In the Spotlight...

Sean Remington, Philadelphia Association of GCS president

Tell us a little bit about your background.  Where were you born, raised, etc?

I was born in Jamestown, NY and grew up in nearby Celoron. Lucille Ball and I are from the same hometown. Southwestern New York state is really a beautiful area to live if you don't mind lake effect snow in the winter. I have worked at my current position since March 2000. The best move I ever made was getting married to Jeannemarie. I tell everyone that I married up, and it really is the truth. We have two beautiful daughters, Ashley – six years old and Alyssa – four years old. Of course there is never enough time for family, but family time is the best and most important part of my day.

How did you get started in the golf industry?

About my junior year in high school, I learned about the golf course management (GCM) program at the University of Maryland. My aunt Alice worked at the university, and my cousin was in the GCM program. I got the information, and was signed up to attend in the fall of 1982. It was an easy move for me, as I had family that lived in Maryland. It just seemed like a natural thing for me to do. I loved the game and I wanted to stay connected to it in some way. I was very sure that I could not make a living playing golf, and becoming a superintendent just made good sense.

Why did you get involved with your local chapter?

I got involved with my local chapter because I was lucky enough to work for George Renault III, CGCS. George made it very easy for me to attend meetings and educational conferences while I was his assistant. He also led by example, as he was involved with the Greater Washington and Mid-Atlantic chapters and GCSAA during the years that I worked for him. George always felt that it was very important to give something back and do something to make things better for those coming along behind you. Through my own involvement with the same chapters, and now the PAGCS, I have come to understand the importance of that attitude. I also understand that I have gotten more from my efforts than I ever expected. You meet so many great people and you grow as a person in so many ways when you volunteer your time. It is very rewarding.

Why volunteer as a leader?

Being a leader of any association was never my goal. I got involved because I wanted to help and make things better. Without the efforts of people before me, I would not be able to work in such a great profession as I do today. So, I guess if you hang around enough, you get promoted or moved into a position of leading! Again, it was never my objective, and I would be very happy to work as a director only. However, one of the great benefits of leading a chapter is that it helps you to grow in ways you may have never thought possible. I think that any work a superintendent does for his chapter does benefit his employer. You can't help but be better prepared for your job following the experiences you gain from your chapter work.

What does the Philadelphia Association of GCS do well as a chapter?  What is it proud of?

The PAGCS is very proud of its history and some of the outstanding members we have had over the years. The first meeting of the PAGCS was September 14, 1925. Our list of past presidents includes pillars of our association as well as GCSAA. Joseph Valentine, Warren Bidwell, Eberhard Steiniger, Richard Valentine, John Segui, CGCS and Edward Roynan are but a few of the gentlemen that have worked hard to improve the PAGCS and GCSAA. The PAGCS is proud to present the Eb Steiniger Award as our highest honor. Past recipients of the Steiniger Award include: Joseph Duich, Stanley Zontek, Frank Shuman and Michael Smith, CGCS.

We have an ongoing scholarship program that aids turfgrass students from our area each year. The PAGCS partners with the George Ley Co. and Mr. Frank Schuman. Without the support of these great organizations, the scholarship program would not be as meaningful as it is.

The PAGCS has a history of pulling together to help its own. There have been several benefit meetings held over the years to support our fellow members in their time of need. I think all PAGCS members are proud of this.

Those are the broad strokes, and there probably isn't time to really talk about everything that makes the PAGCS a proud organization. I can tell you that it is a great group of individuals and everyone has always gone out of their way to make me feel welcome.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.