By Tyler Bloom
5
88 ratings
The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.
In this episode, we’re diving into the power of personal branding—not just as a tool for visibility, but as a journey in personal development with Rachel Gogos, owner of BrandID. Rachel shares her career journey, from starting in higher education and working at the United Nations to launching her agency focused on personal branding and business strategy.
The importance of self-discovery in personal branding
Rachel shares when we truly understand our strengths, vision, and how we want to be perceived, we’re better equipped to attract the right opportunities and have a greater impact on our audience.
Building a personal brand isn’t just about creating visuals or a website. It starts with self-discovery. Doing the inner work helps us to communicate who we are and what we stand for with authenticity and confidence.
Starting with a clear sense of mission and the legacy you want to leave behind. This could be a game-changer for superintendents aiming to elevate their career, as it aligns their daily actions with a bigger purpose and helps others understand their unique value.
360-degree approach to gain valuable insights
Using a 360-degree assessment allows individuals to see themselves from others' perspectives. This technique could help superintendents understand the strengths others see in them that they might overlook, which could be particularly helpful in interviews or networking.
Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can accelerate growth. Superintendents, often perfectionists by nature, could benefit from identifying what they naturally excel at and finding ways to use those skills to differentiate themselves.
Personal branding doesn’t have to be boastful
In fact, sharing expertise and experiences humbly is a powerful way to build credibility without feeling overly promotional. Superintendents can educate and inspire through their personal brand, which would naturally attract more opportunities and align with their authentic selves.
Having a clear, authentic intention in one’s messaging makes a difference. For leaders who genuinely want to contribute positively to the industry, it’s important to keep promoting these values without worry. It resonates, as Rachel said, and reinforces trust with your audience.
From using websites and visuals to create a compelling experience to empowering employees as brand ambassadors, strong branding is as important internally as it is externally. Plus, we’ll touch on trends in brand-building, like using video, organic social media, and focusing on educational, inspirational content rather than constant selling.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a roadmap to building a personal brand that not only attracts your ideal clients but also brings clarity to your purpose, team and impact—enhancing your personal and professional life. Let’s get started!
Soundbytes
"As leaders or business owners, we can only build our team and culture as much as we ourselves have grown. To create winning teams, we need to keep developing personally, whether we own the company or not." (14:59-16:00)
"Building a personal brand isn’t about creating a facade—it’s about understanding who you truly are, the reputation you hold, and the qualities people associate with you, then consistently showing up as that person in all areas of your life." (22:42-23:05)
Quotes
I truly believe that when things come together easily, it’s a sign that our path is being guided—a green light from God to move in that direction."
"We can only grow our team and culture as far as we've grown ourselves. If we want to keep building winning teams, whether we own the company or not, we must continue investing in our personal growth."
"The more we work in our strengths, the more fulfilled and joyful we feel day to day. Recognizing our weaknesses helps us round out our team by placing the right people in roles where we may not excel."
"This isn't about crafting an image or results; it’s about clarifying who you are at your core—your reputation and the qualities others associate with you—and showing up consistently across all areas of your life."
"Share content under your personal brand, even if you work for an organization, because people want to connect with people. We’ve seen this firsthand—our personal posts generate far higher engagement than those on our business page."
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Connect with Rachel Gogos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgogos/
BrandID: https://thebrandid.com
In this episode, we sit down with Jon Urbanski, an accomplished golf course superintendent, to discuss his impressive career journey, insights on team culture and leadership, and his unique experience hosting the 2022 BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club.
Jon shares how he went from considering a career as a math teacher to finding his passion in the golf industry. We discuss his journey from a summer crew member to one of the industry's top superintendents, highlighting his passion, service and commitment to building a strong team.
Building Team Culture
He reflects on the importance of building a positive team culture by fostering open communication, offering growth opportunities, and supporting work-life balance. Jon's leadership approach focuses on being a coach and cheerleader to his team, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Foster open communication and build genuine connections to create a supportive team culture.Encourage work-life balance and provide growth opportunities, such as conferences, to boost team loyalty and inspire continuous development.
