Reel Turf Techs Podcast

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Welcome back to Episode 118 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Two years after our first conversation with Skip Heinz, CTEM, Equipment and Facilities Manager at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, FL, we're diving deep into everything we missed the first time and exploring the state of the turf equipment management industry over his impressive 35-year tenure in golf.

Royal Poinciana Golf Club, a 36-hole golfing facility boasting tennis, pickleball, swimming, and various social activities, serves as the backdrop for Skip's reflections.

With four technicians in the shop and three in the facility maintenance department, Skip typically operates as the lone tech, occasionally receiving assistance from the crew. All his mowing equipment is Toro, complemented by a mix of allied equipment.

In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including how the industry has evolved, management styles, the essence of true leadership qualities (hint: shaming isn't one of them), and the critical importance of valuing employees in a challenging labor market.

Join us as we discuss the 7-day workweek culture for golf course technicians, the increasing role of cutting-edge technology in equipment management (hello, autonomous mowers!), and the environmental impact of battery technology.

And don't miss out on Skip's most important life lesson learned through his years of experience in the industry. It's an episode filled with wisdom, insights, and a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of turf equipment management on the Reel Turf Techs Podcast!

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Welcome to Episode 117 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today, we're joined by Nate Lyon, the equipment manager at The Club at Indian Creek in Elkhorn, NE. Indian Creek, a public 27-hole facility and the proud host of the Korn Ferry Tour's Pinnacle Bank Championship, is the latest stop on Nate’s path through the turf industry.

As the only full-time tech through the growing season, Nate navigates the challenges of turf management with skill and dedication, supported by an off-season assistant from the crew.

A US Air Force veteran with experience as a jet engine back shop mechanic for the B1 bomber, Nate's path led him from auto mechanic roles at Dodge and Chevy dealerships to lawn care before finding his true calling in turf management. Starting on the superintendent path and rising to first assistant, Nate honed his skills across different grasses in Florida, Colorado, and Texas before rediscovering his passion for wrenching in and landing in Nebraska.

Join us as Nate shares insights into the friendly and welcoming turf community in the Heartland and bonds with Trent over their shared love of casters and disdain for avoidable repairs. In his free time, Nate enjoys the simple pleasures of life, from mowing his acreage with his wife to catching a NASCAR race and tinkering with his CNC plasma table.

Get ready for an in-depth discussion on the challenges of learning Fusion 360 and a behind-the-scenes look at tournament prep for the Korn Ferry Tour. It's an episode packed with stories, insights, and a deep dive into the world of turf management with Nate Lyon on the Reel Turf Techs Podcast.

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Welcome to Episode 116 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! We’re diving into the whirlwind journey of Brian Harper, Equipment Manager at Pendleton Golf Club in Fredericksburg, VA. Pendleton, an 18-hole public facility, serves as the backdrop for Brian's unique story.

Get ready for a tale straight out of an 80s movie as Brian takes us from life on the road with a rock band to delivering furniture and mixing drinks in the Florida Keys. But Brian flipped the script, choosing early mornings and sunrises over late nights and neon lights.

Starting as an irrigation tech and assistant superintendent, Brian had his "aha" moment when he realized the mechanic avoided weekend work – a revelation that led him to his true calling and the freedom to spend more time with his wife, son and daughter and time to pursue his creative passions.

Join us for a lively discussion on managing parts budgets, the importance of the turf technician community, and the intriguing discoveries spotted on trail cams around the course.

In his downtime, Brian enjoys making music, fly fishing, and even squeezing in some bass fishing over his lunch break. And don't miss his latest outlet – stand-up comedy!

Tune in as Brian shares insights into operator training and the secrets to his success in the turf industry. It's an episode packed with laughter, connection, inspiration, and a touch of nostalgia. 

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Welcome to Episode 115 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Meet Brian Knoche, the Equipment Manager at Lost Rail Golf Club in Gretna, NE. Lost Rail, a private 18-hole par 71 designed by Scott Hoffman, sets the stage for Brian's unique journey in turf management. Leaving behind his parents' vision of him becoming an electrician, Brian found his true calling in mechanics, driven by his admiration for the precision work on a reel mower.

As the lone tech in the shop, Brian, originally a Connecticut native, shares his transition from bunker raking and mowing greens to becoming a pivotal part of the shop's weekend respite for the mechanic. After a stint on the OEM side, Brian returned to the shop, and he hasn't looked back since.

Discover the impact of assisting the crew during winter, providing Brian with a close-up look at the fine details that make up agronomy practices, enhancing his skills as an EM. Brian, a rare EM who golfs in his free time, offers a valuable perspective on the quality of cut from the golfer's point of view. Tune in to hear about the tight-knit community of technicians in Nebraska and the profound impact of a patient mentor on Brian's love for the job.

Join Trent and Brian as they explore what makes Lost Rail Golf Club special – from its rolling terrain and beautiful vistas to the pride of ownership and that indescribable magic that some properties just possess. Learn what it was like for Brian to join the Lost Rail team during the grow-in stage without a completed shop or even a parking lot.

It's a fun episode filled with insights, stories, and the unique charm of Lost Rail Golf Club.

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Live from the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix, Episode 114 brings you a dynamic lineup featuring 8 great guests including several Melrose Equipment Manager Experience alumni. Join our host as he explores the week's highlights, covering education, trade show discoveries, interactive facility tours, networking, and cutting-edge products.

In this lively episode, Trent sits down with:

🛠️ Jagger Maddock, assistant technician at JR Wilson’s shop in Noyac, sharing insights into starting his career and education in turf equipment through vocational school, on-the-job training, and GCSAA continuing education.

