Job Interview Cancel The title field is required!

1. Stephen Moffitt

   

   0 posts
   
   6/18/2012 6:06 PM

   I have my first Superintendent's interview on Wednesday and was wondering if anyone was willing to pass on some advice or insight. The opportunity is at a single owner golf course within gated community; the owner also owns and operates two other golf courses. I guess one of my questions is, has anyone else had the opportunity to work in a similar situation and if so what are the pro's and con's for this particular situation? Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.

   
   
   
   
2. Rosenthal Gregg

   
   6/18/2012 8:06 PM

   Be honest and open minded, do not be outside of the box. Owners want people who will work with and under them to get the job done within their budget and ideology. I have been there and done it before. Be truthful and do not go over the top! Be yourself and keep an open mind, this owner knows what he wants and expects from the one he expects to take care of the golf course, stay within a given budget and provide a quality of golfing conditions they expect, for members or customers. Tell the truth and good luck!
   
   Gregg R

   
   
   
   
3. Gary Carls

   

   20 posts
   
   6/19/2012 8:06 AM

   Do as much homework as you can regarding the course prior to the interview so you know their current conditions and have some thoughts in your head about what the potential is for the course. Things like knowing and understanding various turf types etc. that already exist there can be a big plus in understanding the challenges you may be facing. Be honest and focus on the positive attributes you can bring to the position.
   
   In the past I worked for a single owner and I found it to be mostly a positive experience. It was easy to get decisions made because the issue was raised and discussed with him and he simply could say yes or no. No committees or board to drag out the process. It can be especially rewarding if the owner has the resources to do things he wants to do to maintain or improve the course. Can also be challenging if the resources are limited. A smart owner will understand that making positive changes mean additional revenue for him down the road.
   
   Good luck!!

   
   Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative
   
   
4. Trevor Monreal

   

   5 posts
   
   6/20/2012 7:06 AM

   Good Luck!
   As others stated, do your homework and look at the budget...carefully.
   Superintendents are only as good as their budget.
   As a "grass farmer" (sorry if I offended anyone...not really) you will want to focus in on how you can improve conditions. However, it may be more impactful to focus in on any waste. Too much labor, fert/chem inventory, etc.
   Bottom line/return on investment is what they will want you to understand.
   If you want to aerify greens 4 times a year it will improve the putting surfaces but...the golfers may be playing golf down the street. NOT GOOD