A Career Highlight
Hosting a major event like the BMW Championship was a career highlight, where he experienced the payoff of years of preparation alongside his team and volunteers. He emphasizes how rewarding it was to involve his family in the week’s events and the pride he felt as his club and community embraced the tournament.
Jon also dives into his industry involvement, including his role as past president of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents. He advocates for more superintendent presence at golf events and highlights the value of networking, volunteering, and giving back to the industry.
Tune in to hear Jon’s inspiring story, his thoughtful approach to leadership, and what’s next as he continues to make an impact on the golf industry!
Soundbytes
"I firmly believe that some of the best moments for building team success happen in those hours and minutes before or after the workday, when we're just sitting around in the conference room and having casual conversations. Those moments are crucial for creating team cohesion and solidarity. But I also believe in encouraging everyone to get out, enjoy themselves, and spend time with their families. The golf course will still be here."01:30
"I think it really comes down to seeing others succeed. When people thrive in our program here, it’s a win for Wilmington Country Club and strengthens our future. This success helps us recruit new talent, as we want people to come here, get trained, and eventually move on to their own roles—whether as superintendents, in horticulture, or in arboriculture. We truly strive to support that growth." 11:40
Quotes
"Timing is everything; it's important to approach feedback thoughtfully, asking questions to understand someone’s thought process rather than jumping right in."
"I admire those who volunteer nationally with organizations like GCSAA or PGA; they dedicate so much time away from work and family to support our industry."
"It's fantastic to see golf professionals, superintendents, and managers featured on broadcasts—our service industry deserves that spotlight."
"I find social media incredibly useful, especially 'Turf Twitter,' for tips and team discussions—used correctly, it’s a valuable tool."
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Connect with Jon Urbanski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-urbanski-2a59401a/
In this episode, Brian Chapin shares insights from his unique career journey from golf course superintendent to general manager (GM) during the pandemic, and eventually to VP at LaBar Golf, where he joined in 2022.
His path offers a valuable perspective on moving from hands-on turf management to overseeing broader club operations, providing a holistic view of club success.
Emphasizing career development, Brian advises superintendents to stay open to non-traditional roles, like GM, as the entire club experience is critical to a golf course's long-term success.
Shifting Gears
LaBar Golf, originally founded in 2012 as a renovation company, expanded significantly during the pandemic and now offers irrigation, safety, and fleet management services. Brian highlights how LaBar Golf’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent is driven by adapting to career aspirations and fostering growth.
He notes a shift in the industry, with clubs investing more in infrastructure like drainage and irrigation systems for sustainability rather than aesthetic updates.
Brian also discusses the rewarding but challenging nature of construction roles, with extensive travel being a consideration. Going forward, LaBar Golf aims to spotlight opportunities in golf construction and support superintendents pursuing career growth.
Soundbytes:
"I challenge anyone to identify a top 20 or top 30 club, or even the top two or three in any given state, where the golf course is outstanding but the rest of the operation is poor. Don’t be that club." 2:01
"You must prioritize what's best for the golf course every day. For instance, when a tournament is scheduled and we receive two inches of rain, restricting carts is never a popular decision, but it’s often the right one. This skill set translates well to being a general manager. In contrast, other positions within the club may focus heavily on keeping the membership happy, which can make them uncomfortable with making difficult decisions." 14:00
Quotes
"Superintendents have such great skill sets for leadership, they're forced to be macro to think macro in micro, but like they're they to blend that really well."
"We’ve shifted our perspective, in part due to your guidance and leadership, to better understand how to attract and retain top talent. Ultimately, that's the name of the game for any business: how to attract the best people."
