Leadership on the Links

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Scott Pavalko, the Superintendent at Castle Pines Golf Club, as he shares his journey from his early days in Ohio to leading at iconic courses like Muirfield Village and Cog Hill. Scott discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to Castle Pines, managing turf in diverse climates, and his commitment to continuous improvement in golf course management. Scott offers valuable lessons on leadership, focusing on the importance of adaptability, resilience, and relationship-building. He reflects on his own leadership evolution and how mentorship, strategic decision-making, and clear communication have been integral to his success. You’ll also hear about the balance of managing high expectations from both staff and members, while prioritizing family and work-life balance. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: * Turf Management Strategies: Key considerations for navigating climate challenges and managing turf in different environments. * Continued Growth: The significance of ongoing learning and making incremental improvements to elevate the member experience. * Being Adaptable: How to lead through change, adapt to new challenges, and manage high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence. * Leadership Evolution: The role of mentorship, relationship-building, and strategic thinking in long-term career success. * Work-Life Balance: Insights into managing a demanding career while maintaining resilience and prioritizing family life. Soundbytes: "I was very naive as to kind of what the turf industry was." (5:21 - 5:25) "My dad's saying was, you kill him with kindness, and that was kind of his motif."  (40:01) Quotes: "I think it's just listening and being willing to learn. Not everything's the same, but the fundamentals are." "I think it's just the way I'm wired and it's what I love about the job is just always trying to find ways to get better. And then if we can't find ways to get better, then let's try to find ways to keep doing what we're doing more efficiently or find ways to just give people better balance in life or whatever it may be." "He's the Michael Jordan of Superintendents, and he's the most humble person you will find." "I could not be more proud of how these guys responded and it was really incredible to see. It wasn't without its hiccups. I mean, everybody invested a lot of time and probably some of them to the detriment of their personal life, the sacrifice that was put forth to put this tournament on. Which happens every week on the PGA Tour." Links Mentioned in this Podcast: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ [https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/] Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pavalko-310a8989/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pavalko-310a8989/]

In this episode, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Bill Langley, the General Manager of The Club at Quail Ridge, to discuss Langley's extensive career in the club management industry. Langley shares his journey, from opening and transitioning clubs to managing large-scale resort and development projects over the past 30 years.  Langley emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and camaraderie within the club management community. He shares insights on effectively managing up (with the board), down (with department heads), and across (with other directors) to align the team and drive success. The conversation also covers Langley's strategies for engaging with golf course superintendents and committees, including the value of hands-on site visits and a calm, rational approach to navigating high-stress situations. Langley stresses the need for superintendents to develop strong presentation and communication skills to effectively advocate for their needs. Throughout the discussion, Langley's passion for the club management industry shines through, as he reflects on the unique opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth that the field provides. His advice to his younger self and others aspiring to leadership roles underscores the importance of maintaining composure, building connections, and embracing the dynamic nature of the business. This episode offers valuable insights for club managers, superintendents, and anyone interested in the inner workings and camaraderie of the private club industry. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: * How to attract young professionals: Engaging and retaining young professionals in the club industry is a challenge that requires initiatives like meet and greets, continuing education, work-life balance, stability, and benefits are important factors in attracting and retaining talent. * General managers play a crucial role in managing up, down, and sideways, and effective communication is key. * Member relations: Building relationships, remaining calm, listening intently during stressful situations, and networking with stakeholders is essential for success in the industry. * The camaraderie and networking opportunities in the club industry are valuable and can lead to lifelong friendships. * Superintendent Insights: Visibility and improving communication are key skills for superintendents to develop with stakeholders. Soundbytes: "Silence is a tactic." (12:92 seconds) "The first person that gets mad loses." (14:01 seconds)  "Don't be a shrinking violet." (27:08) Key Quotes: * "Our challenge is how do we get them in? How do we get them engaged and how do we keep them engaged?" * "You're never going to have to work an overnight shift here in the club industry. You're not going to be at risk of getting transferred from one hotel to another." * "Your success in this industry doesn't have to be a linear pathway." Links and Resources Mentioned: * Bill Langley’s LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-e-bill-langley-ccm-cce-cmaa-fellow/] * Tyler Bloom’s LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bloom-603b6243/]

