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What You'll Learn

• Why leading with valuable content and community building creates long-term trust and sustainable growth • How the superintendent role has evolved in skill, compensation, and responsibility over the past three decades • Why communication and mentorship remain two of the biggest gaps in the golf industry today • How AI and emerging technology can support better decision-making without replacing human connection • What separates great superintendents and leaders from good ones • Practical advice for young professionals entering the industry, including mobility, resilience, and family balance

Timestamps

00:00 – Content-first business philosophy and why revenue follows value 01:40 – Introducing Peter McCormick and TurfNet's early support of Bloom Golf Partners 03:50 – Building TurfNet and identifying unmet needs in the industry 07:38 – How the superintendent profession has changed over the past 30 years 09:00 – Rising salaries, equipment costs, and long-term sustainability concerns 12:50 – Curiosity, people-watching, and staying engaged in the industry 15:40 – Personal reflections on golf, family priorities, and career balance 23:25 – The role of AI and technology in modern golf course management 29:40 – The decline of blogs and why long-form communication still matters 36:15 – What separates great superintendents from good ones 39:35 – Communication, mentorship, and building strong team cultures 47:05 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry 53:45 – Letting professionals do their jobs and avoiding unnecessary interference 56:10 – Retirement, legacy, and lessons from 32 years of TurfNet 01:06:20 – Closing reflections on impact, relationships, and industry contribution

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com TurfNet: https://www.turfnet.comGCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.orgPenn State Turfgrass Program: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf

Summary In this special end-of-year episode, the Bloom Golf Partners team reflects on the defining moments of 2025, from major industry milestones and team growth to lessons learned through hundreds of searches, interviews, and client conversations. The discussion highlights the power of culture, continued education, relationship-building, and forward-thinking initiatives, including scholarships, AI-driven career tools, and expanded industry partnerships. The team also looks ahead to 2026, sharing what excites them most about the future of Bloom Golf Partners and the evolving golf and club management landscape. Book a Strategy Call

What You'll Learn • How Bloom Golf Partners' distributed, remote team operates seamlessly while delivering high-impact results across the country. • Why internal development, strong references, and continued education are critical differentiators for career advancement in the golf and club industry. • How industry visibility, events, and authentic relationships contribute to long-term professional credibility and trust. • What new initiatives Bloom Golf Partners is launching in 2026, including scholarships, career services, and AI-supported tools.

Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and podcast milestone announcement 01:00 – Reflecting on standout moments from 2025 04:30 – Sponsorships, industry presence, and "making it real" moments 06:00 – Team growth, full-time transitions, and personal wins 09:00 – Industry events, networking, and relationship building 12:00 – Ownership, culture, and what drives Bloom Golf Partners' results 16:00 – Reference checks, candidate quality, and hiring insights 20:00 – Leadership reflections and defining company values 23:00 – Looking ahead to 2026: scholarships and investing in people 27:00 – Team goals, learning, and professional development 31:00 – Expanding podcast voices and content evolution 35:00 – AI, career services, and new tools for industry professionals 38:00 – What truly differentiates Bloom Golf Partners 45:00 – Accessibility, authenticity, and the power of the network 49:00 – Closing thoughts and holiday message

Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com Bloom Golf Partners Scholarship Program: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com/scholarship GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.orgDistinguished Club Summit: https://www.distinguishedclubs.com

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In this engaging conversation, Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metro Parks, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a leader overseeing a vast network of parks and recreational facilities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing such a large organization, the importance of teamwork and leadership, and the evolving expectations in the golf industry. Brian emphasizes the significance of community engagement, workforce development, and the need for aspiring professionals to be detail-oriented and proactive in their careers. He also reflects on the hidden gems of Cleveland Metro Parks and his aspirations for future projects that will leave a lasting legacy.

What You'll Learn

• Why "managing to an outcome" isn't the same as leading expectations and why that distinction matters

• The real differences (and misconceptions) between municipal and private golf experience

• How Cleveland Metroparks thinks about standards, reinvestment, and long-term stewardship

• Brian's "present leadership" approach: being visible when things are hard, great, or average

• What he looks for in candidates immediately (shoes, handshake, eye contact, preparation)

• How to handle post-COVID realities: play up, maintenance windows down, and expectations rising

• Practical operating moves that improved customer experience (ex: 10-minute tee times, time-ticketing)

• Career advice for superintendents who want to move up: look the part, do the part, build exposure

• A reminder leaders forget: don't burn ladders on the way up or down

Links

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-zimmerman-34072b43/

Summary

Book a Free Talent Strategy Call

In this engaging conversation, Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metro Parks, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a leader overseeing a vast network of parks and recreational facilities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing such a large organization, the importance of teamwork and leadership, and the evolving expectations in the golf industry. Brian emphasizes the significance of community engagement, workforce development, and the need for aspiring professionals to be detail-oriented and proactive in their careers. He also reflects on the hidden gems of Cleveland Metro Parks and his aspirations for future projects that will leave a lasting legacy.

What You'll Learn

• Why "managing to an outcome" isn't the same as leading expectations and why that distinction matters

• The real differences (and misconceptions) between municipal and private golf experience

• How Cleveland Metroparks thinks about standards, reinvestment, and long-term stewardship

• Brian's "present leadership" approach: being visible when things are hard, great, or average

• What he looks for in candidates immediately (shoes, handshake, eye contact, preparation)

• How to handle post-COVID realities: play up, maintenance windows down, and expectations rising

• Practical operating moves that improved customer experience (ex: 10-minute tee times, time-ticketing)

• Career advice for superintendents who want to move up: look the part, do the part, build exposure

• A reminder leaders forget: don't burn ladders on the way up or down

Links

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-zimmerman-34072b43/

Summary

Book a Free Talent Strategy Call

In this engaging conversation, Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metro Parks, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a leader overseeing a vast network of parks and recreational facilities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing such a large organization, the importance of teamwork and leadership, and the evolving expectations in the golf industry. Brian emphasizes the significance of community engagement, workforce development, and the need for aspiring professionals to be detail-oriented and proactive in their careers. He also reflects on the hidden gems of Cleveland Metro Parks and his aspirations for future projects that will leave a lasting legacy.

What You'll Learn

• Why "managing to an outcome" isn't the same as leading expectations and why that distinction matters

• The real differences (and misconceptions) between municipal and private golf experience

• How Cleveland Metroparks thinks about standards, reinvestment, and long-term stewardship

• Brian's "present leadership" approach: being visible when things are hard, great, or average

• What he looks for in candidates immediately (shoes, handshake, eye contact, preparation)

• How to handle post-COVID realities: play up, maintenance windows down, and expectations rising

• Practical operating moves that improved customer experience (ex: 10-minute tee times, time-ticketing)

• Career advice for superintendents who want to move up: look the part, do the part, build exposure

• A reminder leaders forget: don't burn ladders on the way up or down

Links

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-zimmerman-34072b43/