"We’re willing to adapt because a cookie-cutter approach to recruiting, retention, and development is a guaranteed way to fail. You need to meet people where they are, be creative, and think of different ways to leverage various skill sets and availability. It's essential not to get stuck on the notion that someone is a failure just because they're not here for two or more years."
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
LaBar Golf: https://labargolfrenovations.com
Connect with Brian Chapin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-chapin-708079184/
Adam Garr discusses his unique career journey and expertise in communication strategies tailored for golf course superintendents. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creative branding techniques to improve career advancement and opportunities, as well as to sell the opportunities within a department and operation. Garr also shares his own entrepreneurial journey and offers advice for those looking to pursue niche businesses in the golf industry.
Creatively telling your story can boost career growth.
Adam Garr started in the industry by accident, getting a job on a golf course while pursuing an English degree. He eventually became a superintendent at a private club, where he had to get creative to stand out and land the head job after his boss was let go.
Garr believes that in today's job market, assistants and young professionals need to focus on branding and telling their story in a unique way, such as through video, to get noticed. He shared how he used video as a superintendent to improve member communication, and how superintendents can leverage video to recruit new staff and interns.
Garr also highlights the power of video communication in showcasing a golf course, engaging members, and attracting prospective staff. He encourages superintendents to use video to communicate their message effectively and stand out from the competition.
Soundbytes:
“Utilizing storytelling and creative branding techniques, not only to improve your career advancement and opportunities, but more importantly, to sell the opportunities within your department and operation.” 02:13-2:26
“Video is a superior form of communication and it’s just a better way to tell your story. You’re able to craft the story exactly how you want it to be told and you tell it in a way not to deceive people but you know tell them the right way.” 11:26 – 11:45
Quotes
“Video is a perfect opportunity to really showcase a place that candidates might have just passed over on paper.”
“You have an opportunity to reach people that never considered this to be a career. I didn’t know it was a thing until I ended up on a golf course. So those people are out there.”
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Connect with Adam Garr on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-garr-444028279/
In this special episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom highlights the impactful work of the Super Scratch Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2020. Tyler is joined by industry colleagues Scott Bordner and Timothy Zurybida to discuss how the foundation is making a difference in the often underserved and overlooked side of the golf industry: turfgrass and agronomy.
The Super Scratch Foundation's mission is to invest in the future of the golf industry by supporting the education and training of the next generation of golf course superintendents. Each year, the foundation raises scholarship funds to assist students pursuing careers in agronomy. The conversation covers the foundation’s origins, goals, and the tremendous community support it has received, along with the need for increased awareness about career opportunities in the field.
A highlight of the episode is the discussion about the foundation's main event, The Super Scratch Invitational, the nation's first tournament pairing a club's superintendent with a top amateur golfer. Held annually at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, this unique event draws teams from prestigious golf clubs across the country. The winning teams are given the opportunity to allocate a portion of the Super Scratch Scholarship Fund to the universities of their choice, furthering the foundation’s commitment to education and future talent development.
Quotes
"We created it better than we knew. When we started this tournament, we didn't realize the scale of what we were building, but the industry support, superintendent support, and club member support have made all the difference."
"The more members who know there’s a shortage, the more they can help support financially or send people in our direction. It’s all about planting the seeds for the future."
"The goal isn't just to raise money; it's to support the future of the game by investing in the education and careers of students who will one day run the world's finest golf clubs."
Links mentioned
Super-Scratch Foundation - https://www.superscratchfoundation.org
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom interviews Shane Conroy, a GCSAA field staff representative, about his unconventional career path and his role as a field rep. They discuss the importance of getting involved in the industry and the various programs available for personal and professional development. They also touch on the role of Superintendents in encouraging their team members to engage in the industry and the rewarding aspects of the job. They discuss the challenges of promoting the industry and the importance of workforce development programs like apprenticeships. They also highlight the First Green program and its impact on changing perceptions of golf course management. The conversation highlights the importance of promoting the golf course industry and engaging with the local community. It emphasizes the need for Superintendents to be ambassadors for their facilities and share their stories. The discussion also touches on the growth and popularity of the golf industry, the increasing compensation for Superintendents, and the importance of professional development and education. The conversation concludes with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions.
