 Tell us a little about your background. Where you were born, raised, etc
I was born and raised in Colorado, about 30 miles east of Ft. Collins, in a town by the name of Eaton. I have two daughters. Hannah is 9 and Laurel is 7, and my wife Amanda and I are expecting a child in July.
How did you get started in the golf course superintendent profession?
I began my golf maintenance career in high school working summers at the Eaton Country Club. Many of the things that drew me to the job are still my favorite things about the profession. This includes working outside, being involved with the game of golf, enjoying a great environment in which to spend my days, and the people.
I have spent most of my career working in Colorado, with the exception of two years in Northern California as an assistant. I have been very fortunate. Colorado is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
Why did you join the Rocky Mountain GCSA (RMGCSA)?
I joined the RMGCSA as a student at Colorado State University. I was looking for a job, and the employment referral service of both the RMGCSA and GCSAA were a great help.
Why take a leadership role with the RMGCSA?
I was completing my service as president of our local Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association Board of Directors when I was approached by a past president of RMGCSA and asked if I had any interest in serving on the RMGCSA Board of Directors. I was in a position with my job where I am able to devote time to volunteerism and industry service. My boss is very active in local and national organizations and has been an advocate for me to do the same. I was excited about the things the local chapter was doing, and about the caliber of directors that have served in the past. It has been a very positive experience.
What have been the benefits to you and your facility in becoming a leader?
I think the benefits for my service have been numerous for me and my facility. I have learned how to more effectively delegate, my time management skills have improved, and I am more effective at prioritizing tasks. My people skills have improved due to interaction with members, my public speaking skills are better, and my “emergency help” network for the course has increased dramatically with my new relationships. My facility, Boomerang Golf Links in Greeley, Colo., has garnered local attention and recognition; we have implemented new ways of doing some of our tasks by things I have learned from other members. Finally, the facility is featured in many more publications due to the RMGCSA public relations campaign, and many other benefits.
What is your favorite program or service provided by the RMGCSA?
My favorite service the RMGCSA offers is our directory. We update the directory each year and have made some significant improvements in the past couple of years. I like to have so much knowledge, support, and experience at my fingertips. I know if I have a problem I have a source for a solution in that book!
Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.
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