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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 124!

Today, we’re joined by Paul MacCormack, Golf Course Superintendent and General Manager at Fox Meadow Golf Course on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fox Meadow, a public 18-hole course designed by Rob Heaslip, is where Paul, also known as the Mindful Superintendent, has been blogging for 12 years on TurfNet, promoting mindfulness in golf course maintenance. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and international speaker, Paul brings invaluable insights to our discussion.

Returning to the podcast is Wyatt Harris, equipment technician at the Four Seasons Golf and Sport Club in Orlando, Florida. Wyatt, a self-described Florida Man and OCD lawnmower mechanic, first appeared on Episode 23 and in a bonus episode in our Mental Health Series. With his background as the son of a golf course superintendent and a year of daily meditation practice, Wyatt shares how mindfulness meditation has improved his mental health, work efficiency, and family life.

In this episode, Trent, Paul, and Wyatt dive deep into the benefits of mindfulness meditation and debunk myths, including the idea that meditation conflicts with religious practices. They cover essential concepts like self-awareness, interconnectedness, and observing patterns without judgment. The discussion highlights how these practices reduce suffering, enhance leadership, and improve our ability to care for others and ourselves.

Trent shares his own aha moments from ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) meetings, illustrating the power of realizing that our thoughts do not define us. This awareness helps reduce reactivity and gives us the space to respond thoughtfully. They also explore the practical benefits of taking more pauses in a busy day and understanding that our roles in life do not define who we are.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on mindfulness, leadership, and the transformative power of meditation in both personal and professional life.

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Welcome to Episode 123 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today we’re talking to Haas Mengloi, CTEM, Equipment Manager at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, FL. The Bear’s Club, a private 18-hole club, is Jack Nicklaus’s home club when he's in Jupiter.

Young Haas initially planned on being a school teacher, attending the University of Guam before moving to Florida and earning certificates as a marine mechanic. Haas found his new home and a long and successful career at the golf course. When not at work, Haas is an avid hunter and fisherman.

In this episode, Haas shares the value of patience, humor, and letting things go in training technicians, and emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time. We have a great discussion about how book smarts aren't the only type of intelligence that matters in the world. Haas also stresses the importance of taking care of your hearing from day one.

Haas recounts his story of cold-calling area superintendents to start an equipment technician association in Palm Beach County and highlights the importance of local networking for support systems and salary awareness.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Haas on this episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast!

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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 120! Today, we’re talking to Sam Baldea, Equipment Manager at TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, TX. TPC San Antonio is a private 36-hole facility, hosting the Valero Texas Open on the Oaks course and supporting Champions and Korn Ferry Tour events on the Canyons course.

Sam leads a team of two Equipment Technicians and a Preventative Maintenance Technician, primarily using John Deere equipment. Coming from a mechanical family, Sam initially pursued a career as a brick mason before receiving an offer to work with landscape equipment. What started as a “temporary” job at a golf course in Virginia turned into an outstanding career in turf management.

With a love for golf and the support of his resume coach (his wife!), Sam joined TPC Potomac before moving to TPC San Antonio. He was quickly impressed by the friendly community and excellent food in Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Sam provides an inside look at tournament preparation for the Valero Texas Open, emphasizes the importance of accurate gauges, and highlights the value of tournament volunteering.

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Welcome to Episode 121 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today we’re chatting with Jody Farber, West Coast Regional Territory Manager for the Foley Company. Jody supports Foley grinders and Air2G2 aerifiers, bringing a wealth of real-world experience to the table.

Jody's journey began with an enjoyment of golf in high school, leading him to Lake City Community College on a friend's recommendation. Loving the outdoors and hands-on work, Jody started his career as a new equipment setup technician for a Toro dealer.

Join Trent and Jody as they delve into the world of grinders, the intricacies of mastering electrical systems, and the challenges of member feedback. Jody shares his secret hack for making golf more relaxing and the value of different perspectives in the industry.

The conversation goes deep into cutting units, the significance of repetition in training, and even an unexpected detour into…jerky? Tune in for an engaging episode filled with insights, tips, and a bit of fun!

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Welcome to Episode 120 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Join us for an episode of Frankly Speaking, as host Frank Rossi, Ph.D. sits down with our own Trent Manning, (CTEM), to discuss the intricacies and evolution of turf equipment management.

The conversation spans the role of technology in turf management, effective communication, and professional development opportunities for young people entering the field.

Listen in as Trent and Frank explore the dynamics between equipment managers and superintendents, tackle the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology, and break down the critical aspects of reel theory and bed knife attitudes. They also discuss the implications of market consolidation among turf equipment manufacturers and its impact on innovation and costs.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation hosted by industry legend Frank Rossi.

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Welcome to Episode 119 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! 🎙️ Today, we're chatting with Terry Appel, Equipment Manager at Overbrook Golf Club in Villanova, PA. Founded in 1900, Overbrook Golf Club boasts a rich history as an 18-hole private club.

Typically accompanied by one assistant in the shop (though currently on the lookout for a new addition), Terry primarily manages a fleet consisting of John Deere equipment with a sprinkle of Toro.

Terry's journey into the turf management world began at the tender age of four, where he learned early lessons about where to draw on the golf course (not the carts!). From placing scorecards and pencils to navigating the maintenance crew, Terry's passion for golf and mechanics eventually led him to SUNY Delhi for his bachelor’s degree and a start down the superintendent track. With experience in golf course construction and renovation, including projects at historic Oakmont Country Club, Terry found his niche in the shop beginning as an assistant mechanic and never looked back.

Outside of work, you'll find Terry exploring the great outdoors through hiking, camping, or hitting the gym for a good workout.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of optimizing preventative maintenance programs, the quirky things found upside down on golf courses, the intricacies of backlapping, and the delights of zoysiagrass. Terry and Trent also explore the historic maintenance facility at Overbrook Golf Club and the importance of prioritization in a job where ‘emergencies’ abound. Plus, don't miss out on some of Terry's coolest fabrication projects!

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
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• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com
• Check out our YouTube Channel

Send us a Text Message.

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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• Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com
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