Takeaways
Getting involved in the golf course management industry is important for personal and professional development.
Superintendents play a crucial role in encouraging their team members to engage in the industry and providing opportunities for growth.
Workforce development programs, such as apprenticeships, are essential for recruiting and developing talent in the industry.
The First Green program is an effective way to change perceptions of golf course management and promote the industry to students, teachers, and parents. Superintendents should promote themselves and their facilities to bridge the gap between the golf course industry and the local community.
The golf industry is growing and becoming more popular, providing exciting opportunities for superintendents and the industry as a whole.
Compensation for superintendents is increasing to reflect the dedication and passion they have for their facilities.
Professional development and education are crucial for personal and professional growth in the golf course industry.
Getting involved in associations and local chapters can provide valuable networking opportunities and enhance career development.
Soundbytes
"My hope is that anyone listening to this today will explore getting involved in the industry and engage in a variety of different programs."
"If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life."
"Superintendents have a big effect on the lives of their team members, both professionally and personally."
"I had no idea there was so much math, so much science, so much technology behind this profession."
"You're hopefully introducing them to a game that they can enjoy for the next 40, 50 years."
"You're reengaging with when you were at your formative years. Learning the game of golf, learning the industry."
Chapters
00:00: Introduction
01:25: The Importance of Industry Involvement and Professional Development
08:29: The Role of Superintendents in Encouraging Engagement
15:06: The Significance of Workforce Development Programs
22:33: Changing Perceptions through the First Green Program
25:57: Becoming Ambassadors for Golf Course Facilities
33:19: The Growing Popularity of the Golf Industry
35:08: Increasing Compensation for Superintendents
37:29: The Importance of Professional Development and Education
39:05: Getting Involved in Associations and Local Chapters
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the career journey of Jason Tharp, a golf course superintendent whose unconventional path led him from the music industry to one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country.
Career Journey: From Music to Turf
Jason Tharp’s story begins in Nashville, where he grew up surrounded by the music industry. After high school, he took jobs at local golf courses to make ends meet, all while exploring a career in recording arts. But it wasn’t long before he realized that his true passion lay outdoors. Seeking to blend his newfound love for golf course management with a formal education, Jason enrolled in Penn State’s online turf management program.
He quickly worked his way up in the golf industry, starting from mowing greens to becoming a superintendent in Miami and Atlanta. His career path took a significant leap when he recently accepted the superintendent role at the renowned Gulfstream Golf Club, solidifying his place among the top leaders in the industry.
Authenticity and Passion: Key to Career Advancement
One of the key lessons Jason emphasizes is the value of authenticity. In his words, "You can’t fake passion and authenticity in interviews—it comes through in your energy and presence.” This approach helped him stand out, where he leveraged his creativity, including using drone footage, to showcase his vision for the course.
Jason’s advice for career growth is rooted in the belief that you should "be the person now that you want to become." He encourages others to embrace hard work and maintain curiosity in every role they take on. His own career reflects this philosophy, as he continuously sought out opportunities to learn and grow, even when they required stepping outside of his comfort zone.
Leadership and Management: Balancing Vision with Compassion
As a superintendent, Jason's leadership style is defined by his ability to balance a clear vision with compassion for his staff. He believes that effective leadership comes from not only painting a strong vision for the team but also being open to their input and ideas.
Jason took on a dual role as general manager (GM) at one point to further grow his leadership skills. This experience taught him the importance of supporting expert staff and the value of clear communication. "You can't be an expert in everything right away," he explains, emphasizing that GMs must rely on the expertise of their department heads while ensuring alignment with the club’s overall goals.
He also stresses the importance of communicating the value of industry involvement to club members and committees, ensuring that the work of the superintendent and staff is fully understood and appreciated.
