092 | Inside the GCSAA 2026 Conference: Growth, Connections & Lessons Learned

BOOK A STRATEGY CALL In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Aaron Dawson, founder of Viewpoint EQ and a 20-year hospitality and private club veteran, for a candid conversation about self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels of the golf and club industry. Aaron shares his transformative journey with the Birkman Method a powerful personality and behavioral assessment and how it changed not only how he leads, but how he listens, communicates, and builds psychologically safe teams. From lessons learned at Carmel Country Club to the universal blind spots holding club leaders back, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership. Whether you're a superintendent, director of agronomy, general manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to look inward and elevate how you show up for your team every day. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How the Birkman Method unlocks hidden behavioral needs that other personality assessments miss and why self-awareness is the most critical leadership skill in private clubs today. Why the "Golden Rule" fails 70% of the time, and what to do instead when communicating with your team, members, and board. The concept of psychological safety and how Aaron helped cultivate it at Carmel Country Club to create a high-performing, candid, and aligned culture. How alignment (not talent) is the #1 blind spot in private clubs, boards, and leadership teams and the questions you must ask before accepting your next role. Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness and how top leaders like Jeff Bezos do only what only they can do. Practical advice for directors of agronomy on managing up, handling member feedback, and building trust before the pressure of summer season hits. What general managers and club leaders actually look for in director-level hires and the red flags that disqualify otherwise talented candidates. How stress indicators and personality traits (like Aaron's "high insistence, low restlessness") show up in leadership and how to proactively manage them. Tyler Bloom's personal leadership evolution: from operator to CEO, delegating identity, and building a team that carries pride on the trade show floor. Links & Resources: Aaron Dawson – Viewpoint EQ: viewpointeq.com Email Aaron: [email protected] Call Aaron: 979-436-3851 Aaron Dawson – LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn Bloom Golf Partners: bloomgolfpartners.com CMAA (Club Management Association of America): cmaa.org  

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by team members Meredith Otero and Mary Maloney for a candid, behind-the-scenes debrief of their first-ever attendance at the CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo. From the trade show floor to a standing-room-only presentation on championship culture, the Bloom Golf Partners team unpacks the energy, connections, and key lessons from one of the most intimate and impactful industry conferences in the golf and private club world. If you work in club management, agronomy, or any department striving to bridge the gap between leadership and operations, this episode is a must-listen. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The CMAA conference stands out for its intimate, personalized feel — a stark contrast to the PGA Show and GCSAA, with a stronger focus on software, products, and leadership education. Why cross-departmental attendance at industry trade shows builds visibility, credibility, and stronger club relationships — superintendents at CMAA, GMs at GCSAA. The Bloom Golf Partners team presented on Building a Championship Culture to a standing-room-only crowd of general managers and club decision-makers. Common challenges in club culture: retaining long-tenured employees resistant to change, siloed agronomy departments, and the universal struggle of filling equipment manager roles. Why should superintendents see themselves as strategic partners — not just operational leads — and how showing up at cross-industry events elevates the entire profession. The power of spending unstructured time with your own team at conferences strips away layers and builds real relationships that translate back to the workplace. Professional photography and visual identity are low-hanging fruit for both individuals and clubs — a shoutout to Karlo for elevating the Bloom Golf Partners brand. Early planning matters: the team is already preparing presentation proposals for the next conference season before this one is fully wrapped. Notable Moments & Takeaways: Shoutout to Bobby Davis, now General Manager at Oakmont Country Club and former assistant superintendent — a testament to the career paths available across the industry. The CMAA "Idea Fair" showcased best practices from clubs in areas like member engagement, recruiting, and programming — a concept the team would love to see replicated at GCSAA. "The equipment manager is the hardest position to fill in the industry" a line that drew zero pushback from an entire room of club managers. The talent pipeline challenge is real: universities, career services on the trade show floor, and new services supporting career changers are all part of the solution. A key insight from the culture presentation: employees often want ownership and recognition — not just paycheck. Listening without an agenda goes a long way. Links & Resources: Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://bloomgolfpartners.com  Bloom Golf Partners YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloomgolfpartners  CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo: https://www.cmaa.org/conference/  Karlo Gesner (Visual & Photography Services): Reach out via Bloom Golf Partners for a connection Tyler Bloom – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerbloom/  Connect with Bloom Golf Partners: Have a topic you'd like us to cover at a future conference, regional event, or on the podcast? Drop a comment or reach out directly — the team wants to hear what matters most to you in your facility and career. 🌱 Website: bloomgolfpartners.com 📹 YouTube: @bloomgolfpartners 💼 LinkedIn: Bloom Golf Partners  

Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two powerhouse voices from The Oaks Club: Holly Farrell, General Manager, and Brian D'Agostino, Greens Committee Chair, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build a successful relationship between a golf course superintendent and the people they serve. From communication strategies to budget battles, hiring instincts to managing member expectations, this conversation is packed with real-world insight that every turf professional and club leader needs to hear. Holly brings 13 years of experience at The Oaks Club and a clear vision for what modern agronomy leadership looks like. Brian brings a rare dual perspective with 16 years on the board and greens committee at Ivanhoe Club in Chicago, and now leading a newly restructured Greens Committee at The Oaks. Together, they paint a vivid picture of what clubs are really looking for and what separates a good superintendent from a great one. What You'll Learn: Transparency and consistent communication are the foundation for trust between superintendents and their members, committees, and boards. Proactive communication — especially when things go sideways — prevents rumors and builds credibility faster than any technical achievement. The superintendent role has evolved into an executive-level position requiring strategic thinking, financial fluency, team leadership, and member-facing communication skills. Greens Committees serve as a critical conduit between the agronomy staff and the broader membership — and building that relationship is a strategic advantage for any superintendent. Setting realistic expectations tied to budget is the key to avoiding the single biggest gap at most clubs: resources not matching member expectations. In hiring, the differentiators aren't technical — they're trust, authenticity, clear communication, and the ability to connect with people at any level of expertise. Data-driven decision-making and capital planning are becoming non-negotiable expectations for top agronomy leaders. Team development and the ability to grow staff from within are long-term multipliers that great superintendents prioritize. Links & Resources: Holly Farrell – The Oaks Club, General Manager | [LinkedIn Profile] Brian D'Agostino – The Oaks Club, Greens Committee Chair | [LinkedIn Profile] The Oaks Club – [Website] Bloom Golf Partners – bloomgolfpartners.com  

Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two seasoned golf industry veterans — Bill Langley, retired General Manager & CEO of the Club at Quail Ridge, and Clark Jones, longtime Greens Chairman at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio and Gulfstream Golf Club — to explore what it truly takes to build a high-performing club from the inside out. Hosted by Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners, this conversation dives deep into the critical relationships that make or break a club's success: GM-superintendent dynamics, greens committee communication, member expectations, and the hiring practices shaping the next generation of golf course leaders. Whether you're a superintendent, club manager, Greens Chair, or aspiring industry professional, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom you won't find in a textbook. What You'll Learn: The GM-Superintendent Relationship: Why mutual respect and open communication are the foundation of any successful club — and how to build that relationship even when leadership isn't proactive about it. The Role of the Head Golf Professional: How the golf pro acts as the "bank teller" of the club — hearing member feedback first — and why looping them into agronomic decisions is a game-changer. Greens Committee Best Practices: What makes a greens committee effective, how to involve diverse member voices (high and low handicappers, male and female), and why a mission statement can serve as your anchor when things get turbulent. Setting Realistic Member Expectations: How to communicate challenges outside the superintendent's control — like weather — and why having a communication infrastructure in place makes those tough conversations easier. Budgeting & Capital Projects: How GMs and Greens Chairs evaluate capital improvement requests, why a well-built business case matters, and how to frame a conversation around ROI rather than just agronomic necessity. Hiring for Cultural Fit: What hiring committees are really looking for beyond technical skills — leadership, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and workplace culture. The Power of a Portfolio: Why a well-crafted interview portfolio can differentiate you from a sea of similar resumes, what to include (before/after photos, behavioral reports, SOP examples), and how to strategically deploy it throughout the process. Title Inflation in the Industry: A candid conversation about the rise of "Director of Agronomy" titles and what committees actually look for beyond the label. Book Recommendations: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and Sea Stories by Admiral William McRaven — two reads that connect service, leadership, and attention to detail in ways that translate directly to club management. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 02:00 – The GM-Superintendent relationship: lessons from 40 years in the club business 05:50 – How superintendents can proactively build relationships with their GM 07:30 – Greens committee communication and the "left hand / right hand" problem 10:00 – Creating a club mission statement to anchor tough conversations 13:00 – Managing member expectations and handling weather challenges 20:00 – The superintendent-golf pro relationship: why it may be the most important one at the club 28:00 – How greens committees effectively evaluate capital budgets and equipment requests 40:00 – What hiring committees really want: leadership, culture, and attention to detail 54:00 – Navigating Director of Agronomy vs. Superintendent title distinctions 01:03:00 – Interview portfolios: what works, what doesn't, and how to stand out 01:07:00 – Favorite leadership & hospitality book recommendations 01:09:00 – Closing thoughts and takeaways     🔗 Links & Resources: Bill Langley – Linkedin Profile Clark Jones – LinkedIn Profile Tyler Bloom – LinkedIn Profile Bloom Golf Partners – bloomgolfpartners.com Bloom Golf Partners YouTube – @bloomgolfpartners 📖 Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara 📖 Sea Stories by Admiral William McRaven Qualipro / QP2U Webinar Series – qualipro.com

Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Meredith Otero and Mitch Rupert dive into a candid recap of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Fresh off the heels of an incredible week, they reflect on the exponential growth Bloom Golf Partners has experienced over the past 12 months and how it transformed every conversation on the trade show floor. From sold-out education sessions to meaningful booth visits, Meredith and Mitch discuss what made this year feel so different—intentional connections, industry recognition, and the pride of watching their team shine. They also touch on workforce trends, the critical need for equipment managers, and the power of developing talent from within. What You'll Learn Why intentional networking and consistent marketing efforts lead to more meaningful conference conversations How Bloom Golf Partners' growth over 12 months shifted booth visits from "What do you guys do?" to purposeful engagement The current workforce crisis facing equipment managers and why this trade skill offers incredible career potential Why developing talent from within—whether from your own staff or the local community—is key to solving hiring challenges How team balance and individual strengths create a winning dynamic at industry events The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone for speaking engagements and professional growth     Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and post-conference exhaustion  00:42 – Overview of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show  01:06 – Team photos, Disney fun, and the famous Sunday sundae  02:48 – Mitch's comparison: What felt different from last year  04:55 – Nonstop booth traffic and meaningful conversations  05:28 – Meredith's takeaway: Intentional visits and genuine connections  07:52 – Feeling rejuvenated, not drained, after a full week  09:23 – Mitch's sold-out education session and key takeaways  11:24 – The equipment manager workforce crisis and aging out of the profession  12:43 – Career potential in trade skills and equipment management  14:51 – Mary's speaking debut and overcoming presentation nerves  16:19 – Mitch's first speaking engagement at Union League and lessons learned  17:56 – Meredith's upcoming speaking opportunity at Club Managers  18:38 – Team dynamics, balance, and playing to individual strengths 1 9:21 – Plans for future events and getting the whole team together   Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: https://www.gcsaa.org  Club Managers Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.org  

Book a Strategy Call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Ken Mangum, longtime golf course superintendent and respected industry consultant, to discuss leadership, course standards, workforce development, and the evolving expectations within golf operations. Ken reflects on lessons from his decades of experience, including building long-term leadership teams, managing championship-level expectations, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain talent. The conversation explores how clear maintenance standards reduce operational "noise," why superintendents benefit professionally from playing golf, and how relationship-building with committees and members strengthens long-term success. Ken also shares perspectives on staffing challenges, developing talent from within, emerging turfgrass innovations like Zoysia, and the future of workforce recruitment in golf. The episode concludes with practical hiring advice, including preparation for Zoom interviews and how professionals can better present themselves during job searches. What You'll Learn • Why establishing maintenance standards creates consistency and minimizes operational conflict • How leadership, communication, and culture shape long-term success in golf operations • Why employee care and appreciation lead to stronger retention and recruitment • How playing golf improves professional relationships and operational understanding • The benefits and growing adoption of Zoysia grass for playability and maintenance efficiency • Practical hiring advice, including how to prepare for modern Zoom interviews Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Ken Mangum career journey in golf course management 05:30 – Managing championship expectations and reducing operational noise 09:30 – Leadership, committees, and relationship management 12:00 – Workforce challenges and staffing evolution in golf 14:00 – Employee retention and culture-building strategies 18:30 – Full-time staffing versus seasonal workforce models 22:30 – Why superintendents benefit from playing golf 28:30 – Using golf to build credibility and member relationships 32:30 – Recruiting challenges and developing talent within the industry 40:20 – Zoysia grass adoption and maintenance advantages 49:30 – Hiring advice and preparing for interviews 59:30 – Why Zoom interviews now play a critical role in hiring decisions Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org Syngenta Turf Solutions: https://www.syngenta-us.com/turf Dream Golf Developments: https://dreamgolf.com