Many professionals find themselves at a career crossroads, contemplating a career change or transition. Whether it's moving from a superintendent role to a sales/marketing position, or exploring opportunities beyond the golf course, these transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Eric Snelsire, a seasoned veteran of the golf industry, has experienced his fair share of career pivots. From his early days as an assistant superintendent at prestigious clubs like Oakmont Country Club, to becoming a superintendent at facilities like The Links at Lighthouse Sound, and eventually transitioning into sales and marketing roles, Eric has navigated the challenges and opportunities that come with changing paths. For those considering a career transition in the golf industry, Eric's story serves as a testament to the importance of self-reflection, skill development, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. By approaching these transitions with a positive mindset and a commitment to continuous learning, golf professionals can unlock new opportunities and find fulfillment in their evolving careers. Transitioning to Sales One of the primary challenges Eric faced during his transition was the perceived stigma associated with moving from the superintendent role to a sales position. "I would say that there's a little bit of an ego first for me having the background that I had of working at US Open Golf courses that there was almost a negative connotation of transitioning into sales like I had given up in my career, so to speak," he shared. This perception, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the industry, as some may view a move away from the golf course as a step back or a lack of dedication. However, Eric was quick to dispel this notion, emphasizing the valuable skills and experiences he gained as a superintendent that ultimately prepared him for success in his new role. Developing New Skills Another significant challenge Eric encountered was the need to develop new skill sets beyond agronomy. As a superintendent, the focus is often on maintaining the golf course to the highest standards, but as Eric noted, "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." This shift in mindset, from solely focusing on the golf course to becoming a strategic business partner, can be a difficult transition for some. However, Eric emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, continuous education, and developing leadership skills to ensure a successful career transition. Despite the challenges, Eric's career journey also highlights the strengths and opportunities that can come with a career change. His diverse experience, from working at elite clubs to public facilities, has given him a unique perspective that he now leverages in his sales and marketing role. Soundbytes: “There's a place for everybody. If being at the elite clubs, like, early part of my career was something that you desire, you know, there's sacrifice to be made like that." (8:35-8:45) "Superintendents need to kind of take that leap of faith and say, I'm really a leader in this organization or club that I need to be at the table. And if you fear confrontation or those situations, just understand that there are going to be decisions made that are going to impact you that you're not going to have a say." (25:40) Quotes: "When your crew knows their work isn’t just about maintaining grass, but about creating a memorable experience, that’s when you see real pride and commitment." "It's not just about a well-groomed course; it's about understanding how every maintenance decision impacts the playability. If you want a course that meets the needs of every golfer, you have to plan every detail with that in mind." "Being part of our local GCSAA chapter isn’t just networking; it’s about sharing challenges and solutions with people who are in the same trenches. It’s invaluable for growth and camaraderie." "Every course has its own challenges, but when you work your way up, you learn to adapt to different budgets, expectations, and standards. The fundamentals don’t change; it’s just a matter of raising the bar." "If you’re starting out, focus on mastering the basics of agronomy, build your network, and remember that your reputation is everything in this industry."

In this episode, Tyler talks with Matthew Shaffer, a renowned former golf course superintendent, about his career path and the lessons he's learned from various roles, including at high-profile clubs like Merion Golf Club and Augusta National, and humble beginnings. He credits his time at Hershey Food Corporation for shifting his perspective. At Hershey, he learned to see a golf course as a business asset rather than merely a space to protect. This exposure, combined with the mentorship of legendary superintendent Paul Latshaw Sr., gave him a "recipe for success."  Passionate about the profession, he describes his dedication and innovation to growing grass, mentoring, and equipment as essential to his role.  Developing a team in today’s environment Given the shortage of turf graduates, clubs must consider candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, such as sciences or teaching, for positions traditionally held by turf specialists. He emphasizes that creativity and adaptability can make non-traditional candidates strong assets.  During his time at Merion, Shaffer described the value of strong mentorship in creating a positive reputation and providing a supportive environment that allows team members to lead, make mistakes, and learn through correction. Shaffer advises clubs to focus on cultivating their own talent, acknowledging that good team members may eventually leave but can contribute significantly in the meantime. He shares examples of successful mentors, such as Duane Schell, who excelled at developing people despite limited resources.  The importance of communication, work-life balance, and leadership will be critical to retaining and developing today's assistants. Shaffer insisted on communication skills, even sending his team members to Dale Carnegie courses, despite their reluctance. Noting that while each person had a unique style—some stoic, others chatty—all shared qualities of resilience, focus, and a commitment to learning through their mistakes. Understanding club culture and respect for everyone's roles Maintaining an adaptable skills and clear communication with stakeholders given evolving club expectations, like the shift from a "brown and firm" aesthetic to "green and fast." During the hiring process for superintendents, it’s crucial to be transparent, helping the club understand its role in supporting the superintendent, rather than placing all responsibility on them. Shaffer advocates for educating Green Committees and hiring parties on resource limitations, suggesting that clubs often need to reassess their own priorities and funding distribution to achieve desired outcomes. He acknowledges the challenges that General Managers (GMs) face and underscores the value of understanding their roles, noting that success in golf course management relies on a strong relationship between the superintendent, GM, and golf pro—a "three-legged stool" essential for stability.  Strong communicators tend to navigate challenges better and foster trust with members and the General Manager around maintenance practices. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers actionable takeaways on leadership, innovation, and navigating the challenges of the golf course industry.

