030 I Mentorship, Innovation, and Building Winning Teams with Matthew Shaffer

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/ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: 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 Tyler Bloom’s LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn  

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/ Connect with Rachel Gogos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgogos/ BrandID: https://thebrandid.com  

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Urbanski, an accomplished golf course superintendent, to discuss his impressive career journey, insights on team culture and leadership, and his unique experience hosting the 2022 BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club. Jon shares how he went from considering a career as a math teacher to finding his passion in the golf industry. We discuss his journey from a summer crew member to one of the industry's top superintendents, highlighting his passion, service and commitment to building a strong team. Building Team Culture He reflects on the importance of building a positive team culture by fostering open communication, offering growth opportunities, and supporting work-life balance. Jon's leadership approach focuses on being a coach and cheerleader to his team, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Foster open communication and build genuine connections to create a supportive team culture.Encourage work-life balance and provide growth opportunities, such as conferences, to boost team loyalty and inspire continuous development. A Career Highlight Hosting a major event like the BMW Championship was a career highlight, where he experienced the payoff of years of preparation alongside his team and volunteers. He emphasizes how rewarding it was to involve his family in the week’s events and the pride he felt as his club and community embraced the tournament. Jon also dives into his industry involvement, including his role as past president of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents. He advocates for more superintendent presence at golf events and highlights the value of networking, volunteering, and giving back to the industry. Tune in to hear Jon’s inspiring story, his thoughtful approach to leadership, and what’s next as he continues to make an impact on the golf industry! Soundbytes "I firmly believe that some of the best moments for building team success happen in those hours and minutes before or after the workday, when we're just sitting around in the conference room and having casual conversations. Those moments are crucial for creating team cohesion and solidarity. But I also believe in encouraging everyone to get out, enjoy themselves, and spend time with their families. The golf course will still be here."01:30 "I think it really comes down to seeing others succeed. When people thrive in our program here, it’s a win for Wilmington Country Club and strengthens our future. This success helps us recruit new talent, as we want people to come here, get trained, and eventually move on to their own roles—whether as superintendents, in horticulture, or in arboriculture. We truly strive to support that growth." 11:40 Quotes "Timing is everything; it's important to approach feedback thoughtfully, asking questions to understand someone’s thought process rather than jumping right in." "I admire those who volunteer nationally with organizations like GCSAA or PGA; they dedicate so much time away from work and family to support our industry." "It's fantastic to see golf professionals, superintendents, and managers featured on broadcasts—our service industry deserves that spotlight." "I find social media incredibly useful, especially 'Turf Twitter,' for tips and team discussions—used correctly, it’s a valuable tool." Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ Connect with Jon Urbanski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-urbanski-2a59401a/

In this episode, Brian Chapin shares insights from his unique career journey from golf course superintendent to general manager (GM) during the pandemic, and eventually to VP at LaBar Golf, where he joined in 2022. His path offers a valuable perspective on moving from hands-on turf management to overseeing broader club operations, providing a holistic view of club success. Emphasizing career development, Brian advises superintendents to stay open to non-traditional roles, like GM, as the entire club experience is critical to a golf course's long-term success. Shifting Gears LaBar Golf, originally founded in 2012 as a renovation company, expanded significantly during the pandemic and now offers irrigation, safety, and fleet management services. Brian highlights how LaBar Golf’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent is driven by adapting to career aspirations and fostering growth. He notes a shift in the industry, with clubs investing more in infrastructure like drainage and irrigation systems for sustainability rather than aesthetic updates. Brian also discusses the rewarding but challenging nature of construction roles, with extensive travel being a consideration. Going forward, LaBar Golf aims to spotlight opportunities in golf construction and support superintendents pursuing career growth. Soundbytes: "I challenge anyone to identify a top 20 or top 30 club, or even the top two or three in any given state, where the golf course is outstanding but the rest of the operation is poor. Don’t be that club." 2:01 "You must prioritize what's best for the golf course every day. For instance, when a tournament is scheduled and we receive two inches of rain, restricting carts is never a popular decision, but it’s often the right one. This skill set translates well to being a general manager. In contrast, other positions within the club may focus heavily on keeping the membership happy, which can make them uncomfortable with making difficult decisions." 14:00 Quotes "Superintendents have such great skill sets for leadership, they're forced to be macro to think macro in micro, but like they're they to blend that really well." "We’ve shifted our perspective, in part due to your guidance and leadership, to better understand how to attract and retain top talent. Ultimately, that's the name of the game for any business: how to attract the best people." "We’re willing to adapt because a cookie-cutter approach to recruiting, retention, and development is a guaranteed way to fail. You need to meet people where they are, be creative, and think of different ways to leverage various skill sets and availability. It's essential not to get stuck on the notion that someone is a failure just because they're not here for two or more years." Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ LaBar Golf: https://labargolfrenovations.com Connect with Brian Chapin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-chapin-708079184/