Soundbytes:
“You can’t fake passion and authenticity in interviews—it comes through in your energy and presence.” (17:07-18:00)
“Be selective and strategic about industry involvement, waiting 1-2 years in a new role before taking on significant association commitments. This ensures the right balance between their day job and outside responsibilities.” (47:22-48:00)
Quotes:
“In past interviews, I’ve tried to say the right things or do the right things, and I really wasn’t myself. This time, I was myself, and it took the pressure off.”
"Leadership is not just about managing the course; it's about communicating how our work benefits the club.”
“I’m all about coming in and being strong and painting a picture and a vision, but also being compassionate and listening to those that are around you.”
“What ideas do you have, what concerns do you have, what do you need to do your job at the highest level and I think that when you do that, then people get it and they're like, oh my gosh, this this guy or girl is not just here to point the finger and to rule over and to run people over.”
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tharp/
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the inspiring career journey of Alan FitzGerald, a golf course superintendent whose path has taken him from the emerald shores of Ireland to some of the world’s top golf courses. Alan shares his experiences growing up around golf courses, his early career at Mount Juliet resort, and his education at Penn State and Loch Lomond. His six-year tenure at Pine Valley and 19 years at Ledgerock prepared him for his current role at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, where he continues to innovate and lead in the field of golf course management.
Continuing Education and Innovation
Alan’s commitment to lifelong learning has been a cornerstone of his success. Earning his Master Greenkeeper certification stands as a key milestone in his career, symbolizing not just his expertise but his dedication to staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. This pursuit of excellence has driven him to embrace new tools and techniques that continually push the boundaries of golf course management.
One standout example is his early adoption of drone spraying technology. Recognizing the potential of drones, Alan integrated this cutting-edge tool to enhance precision and efficiency in maintaining course conditions. By leveraging technology to streamline operations, he has set a new standard for innovation in the industry.
Beyond specific tools, Alan emphasizes the importance of staying on top of industry trends. Whether implementing the latest agronomic techniques or exploring new methods for sustainable course management, his proactive approach ensures that he and his team remain leaders in their field.
Innovative Staffing Solutions
A forward thinker in staffing as well, Alan has found creative ways to address labor challenges while maintaining high standards on the course. His use of the H2B visa program has allowed him to bring in skilled international workers during peak seasons, a strategy that ensures quality and consistency in course management. At the same time, he has also tapped into the experience of retired staff, whose mentorship and practical knowledge have proven invaluable to his team’s success.
Alan doesn’t just rely on conventional methods to recruit and train staff. He is also a strong advocate of the First Green program, an initiative by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), which provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in environmental stewardship and golf course management. Through this program, Alan inspires the next generation of golf course professionals, while strengthening ties between the golf community and the public.
Industry Engagement and Community Impact
Alan’s involvement with The First Green program exemplifies his broader vision for the industry. By integrating students into the operations of his course, he fosters a deeper understanding of the environmental practices and career opportunities within golf course management. The program not only serves as a valuable educational tool, but also enhances public relations, showing how golf courses contribute positively to the community.
By engaging with the next generation of professionals and creating these meaningful connections, Alan helps bridge the gap between golf course operations and the broader community. His work in this area positions golf courses as community assets, showcasing their role in environmental stewardship and local engagement.
Alan FitzGerald’s career is a testament to the power of innovation, education, and community engagement. His dedication to adopting new technologies, developing sustainable staffing solutions, and inspiring the next generation continues to set him apart in the industry. As he moves forward in his role at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Alan’s forward-thinking approach ensures that he will remain a leader in golf course management for years to come.
Soundbytes:
"I think that was part of it, but it was a bit deflating for a while. Over the last 18 months, I applied for several jobs that I thought I could interview for, but I didn’t get any." 17:07-18:00
“On the flip side, I was pleasantly surprised by a few things. For example, at LedgeRock, where I built everything from scratch, I thought implementing agronomic practices would be much harder. But, to my surprise, it's been going well so far.” 25:23-25:30
Quotes:
"I think the interviews before I've tried to say the right things or do the right things, and I really wasn't myself. In this process, I was myself and in doing that, I took the pressure off myself somewhat."
