By Trent Manning
5
2020 ratings
The podcast currently has 151 episodes available.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 127 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today, we’re chatting with John Michael Clark, Equipment Manager at Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL—though, at the time of recording, he was at McLemore Golf Club in Georgia.
Join Trent and John Michael as they dive into everything but college football! John Michael shares how he stumbled into turf management, earning a degree from Mississippi State and transitioning from checking reels to running the shop full-time. They explore the challenges of training a crew from scratch, the year-round demands of Florida’s golf industry, the power of intentional communication, and the precision of a granite plate. Plus, they touch on the unique trials of managing a mountain course, like fog and rocks. Don’t miss this insightful episode as we anticipate John Michael’s next exciting chapter.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 126 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! This week, we're honored to chat with Jerry Goman, Senior Principal Design Engineer at The Toro Company, who recently retired after an impressive 39-year career. Jerry's journey began on a dairy farm, leading to dual degrees in agricultural and mechanical engineering, and ultimately to a pivotal role at Toro. Over the years, Jerry worked on numerous product lines, with a significant focus on greens mowers. In this episode, we dive deep into the design and engineering of cutting units, exploring topics like rifling, blade pass frequency, the development of DPA and EdgeSeries reels, bedknives, and more. If you're into the technical details of turfgrass equipment, this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with one of the industry's greats.
Send us a text
Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 125! Today, we’re chatting with Robert Smith, Equipment Manager at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA. Merion is a private 36-hole facility with two shops and a rich history of hosting five U.S. Opens. Robert oversees a team of two full-time mechanics and one part-time assistant.
Golf runs deep in Robert's family, with a father who worked as a part-time golf cart mechanic and a mother employed in the pro shop of their local course. Uniquely, Robert knew he wanted to be a golf course mechanic as a teenager and pursued a combined ag/golf program to make it his career. Outside of work, Robert enjoys quality time with his wife and two daughters, fishing, and quiet time at home.
In this episode, Robert shares the challenges of training in all aspects of golf course maintenance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual learning styles. He offers wisdom on the value of patience and the usefulness of note-taking when diagnosing equipment issues along with insight on the internship program at his facility. Robert and Trent also bond over their admiration for outdoorsman Dick Proenneke and the fun of volunteering at tournaments. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice and shared passions.
Send us a text
Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 124!
Today, we’re joined by Paul MacCormack, Golf Course Superintendent and General Manager at Fox Meadow Golf Course on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fox Meadow, a public 18-hole course designed by Rob Heaslip, is where Paul, also known as the Mindful Superintendent, has been blogging for 12 years on TurfNet, promoting mindfulness in golf course maintenance. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and international speaker, Paul brings invaluable insights to our discussion.
Returning to the podcast is Wyatt Harris, equipment technician at the Four Seasons Golf and Sport Club in Orlando, Florida. Wyatt, a self-described Florida Man and OCD lawnmower mechanic, first appeared on Episode 23 and in a bonus episode in our Mental Health Series. With his background as the son of a golf course superintendent and a year of daily meditation practice, Wyatt shares how mindfulness meditation has improved his mental health, work efficiency, and family life.
In this episode, Trent, Paul, and Wyatt dive deep into the benefits of mindfulness meditation and debunk myths, including the idea that meditation conflicts with religious practices. They cover essential concepts like self-awareness, interconnectedness, and observing patterns without judgment. The discussion highlights how these practices reduce suffering, enhance leadership, and improve our ability to care for others and ourselves.
Trent shares his own aha moments from ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) meetings, illustrating the power of realizing that our thoughts do not define us. This awareness helps reduce reactivity and gives us the space to respond thoughtfully. They also explore the practical benefits of taking more pauses in a busy day and understanding that our roles in life do not define who we are.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation on mindfulness, leadership, and the transformative power of meditation in both personal and professional life.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 123 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today we’re talking to Haas Mengloi, CTEM, Equipment Manager at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, FL. The Bear’s Club, a private 18-hole club, is Jack Nicklaus’s home club when he's in Jupiter.
Young Haas initially planned on being a school teacher, attending the University of Guam before moving to Florida and earning certificates as a marine mechanic. Haas found his new home and a long and successful career at the golf course. When not at work, Haas is an avid hunter and fisherman.
