High Standards, Human Focus: Building Elite Teams with Justin Sims

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 of Leadership on the Links, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture—what it is, how it evolves, and why it matters. Through real-world stories and candid discussion from our June webinar, our hosts explore how understanding existing dynamics, fostering trust, and using data-driven tools can help reshape and sustain a high-performing culture. Whether you’re leading a golf course team, a private club, or any organization that values people, this conversation offers a roadmap for intentional culture-building. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why culture isn’t something you build—it’s something you shape How leaders can uncover and understand the current culture before driving change The value of trust, consistency, and communication in cultural transformation Why core values must go beyond the break room wall to actually influence behavior The crucial role leadership and governance play in sustaining cultural change  

In today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Eisner, a proven leader in the golf industry whose career spans some of the most recognized names in the game—from Oakmont Country Club to the Trump Organization, and now Fieldstone Golf Club and Troon Golf. Greg shares how his journey—from intern at Oakmont during the 2007 U.S. Open to dual-role leader overseeing ten Troon properties—has shaped his approach to agronomy, leadership, and career development. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Oakmont built the foundation for Greg’s standards, agronomic discipline, and passion for high performance. Why being both a superintendent and a regional manager gives Greg a unique lens on club operations and talent development. The role of Troon Golf's global network in offering advancement opportunities and internal career mobility. How strong relationships and early mentors can shape an entire career trajectory in the golf industry.  

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG, to explore a career rooted in tradition and elevated through leadership. From his early days in Reading, PA, to impactful stints at Oakmont, Augusta, and St. Andrews, Brian shares how these formative experiences shaped his professional path—and how he's applied those lessons at Highlands Country Club for over two decades. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How working at Oakmont inspired Brian’s leadership philosophy and set a new bar for professionalism What it’s like managing an agronomy operation at 4,100 feet in the mountains of North Carolina How Brian and the Carolinas GCSA turned crisis into opportunity during the pandemic with innovative virtual education Insights into Oakmont’s continued evolution ahead of the U.S. Open—and the lasting pride it instills in its alumni Whether you’re a rising turf leader or a seasoned superintendent, Brian’s story offers tactical wisdom, historical perspective, and a clear reminder of the importance of mentorship, structure, and community in our industry.  

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we spotlight Albert Geniviva—whose unexpected summer job at Oakmont Country Club launched a dynamic career in turf management. From a college student studying accounting to a turf sales professional driving innovation in robotics, Albert’s journey is a testament to how the right environment can ignite a lifelong passion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Albert’s first summer at Oakmont inspired him to switch careers and pursue a turf degree at Penn State Why Oakmont’s culture of excellence creates a lasting impact on those who work there The evolution of Albert’s career—from superintendent roles to a leadership position in turf technology sales How robotic mowers are transforming labor strategies across golf course operations—and where they’re making the biggest impact

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hurwitz, Senior Project Manager at The Mazzella Partnership, to unpack his 29-year journey through the turf industry—from high school intern to long-time superintendent to his current leadership role guiding clubs through high-impact golf course renovation and construction projects. Jason shares how his early experiences prepared him for today’s consulting work across some of the most ambitious club improvement projects in the country. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 📈 Career Growth: Jason’s 29-year journey demonstrates the long-game mindset—each phase of his career built on the one before it. Oakmont Experience: Leadership presence, clear communication, and relationship-building were cornerstones of his development at one of the game’s most prestigious clubs. New Challenges: At The Mazzella Partnership, Jason now advises clubs on complex renovation and construction projects, bringing superintendent-level insight to planning and execution. Trending Amenities: Short courses and putting courses are on the rise as clubs adapt to time-conscious members. Project Leadership: Success comes from organized communication, long-term planning, and regular meetings to keep teams aligned and accountable. Links mentioned:  Jason Hurwitz LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hurwitz-00724311/ Mazzella Partnership - https://mazzellapartnership.com/   

In this special conversation, we sit down with legendary golf course superintendent Mark Kuhns to explore a remarkable 43-year career that helped shape some of the most iconic clubs in American golf—Laurel Valley, Oakmont, and Baltusrol. From hosting multiple major championships to mentoring over 220 turf professionals, Mark’s impact on the industry is nothing short of profound. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What made Oakmont and Baltusrol training grounds for elite-level agronomy professionals Why continuous education and member communication are critical to long-term success The philosophy behind his internship program and how it developed over 200 industry leaders Tactical ways to build member consensus—using visual demos, expert consultants, and storytelling Reflections on leadership, humility, and the evolving role of the modern superintendent  

In this mini series, we celebrate the people, places, and moments that helped shape some of the careers in golf course management and leadership. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, this series kicks off with a look behind the scenes at individuals careers were impacted at Oakmont Country Club, and why it holds such a special place in the golf industry.   We'll be honoring mentorship, tradition, and the high standards that have influenced a generation of leaders.   A personal reflection from Tyler Bloom on his own time at Oakmont and how it shaped his values as a person and professional.      

In this episode, Tyler Bloom sits down with Justin Sims, Director of Agronomy at The Alotian Club, to discuss his unconventional journey through elite golf clubs, his people-first leadership philosophy, and the systems he's built to elevate team performance and member experience. Whether you're a superintendent, general manager, or emerging turf leader, this conversation is packed with insights that will challenge the status quo and help you rethink how great teams are built.   💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why giving staff the freedom to fail is one of the most effective leadership strategies How to communicate agronomic decisions in a way that resonates with boards and members The systems and mindset behind Justin’s leadership and work philosophy—and why it’s a competitive advantage Lessons learned from mentors at some of the most iconic clubs in the world.   

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a top-tier workplace culture in the golf industry from our monthly webinar series.  Tyler is joined by Rachel Ridgeway of Bloom Golf Partners to discuss culture, one that attracts, retains, and develops great talent.  Culture isn’t a line item on a budget. It’s a leadership choice—and your best competitive advantage in a tight labor market. Build it on purpose, or lose people by default. Whether you're a superintendent, GM, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with practical strategies to make an immediate impact on your team and your club. What You’ll Learn in this Episode Why workplace culture is becoming the #1 driver of recruiting and retention How to build trust through purposeful communication and feedback loops Why “starting small” with culture projects leads to lasting change Tactical strategies for developing interns and AITs into long-term contributors Examples of clubs successfully defining and living out their team values