"I think it's great to see younger kids getting excited about the First Green program. However, engaging teenagers has been more challenging than I expected. To keep them interested, it needs to be more than just educational; it must also be challenging and engaging."
"Although our total payroll is close to 40, we only have around 25 staff members here each day. The flexibility in scheduling has been excellent, with up to 16 to 18 people working on weekend mornings. Overall, the setup has worked really well for us."
“Leaving a long-term, comfortable position can be challenging, but exploring new opportunities can lead to personal and professional growth.”
“Continuously pursuing education and adopting new technologies can help you stay ahead of the curve and improve efficiency.”
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
The First Green - https://www.thefirstgreen.org/
Connect with Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alangfitzgerald/
In the latest episode of Leadership on the Links, we were thrilled to host Eric Schultz, whose career journey and industry insights provide valuable lessons for golf professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Eric Schultz’s journey and insights provide a wealth of inspiration for anyone in the golf industry. His emphasis on relationships, empathy, and collaboration, combined with his personal anecdotes, make for a compelling and insightful episode.
From Humble Beginnings to Prestigious Clubs
Eric Schultz’s career path is a testament to the unexpected twists that can lead to success. Growing up in Buffalo, NY, with no prior golfing background, Eric initially ventured into various sales and teaching roles. It wasn’t until he discovered his passion for the golf industry that his career truly took off. Eric shared how he navigated his way through the golf world, including stints at renowned clubs like Pine Valley, and ultimately found his role as the Director of Golf at Colleton River Club in South Carolina.
Eric described his pursuit of a role at Pine Valley where he wasn't actively pursuing the opportunity, but was recommended by the head pro at his club in Florida who had worked at Pine Valley previously. The interview process was informal - he was just told to wear a tie and if he got the job, he'd be the only one interviewing. Pine Valley saw something they liked in him despite his lack of experience.
His story is a reminder that sometimes, the journey to our true calling is filled with diverse experiences that shape who we become. Eric’s transition from a non-golfing background to a leadership role in the golf industry illustrates how passion and perseverance can pave the way to achieving one’s career aspirations.
The Power of Relationships in Golf
One of the standout themes from our conversation with Eric was the importance of building and nurturing relationships within the golf industry. Eric emphasized that strong, authentic connections with everyone from superintendents to assistants are crucial for success.
At Colleton River Club, Eric has worked diligently to create a warm, supportive environment. He believes in developing his team members and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, even if they eventually move on to new opportunities. This approach not only enhances team morale but also contributes to a positive and collaborative work atmosphere.
Eric focuses on consistency and routines like high performers do. He gives a lot of autonomy to his assistants to make decisions and fail, as long as they learn from it. He tries to understand their goals and enable them to move up in their careers, whether in golf or outside of it.
Handling Challenging Course Conditions
In a thought-provoking segment, Tyler presented a scenario where members were pressing the superintendent about less-than-ideal course conditions. Eric’s advice for handling such situations was grounded in empathy and open communication.
He highlighted the importance of understanding the concerns of all stakeholders and working collaboratively to address issues. Eric recommended a problem-solving approach that involves both the golf and agronomy teams, ensuring that solutions are effective and mutually agreeable.
Identify the source of the issues through open communication between golf and agronomy leaders. Clearly explain the reasons behind the problems to members. Develop an action plan and get member buy-in. Invest time to have in-person conversations to turn members into supporters.