Book a Strategy Call: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com/book-a-strategy-call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Kenton Brunson, Director of Agronomy at Mid Ocean Club, to explore why golf course superintendents are uniquely positioned to become elite club leaders. Kenton shares his unconventional career journey, from agronomy student to superintendent to earning his MBA and CCM, while challenging long-held assumptions about silos in club operations. The conversation dives deep into education versus experience, the real value of advanced degrees, and how continued learning helps superintendents earn credibility in the boardroom. Kenton explains how exposure to club management disciplines reshaped the way he leads people, collaborates with department heads, and measures performance across his team. Listeners also gain a behind-the-scenes look at Mid Ocean's progressive people-development systems, including skills matrices, performance scorecards, emotional intelligence tracking, and learning-and-development investment. Kenton emphasizes that leadership longevity isn't about doing everything yourself, it's about building systems, trusting people, and choosing the right leaders to learn from early in your career. This episode reinforces a powerful message: superintendents already manage the largest assets, budgets, and teams at the club, now it's time to fully step into that leadership potential.   What You'll Learn • Why superintendents are naturally positioned to become club executives • The real ROI of MBAs, CCMs, and continued education • How education helps superintendents earn trust in the boardroom • Why getting "out of your silo" makes you a better leader • How to use performance scorecards instead of opinions • Building staff development systems that improve retention • Why people development is a competitive advantage for clubs • How emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness • Practical approaches to delegation and time management • Career advice for young superintendents planning long-term success Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and why superintendents are built to lead 01:50 – Kenton's early career path and agronomy background 03:40 – From superintendent to thinking like a club executive 05:45 – Education vs. experience: MBA and CCM insights 08:30 – Getting into the room: why education still matters 11:00 – What superintendents learn from club management programs 13:10 – Breaking silos and connecting with department heads 15:40 – Performance management and staff development systems 18:30 – Skills matrices, scorecards, and measuring success 22:10 – Emotional intelligence and leadership self-awareness 25:20 – Delegation, time management, and leadership mindset 29:40 – Governance, alignment, and defining success at the club 33:00 – Choosing leaders over logos early in your career 37:10 – Leadership advice to Kenton's younger self 38:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect   Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com Club Management Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.orgGCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org  

Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Jim Pavonetti, recipient of the 2025 GCSAA President's Award for Environmental Stewardship, to explore how sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and long-term planning define elite golf course leadership. Jim shares his journey from working his way up through municipal golf to leading a premier private club, detailing how a lifelong connection to the outdoors shaped his philosophy as a superintendent. The conversation covers how environmental stewardship can become a competitive advantage for clubs—not just an operational initiative—by improving course conditions, reducing inputs, and even attracting new members. Jim explains how small, intentional steps build member buy-in, why data and benchmarks matter more than ever, and how defining maintenance standards protects both the superintendent and the club. Throughout the episode, Jim offers candid advice on leadership longevity, continuous learning, and resisting the urge to "do everything at once." His insights reinforce that sustainable success in golf course management is built on trust, clarity, fundamentals, and a clear vision for what's next.  What You'll Learn • How environmental stewardship can improve playability, resilience, and member perception • Why starting with "small wins" builds trust and long-term buy-in • How clubs can leverage sustainability as a membership attraction tool • The role of data in smarter mowing, water use, and labor decisions • Why intuition paired with data outperforms either approach alone • How maintenance standards reduce conflict and align leadership • The growing importance of BMPs, water conservation, and chemical reduction • How to stay engaged, relevant, and evolving over a long superintendent career • Practical advice for first-time superintendents navigating new roles   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and recognition for environmental stewardship 00:40 – Early connection to nature and career motivation 01:55 – Career path from municipal golf to private clubs 03:25 – Building confidence as a first-time superintendent 05:20 – Gaining member buy-in for environmental initiatives 06:10 – Starting with small, positive-impact sustainability steps 08:55 – Where to begin with environmental projects at a new property 10:20 – Sustainability as a membership attraction strategy 11:30 – Using data to drive smarter decisions 12:30 – Combining intuition with measurable benchmarks 14:20 – Technology, BMPs, and future industry challenges 16:45 – Staying fresh, curious, and engaged in the profession 19:15 – Importance of maintenance standards 21:15 – Long-range planning and defining the "next level" 24:50 – Advice for young and first-time superintendents 28:10 – Final reflections and where to connect   Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com USGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html GCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org