Adam Garr discusses his unique career journey and expertise in communication strategies tailored for golf course superintendents. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creative branding techniques to improve career advancement and opportunities, as well as to sell the opportunities within a department and operation. Garr also shares his own entrepreneurial journey and offers advice for those looking to pursue niche businesses in the golf industry. Creatively telling your story can boost career growth. Adam Garr started in the industry by accident, getting a job on a golf course while pursuing an English degree. He eventually became a superintendent at a private club, where he had to get creative to stand out and land the head job after his boss was let go. Garr believes that in today's job market, assistants and young professionals need to focus on branding and telling their story in a unique way, such as through video, to get noticed. He shared how he used video as a superintendent to improve member communication, and how superintendents can leverage video to recruit new staff and interns. Garr also highlights the power of video communication in showcasing a golf course, engaging members, and attracting prospective staff. He encourages superintendents to use video to communicate their message effectively and stand out from the competition. Soundbytes: “Utilizing storytelling and creative branding techniques, not only to improve your career advancement and opportunities, but more importantly, to sell the opportunities within your department and operation.” 02:13-2:26 “Video is a superior form of communication and it’s just a better way to tell your story. You’re able to craft the story exactly how you want it to be told and you tell it in a way not to deceive people but you know tell them the right way.” 11:26 – 11:45 Quotes “Video is a perfect opportunity to really showcase a place that candidates might have just passed over on paper.” “You have an opportunity to reach people that never considered this to be a career. I didn’t know it was a thing until I ended up on a golf course. So those people are out there.” Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ Connect with Adam Garr on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-garr-444028279/

In this special episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom highlights the impactful work of the Super Scratch Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2020. Tyler is joined by industry colleagues Scott Bordner and Timothy Zurybida to discuss how the foundation is making a difference in the often underserved and overlooked side of the golf industry: turfgrass and agronomy. The Super Scratch Foundation's mission is to invest in the future of the golf industry by supporting the education and training of the next generation of golf course superintendents. Each year, the foundation raises scholarship funds to assist students pursuing careers in agronomy. The conversation covers the foundation’s origins, goals, and the tremendous community support it has received, along with the need for increased awareness about career opportunities in the field. A highlight of the episode is the discussion about the foundation's main event, The Super Scratch Invitational, the nation's first tournament pairing a club's superintendent with a top amateur golfer. Held annually at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, this unique event draws teams from prestigious golf clubs across the country. The winning teams are given the opportunity to allocate a portion of the Super Scratch Scholarship Fund to the universities of their choice, furthering the foundation’s commitment to education and future talent development. Quotes "We created it better than we knew. When we started this tournament, we didn't realize the scale of what we were building, but the industry support, superintendent support, and club member support have made all the difference." "The more members who know there’s a shortage, the more they can help support financially or send people in our direction. It’s all about planting the seeds for the future." "The goal isn't just to raise money; it's to support the future of the game by investing in the education and careers of students who will one day run the world's finest golf clubs." Links mentioned Super-Scratch Foundation - https://www.superscratchfoundation.org  

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom interviews Shane Conroy, a GCSAA field staff representative, about his unconventional career path and his role as a field rep. They discuss the importance of getting involved in the industry and the various programs available for personal and professional development. They also touch on the role of Superintendents in encouraging their team members to engage in the industry and the rewarding aspects of the job. They discuss the challenges of promoting the industry and the importance of workforce development programs like apprenticeships. They also highlight the First Green program and its impact on changing perceptions of golf course management. The conversation highlights the importance of promoting the golf course industry and engaging with the local community. It emphasizes the need for Superintendents to be ambassadors for their facilities and share their stories. The discussion also touches on the growth and popularity of the golf industry, the increasing compensation for Superintendents, and the importance of professional development and education. The conversation concludes with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions. Takeaways Getting involved in the golf course management industry is important for personal and professional development. Superintendents play a crucial role in encouraging their team members to engage in the industry and providing opportunities for growth. Workforce development programs, such as apprenticeships, are essential for recruiting and developing talent in the industry. The First Green program is an effective way to change perceptions of golf course management and promote the industry to students, teachers, and parents. Superintendents should promote themselves and their facilities to bridge the gap between the golf course industry and the local community. The golf industry is growing and becoming more popular, providing exciting opportunities for superintendents and the industry as a whole. Compensation for superintendents is increasing to reflect the dedication and passion they have for their facilities. Professional development and education are crucial for personal and professional growth in the golf course industry. Getting involved in associations and local chapters can provide valuable networking opportunities and enhance career development. Soundbytes "My hope is that anyone listening to this today will explore getting involved in the industry and engage in a variety of different programs." "If you do what you love, you never work a day in your life." "Superintendents have a big effect on the lives of their team members, both professionally and personally." "I had no idea there was so much math, so much science, so much technology behind this profession." "You're hopefully introducing them to a game that they can enjoy for the next 40, 50 years." "You're reengaging with when you were at your formative years. Learning the game of golf, learning the industry." Chapters 00:00: Introduction 01:25: The Importance of Industry Involvement and Professional Development 08:29: The Role of Superintendents in Encouraging Engagement 15:06: The Significance of Workforce Development Programs 22:33: Changing Perceptions through the First Green Program 25:57: Becoming Ambassadors for Golf Course Facilities 33:19: The Growing Popularity of the Golf Industry 35:08: Increasing Compensation for Superintendents 37:29: The Importance of Professional Development and Education 39:05: Getting Involved in Associations and Local Chapters