Reel Turf Techs Podcast

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Welcome to Episode 137 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast. Today, we’re talking to Anthony Donofrio, Equipment Manager at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, BC. Marine Drive is an 18-hole private club where Anthony leads a team consisting of one full-time technician and one part-time grind technician.

The club primarily uses Toro mowers but is introducing new Baroness mowers this year. Their equipment lineup also includes Club Car utility vehicles and Kubota tractors. Anthony's journey in the golf industry began as a summer crew member while studying criminology. Over time, he worked his way up from technician to equipment manager, gaining valuable experience along the way.

In this episode, Anthony discusses the advantages of having a hydraulic press in the shop and how it helps reduce equipment downtime. He also shares the value of regular friendship check-ins to start the weekend on a positive note and tackle weekend projects together. Shop space and setup can present challenges, and Anthony explains how he has adapted to those constraints.

As expectations for quality of cut continue to evolve, Anthony highlights the importance of reel maintenance education, especially for those transitioning into turf equipment management from other careers. He also emphasizes the wealth of opportunities and resources available in the industry and the role that strong mentorship plays in helping technicians grow and succeed.

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On this special episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, we welcome a true icon in the turf industry, Jim Nedin. With an incredible 62 years of experience, Jim’s journey began at the age of 9, working in a lawnmower shop, and has grown into an extraordinary career filled with innovation, education, and expertise.

From his first golf course job at 12 maintaining golf carts and keeping records on index cards to earning degrees in engineering and business, Jim's story is one of perseverance and passion. His career has spanned roles as a superintendent, a service manager for a Toro distributor, and now, as a consultant and teacher shaping the next generation of turf professionals.

Join us for a fascinating look back at six decades of golf course equipment management, as Jim shares unparalleled insights on cutting unit maintenance, reel design, precision turf management, and the art of staying ahead in a constantly evolving field. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Let’s get reel with Jim Nedin!

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In this episode, we chat with Ron McCall, Equipment Manager at The Highlands at Harbor Springs Resort, home to 81 holes of golf. With over 40 years in the industry, Ron shares his inspiring journey from owning a lawn care company to becoming a self-taught expert technician and advocate for veterans in golf.
Ron recounts how a health setback led him to start walking greens as a groundskeeper, sparking his fascination with equipment maintenance after a bedknife revelation. A United States Air Force veteran, Ron emphasizes the value of camaraderie, proactive communication, and fostering a welcoming shop atmosphere.
We also explore:
The transition from superintendent and irrigation tech back to the shop.
The benefits of playing golf to understand its impact on the course.
Building a strong network of superintendents, equipment managers, and distributors in Michigan.
The importance of record-keeping and relationship-building.
Advocacy for turf technician education and veteran employment through Ron’s initiative, hireavet4golf.org.
Ron’s story is a testament to his passion for learning and the power of connection in the turf industry. Tune in to be inspired! 

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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 134! Today, we’re chatting with Zach Spence, Equipment Manager at The Landings Golf and Athletic Club in Savannah, GA. The Landings features six championship courses, and Zach oversees equipment for the Palmetto and Terrapin Point layouts.

Zach shares his journey from tinkering in Florida to managing a fleet in Georgia, where he’s transitioning from aged Toro equipment to a new John Deere lease. Tune in as we discuss the value of schematics for all techs, the crucial role of safety switches (never bypass them!), and why taking your time is key to success in this field.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

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In this episode, we chat with Alex Tessman, Equipment Manager at Sheep Ranch Golf Course, part of the renowned Bandon Dunes Resort in Bandon, OR. Sheep Ranch is a public 18-hole championship course, and Alex is one of nine techs maintaining the resort’s seven courses.

Alex’s journey started as a high schooler raking bunkers at Pacific Dunes before transitioning to the technician side. He shares insights into advancements in cutting unit technology and his unique hobbies, including working with carnivorous plants and creating custom CNC projects for the course.

Alex also reflects on his first experience at the GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in Phoenix, highlighting the growth of equipment manager classes and the exciting opportunities ahead for San Diego 2025. Tune in for a deep dive into continuing education, EM networking, and the passion that drives success in the turf industry.