Soundbytes:
"You've got a network of people that you can call on, you have this fraternity of people that you just want to be with and the best of the people that like yourself, you get jazzed up to talk to you you hang up the phone inspired to go to the next thing." 10:37-11:00
"The best professionals inherently have some of the softer skills early on. We can train the hard skills. The best that we hire have the ability to smile and have good soft skills, even if their hard skills are still developing." 33:22-3:50
"The movers and shakers all know each other one way or another. It’s all interconnected. The power of three: even if you impact one person, they know three others, and so on. The networking power in this industry is profound." 42:50 - 43:05
Quotes:
"Whether I was inspired to stay in it because I kept moving to the next spot, the responsibilities became more, and I spent time with people who I loved and with I loved."
"I think there's a lot of laziness around leadership and maybe part of the problem why we have a shortage or went through a period of shortage and people getting enrolled is because we weren't doing a good job encouraging people and nurturing talent."
"Building relationships is about finding common ground. Ask about their family, where they went to school. Spending time around the golf shop, asking for a golf lesson, and engaging in the game helps in building better relationships."
"The best superintendents and people on the agronomy side that I've seen that network with the golf professionals have some ability to play and fast forward that and say, you know, what does a general Saturday look like? Well, it's mow and go. Well, what does mow and go turn into mow and play with the nine hole, you know, the nine o'clock game and you did that once a month."
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schultz-3b687443/I
Courtney Trimble, a former college golf coach, shares her journey of starting a recruitment service for women in the golf industry. She saw a need to help college golfers transition into careers in the golf space and connect them with organizations looking to hire. She helps candidates find employment and provides career development opportunities.
Courtney emphasizes the unique skills that college golfers bring to organizations and aims to build their confidence and help them map out their career paths. She also highlights the importance of the relationship between golf course superintendents and players, as well as the hard work that goes into maintaining golf courses.
From College Golf Coach to Recruitment LeaderCourtney Trimble’s career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a college golf coach, Courtney developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes as they transition into their professional lives. This experience laid the foundation for her recruitment business, where she focuses on helping former college athletes find the right career paths.
Initially, her business primarily focused on matching candidates with employers, often leveraging the unique qualities and discipline of former athletes. However, Courtney’s vision for her business has expanded significantly, leading to the integration of new services and programs aimed at enhancing career development.
Evolving the Business: Career Development and EducationOne of the most exciting aspects of our discussion was Courtney’s announcement that her business is transitioning to include more comprehensive career development and education services for candidates. She recognizes that simply matching candidates with job opportunities is no longer enough in today’s competitive market. Candidates need guidance and resources to help them understand their fit for different roles and industries.
Courtney is particularly focused on providing a roadmap for candidates, enabling them to assess their strengths, align them with career opportunities, and ultimately find positions that are not only a good fit but also fulfilling. This approach reflects a growing trend in recruitment, where career development is becoming an integral part of the process, offering candidates long-term support and a clearer path to success.
Expanding Services: Virtual Career Fairs and Building a TeamTo support her expanded focus, Courtney has introduced virtual career fairs, providing candidates with more accessible platforms to connect with potential employers. This shift has allowed her to reach a broader audience and offer more dynamic opportunities for both candidates and employers.
Additionally, Courtney is in the process of building a team to further formalize and scale her career development programs. This move will not only enhance the services she offers but also ensure that candidates receive personalized support and resources tailored to their individual needs.
Soundbytes:
"For us, it's about giving people the confidence to recognize their strengths. We help them understand their interests, their background, and their degree—what they bring to the table—and remind them that organizations will teach them the specific skills they need. You don't have to have all the answers; you need the intangibles. That's what employers are looking for. They'll train you on the product or the organizational structure, but it's crucial to know where you fit and where to start."
"I've really enjoyed getting to know the turfgrass side of the golf business. I'm a huge fan not only of the people but also of the organizations involved. I've formed some great partnerships with those in agronomy and turfgrass, and I've discovered some amazing opportunities in that space. It's been fascinating to learn about this aspect of the industry."
Quotes:
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/
Fore Hire: https://www.forehireus.com/
Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-cipriano-434686a7/
The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.
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