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of personal branding—not just as a tool for visibility, but as a journey in personal development with Rachel Gogos, owner of BrandID. Rachel shares her career journey, from starting in higher education and working at the United Nations to launching her agency focused on personal branding and business strategy. The importance of self-discovery in personal branding Rachel shares when we truly understand our strengths, vision, and how we want to be perceived, we’re better equipped to attract the right opportunities and have a greater impact on our audience. Building a personal brand isn’t just about creating visuals or a website. It starts with self-discovery. Doing the inner work helps us to communicate who we are and what we stand for with authenticity and confidence.  Starting with a clear sense of mission and the legacy you want to leave behind. This could be a game-changer for superintendents aiming to elevate their career, as it aligns their daily actions with a bigger purpose and helps others understand their unique value. 360-degree approach to gain valuable insights Using a 360-degree assessment allows individuals to see themselves from others' perspectives. This technique could help superintendents understand the strengths others see in them that they might overlook, which could be particularly helpful in interviews or networking. Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses can accelerate growth. Superintendents, often perfectionists by nature, could benefit from identifying what they naturally excel at and finding ways to use those skills to differentiate themselves. Personal branding doesn’t have to be boastful In fact, sharing expertise and experiences humbly is a powerful way to build credibility without feeling overly promotional. Superintendents can educate and inspire through their personal brand, which would naturally attract more opportunities and align with their authentic selves. Having a clear, authentic intention in one’s messaging makes a difference. For leaders who genuinely want to contribute positively to the industry, it’s important to keep promoting these values without worry. It resonates, as Rachel said, and reinforces trust with your audience. From using websites and visuals to create a compelling experience to empowering employees as brand ambassadors, strong branding is as important internally as it is externally. Plus, we’ll touch on trends in brand-building, like using video, organic social media, and focusing on educational, inspirational content rather than constant selling. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a roadmap to building a personal brand that not only attracts your ideal clients but also brings clarity to your purpose, team and impact—enhancing your personal and professional life. Let’s get started! Soundbytes "As leaders or business owners, we can only build our team and culture as much as we ourselves have grown. To create winning teams, we need to keep developing personally, whether we own the company or not." (14:59-16:00) "Building a personal brand isn’t about creating a facade—it’s about understanding who you truly are, the reputation you hold, and the qualities people associate with you, then consistently showing up as that person in all areas of your life." (22:42-23:05) Quotes * I truly believe that when things come together easily, it’s a sign that our path is being guided—a green light from God to move in that direction." * "We can only grow our team and culture as far as we've grown ourselves. If we want to keep building winning teams, whether we own the company or not, we must continue investing in our personal growth." * "The more we work in our strengths, the more fulfilled and joyful we feel day to day. Recognizing our weaknesses helps us round out our team by placing the right people in roles where we may not excel." * "This isn't about crafting an image or results; it’s about clarifying who you are at your core—your reputation and the qualities others associate with you—and showing up consistently across all areas of your life." * "Share content under your personal brand, even if you work for an organization, because people want to connect with people. We’ve seen this firsthand—our personal posts generate far higher engagement than those on our business page." Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ [https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/] Connect with Rachel Gogos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgogos/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-urbanski-2a59401a/] BrandID: https://thebrandid.com [https://thebrandid.com/]