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Join Chad Kintzer, Justin King, Jake Teeter, Bryan Epland, CTEM, Moe Rateb, and host Trent Manning as they recap the highlights of the 2024 Carolinas Conference and Tradeshow and TETAC annual education events. From the latest equipment advancements to top-notch education sessions, our guests share their takeaways, including insights on autonomous and remote-control mowing technology.

Learn how CTEM attesting prep can help your facility get ready for a voluntary OSHA mock inspection. Hear why regional shows like Myrtle Beach’s Carolinas Conference are a must-attend for networking, learning, and reconnecting with your newest old friends.

Get inspired to make the trip to a local, regional or national event for education, camaraderie, and fun!

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In this episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, we chat with Ben Herberger, Equipment Manager at Shooting Star Golf Club in Teton Village, WY. Ben, the lone technician overseeing a fleet of Toro equipment, shares his journey and valuable insights from his career.

Hailing from a family deeply connected to golf course maintenance—his great-grandfather was a superintendent—Ben grew up immersed in the industry. He first learned to turn wrenches at 18 while fixing his motorcycle, a skill that eventually led him to a role as a Toro distributor tech before moving to Central Oregon and later Jackson Hole.

Ben and Trent explore how the superintendent’s approach and leadership style can profoundly shape an equipment manager’s day-to-day experience. They discuss the relational aspects of the job, the importance of fostering a positive work environment, and the introspection needed to determine the “price” of happiness at work—how to cultivate it and when to consider moving on. Ben also reflects on the satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of technicians and the joy it brings.

Away from the shop, Ben embraces life as a dad to a two-year-old, enjoys fly fishing, running, and working on his hot rod Ford. Join us for an engaging and thoughtful conversation about finding balance and purpose in the turf industry!

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Welcome to Episode 130 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast!

Today, we’re joined by Micah Woods from the Asian Turfgrass Center and PACE Turf. Since establishing the Asian Turfgrass Center in 2006, Micah has been a leading source of turfgrass research and insights for the golf and sports turf industry.

In this episode, Trent and Micah discuss how technology—especially autonomous tech—could be a game-changer for attracting new talent to the field and elevating operator training. Micah dives into the science behind clipping yield and clipping volume, sharing why it’s crucial to understand these metrics and how his own interest in the topic developed. The conversation also covers the evolution of Micah’s teachings on sand and organic matter, emphasizing the importance of using all available resources and testing. They talk shop on cutting unit setup, the significance of accurate terminology, and why a well-equipped workspace is essential for meeting club standards.

Micah even turns the tables, asking Trent about the daily realities of maintaining equipment on the course. Tune in for a fresh perspective on turfgrass management, science, and the practicalities of course upkeep!

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In Episode 129 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Deering to hear about his journey into the turf industry. Ryan shares his roots in small engine repair, learning the trade while working with his grandfather in their family-owned equipment shop, where no two days were ever the same—whether fixing hovercrafts or steamrollers. Ryan discusses his time at Home Depot, climbing the corporate ladder, and developing valuable management skills, before making the leap into the golf industry. Ryan recounts the humorous yet humbling moment during his first interview at a golf course when he unintentionally insulted the superintendent by complimenting the "camouflage" look of the fairways. Tune in for a story filled with hands-on mechanical knowledge, career pivots, and Ryan's unique perspective on the world of turf maintenance.

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In this episode of Reel Turf Techs, we sit down with Kevin Kline, an equipment manager who has had quite the journey into the turf industry. Kevin shares how he started in the turf program at Ohio State University ATI, but his path took a detour as he ventured into electrical work and later became the director of facilities at a community college in Ohio. Years later, an unexpected job ad led him back to the golf course, where he now manages over 300 pieces of equipment at a private 38-hole facility.

Kevin discusses his love for golf, averaging 110-150 rounds a year, and how that passion for the game ultimately guided him back to the golf industry. He also highlights his goal to connect with members through weekly rounds and a league he set up for the Green staff. Tune in to hear Kevin’s unique journey, his thoughts on balancing work with his passion for golf, and how he brings his experience from multiple industries into his current role.

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