In this episode, Haas shares the value of patience, humor, and letting things go in training technicians, and emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time. We have a great discussion about how book smarts aren't the only type of intelligence that matters in the world. Haas also stresses the importance of taking care of your hearing from day one.
Haas recounts his story of cold-calling area superintendents to start an equipment technician association in Palm Beach County and highlights the importance of local networking for support systems and salary awareness.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Haas on this episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast!
Send us a text
Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 120! Today, we’re talking to Sam Baldea, Equipment Manager at TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. TPC San Antonio is a private 36-hole facility, hosting the Valero Texas Open on the Oaks course and supporting Champions and Korn Ferry Tour events on the Canyons course.
Sam leads a team of two Equipment Technicians and a Preventative Maintenance Technician, primarily using John Deere equipment. Coming from a mechanical family, Sam initially pursued a career as a brick mason before receiving an offer to work with landscape equipment. What started as a “temporary” job at a golf course in Virginia turned into an outstanding career in turf management.
With a love for golf and the support of his resume coach (his wife!), Sam joined TPC Potomac before moving to TPC San Antonio. He was quickly impressed by the friendly community and excellent food in Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Sam provides an inside look at tournament preparation for the Valero Texas Open, emphasizes the importance of accurate gauges, and highlights the value of tournament volunteering.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 121 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today we’re chatting with Jody Farber, West Coast Regional Territory Manager for the Foley Company. Jody supports Foley grinders and Air2G2 aerifiers, bringing a wealth of real-world experience to the table.
Jody's journey began with an enjoyment of golf in high school, leading him to Lake City Community College on a friend's recommendation. Loving the outdoors and hands-on work, Jody started his career as a new equipment setup technician for a Toro dealer.
Join Trent and Jody as they delve into the world of grinders, the intricacies of mastering electrical systems, and the challenges of member feedback. Jody shares his secret hack for making golf more relaxing and the value of different perspectives in the industry.
The conversation goes deep into cutting units, the significance of repetition in training, and even an unexpected detour into…jerky? Tune in for an engaging episode filled with insights, tips, and a bit of fun!
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 120 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Join us for an episode of Frankly Speaking, as host Frank Rossi, Ph.D. sits down with our own Trent Manning, (CTEM), to discuss the intricacies and evolution of turf equipment management.
The conversation spans the role of technology in turf management, effective communication, and professional development opportunities for young people entering the field.
Listen in as Trent and Frank explore the dynamics between equipment managers and superintendents, tackle the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology, and break down the critical aspects of reel theory and bed knife attitudes. They also discuss the implications of market consolidation among turf equipment manufacturers and its impact on innovation and costs.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation hosted by industry legend Frank Rossi.
Send us a text
Welcome to Episode 119 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! 🎙️ Today, we're chatting with Terry Appel, Equipment Manager at Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, PA. Founded in 1900, Overbrook Golf Club boasts a rich history as an 18-hole private club.
Typically accompanied by one assistant in the shop (though currently on the lookout for a new addition), Terry primarily manages a fleet consisting of John Deere equipment with a sprinkle of Toro.
Terry's journey into the turf management world began at the tender age of four, where he learned early lessons about where to draw on the golf course (not the carts!). From placing scorecards and pencils to navigating the maintenance crew, Terry's passion for golf and mechanics eventually led him to SUNY Delhi for his bachelor’s degree and a start down the superintendent track. With experience in golf course construction and renovation, including projects at historic Oakmont Country Club, Terry found his niche in the shop beginning as an assistant mechanic and never looked back.
Outside of work, you'll find Terry exploring the great outdoors through hiking, camping, or hitting the gym for a good workout.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of optimizing preventative maintenance programs, the quirky things found upside down on golf courses, the intricacies of backlapping, and the delights of zoysiagrass. Terry and Trent also explore the historic maintenance facility at Overbrook Golf Club and the importance of prioritization in a job where ‘emergencies’ abound. Plus, don't miss out on some of Terry's coolest fabrication projects!
Send us a text
The podcast currently has 151 episodes available.
32,092 Listeners
33 Listeners
1,293 Listeners
10,400 Listeners
385 Listeners
816 Listeners
1,625 Listeners
84 Listeners
93 Listeners
1,404 Listeners
16 Listeners
13 Listeners
13 Listeners
29 Listeners
302 Listeners