🔧 JR Wilson, CTEM, of Noyac Golf Club, highlighting the week's key moments and sharing great tech ideas from his class with Cory Phillips.

🌐 John Borsos, offering perspective as a Melrose Equipment Management Experience alumni.

🔍 Brian Harper, Equipment Manager at Pendleton Golf Club and Melrose EM Experience alum, expressing his excitement about learning and applying new technology in the shop.

⚙️ Chris Hyman, Equipment Manager at Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Victor, NY, discussing his journey towards CTEM.

📚 Chris Whittaker, CTEM, Equipment Manager at The Winston Club in Calgary, Alberta, providing insights into the learning process when preparing to teach a class and sharing his experience as a first-time presenter at CTS.

💡 Jordan Roth, CTEM, Equipment Manager at Champions Run in Omaha, NE, offering a valuable framework for thinking about electrical vs. mechanical troubleshooting.

🔩 Brack Crouch, CTEM, Equipment Manager at Talisker Club at Tuhaye, shares his excitement over mind-blowing information exchanged on the trade show floor and extends a heartfelt offer to help those new to this incredible industry.

Tune in for a jam-packed episode filled with industry insights, tech tips, and the contagious enthusiasm of the turf community! 

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Welcome to Episode 113 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today, we're in conversation with Tyler Barrett, the Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Foley Company, based out of South Florida.

Tyler's journey is a dynamic one, starting at the age of 16 lugging bags and cleaning clubs at his local golf course. Formerly the Equipment Manager at Duran, Floridian National, and Country Club of Orlando, Tyler faced a pivotal choice between his passion for aviation and golf. He found his niche in the shop, drawn to the problem-solving and variety that comes with being an Equipment Manager.

From his time at a high-end private club to serving as a road technician for a Jacobsen dealer and his current dream job with Foley, Tyler shares the insights gained from manufacturer service schools and an unexpectedly delicious path to finding balance. Get ready to discover the unique perspective of a presidential visit at a golf course and much more.

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Welcome to Episode 112 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of turf management with Andy White, Equipment Manager at Bluemound Golf and Country Club in Wauwatosa, WI.

Bluemound, a private 18-hole gem, serves as Andy's playground, where he operates as the lone tech in the shop, occasionally joined by the crew for some extra hands.

Andy's journey is a unique one, blending his long-time background as a carpenter and logistics expert at FedEx into the dynamic realm of the golf shop. But don't let the seeming disparity fool you – Andy's early days spent tinkering with his dad and teeing off with his brothers set the stage for his seamless transition into the world of golf course mechanics. And hey, his welding skills didn't hurt either!

In this episode, discover the tools that Andy always has by his side, explore his diverse taste in guitar playing, and unravel the challenges he faced during his swift rise from assistant technician to Equipment Manager in just four months. Plus, get the inside scoop on Andy's role in hosting the Wisconsin EM meeting at his shop this month.

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Welcome to Episode 111 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! We’re in conversation with Jeff Lumaquin, the Equipment Manager at the California Golf Club of San Francisco.

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of maintaining this private 18-hole gem nestled on 200 acres in the picturesque Bay Area. Jeff, a father of five and a veteran of the United States Air Force, gives us a peek into his world, sharing insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing equipment for a top-notch golf course.

With a seasonal assistant and a fleet dominated by Toro equipment, Jeff's journey takes us from the high-flying days as a crew chief on an F16 to the ground-level impact of irrigation system updates on height of cut. Get ready for a deep dive into the intricacies of time management, the theory of operation's impact on workflow, and the looming challenges posed by upcoming regulations in California.

Jeff's passion extends beyond the golf course, delving into his love for restoring classic muscle cars and playing the crucial role of logistics coordinator for his wife's baking business.

It's an episode that combines the thrill of military aviation, the precision of turf management, and the sweetness of family and hobbies. Tune in for a great chat with Jeff on the Reel Turf Techs Podcast.

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Welcome to Episode 110 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Mark Thomas, Equipment Manager at the Country Club of Lincoln in Nebraska.

Mark's been the lone tech in the shop for an impressive 15 years at this 18-hole private club established in 1903. From starting on the golf course as a teenager to becoming a John Deere mobile service technician, Mark's journey is as intriguing as it gets.

We chat about the challenges of handling seasonal labor, and the unexpected joys found in the simplicity of a small hammer. Mark, a father of four, shares poignant reflections on the fleeting nature of time with kids and the importance of creating a supportive work environment.

Amidst the golf tech talk, Mark drops some insider tips, including a tine storage idea that wowed our host Trent during a visit to Nebraska. 

The conversation takes a personal turn as Mark opens up about a tough period in his life, discussing the transformative power of therapy, medication, positive self-talk, and open communication with loved ones.

Join us for a insightful episode, packed with wisdom, laughter, and a touch of vulnerability that makes the Reel Turf Techs Podcast a must-listen for turf enthusiasts!

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Join us in Episode 109 as we chat with Michael Henderson, the Equipment Manager at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA. 

Michael, the sole tech in the shop, manages a predominantly Toro equipment arsenal. In this episode, he takes us behind the scenes, sharing insights into tournament preparation at Pebble Beach from the equipment manager's perspective.

Beyond the shop, Michael reflects on his unique journey from being a former squid boat commercial fisherman to landing a pivotal role at one of the golf industry's pinnacle locations. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected turns that led him from difficult times in his past to his current role as an integral part of the team shaping the iconic Pebble Beach landscape.

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