Summary BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Jordan Booth, a senior leader with the USGA Green Section, to explore the future of workforce development, apprenticeship, and leadership in the golf industry. Jordan shares his career journey from golf course maintenance to academia and ultimately to the USGA, highlighting the mentors, experiences, and values that shaped his path. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent, the importance of structured apprenticeship programs, and why training employers is just as critical as training employees. Tyler and Jordan discuss mentorship, communication, consulting, and the non-agronomic skills that separate good superintendents from great ones. They also examine reinvestment trends in golf, the balance between aspirational projects and fundamental infrastructure, and the role of lifelong learning in building sustainable teams and careers. Jordan offers candid insights on leadership, humility, continuous development, and the long-term impact of mentorship, emphasizing that meaningful change in the industry happens through people, process, and consistent fundamentals. What You'll Learn • Why apprenticeship and workforce development require total buy-in from both employers and mentors • How strong culture, communication, and team buy-in drive successful recruiting and retention • Why training employers to recruit, develop, and mentor talent is a critical industry gap • The importance of lifelong learning and continuous development for superintendents and leaders • How consultants and organizations like the USGA can support better decision-making and communication • The difference between aspirational projects and foundational infrastructure investments • Why fundamentals like drainage, sunlight, and water management still matter more than technology alone • How mentorship can create lasting impact and shape the next generation of industry leaders Timestamps 00:00 – Workforce development focus and challenges of administering apprenticeship programs 01:40 – Recruiting cycles, mentor partnerships, and long-term program growth 03:50 – Evolution of apprenticeship models and industry-wide collaboration 05:30 – Purpose-driven work and why impact matters more than monetization 07:20 – Building team buy-in and strong workplace culture 09:20 – Structural gaps in recruiting, training, and retention 11:10 – Training the trainer and why labor issues persist 12:55 – Non-agronomic skills and professional development gaps 15:00 – Lifelong learning, mentorship, and continuous growth 16:45 – Leveraging consultants and external expertise effectively 18:50 – Communication, credibility, and building consensus 20:55 – Reinvestment in golf and resetting long-term club trajectories 25:20 – Aspirational projects vs. fundamental infrastructure needs 27:35 – Why fundamentals still drive long-term success 31:10 – Technology as a tool—not a replacement for basics 32:50 – Jordan Booth's career journey into the USGA 36:55 – Apprenticeship programs and global perspectives 39:00 – Mentorship, legacy, and changing lives 41:05 – Process, consistency, and leadership reflection 43:30 – Favorite foursome and golf experiences 45:55 – USGA Museum highlights and educating the public 48:05 – Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and resources 49:55 – Closing reflections on leadership and impact Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program: https://www.usga.orgUSGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html  

Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet and one of the most influential voices in golf course management. Peter reflects on his 32-year journey building TurfNet, the evolution of the superintendent profession, and why focusing on people, content, and communication has always mattered more than chasing revenue. The conversation explores leadership, mentorship, technology, rising industry costs, work-life balance, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable and meaningful career in the golf and club industry. Peter also shares candid insights as he prepares for retirement, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, curiosity, and long-term impact. Book a Strategy Call   What You'll Learn • Why leading with valuable content and community building creates long-term trust and sustainable growth • How the superintendent role has evolved in skill, compensation, and responsibility over the past three decades • Why communication and mentorship remain two of the biggest gaps in the golf industry today • How AI and emerging technology can support better decision-making without replacing human connection • What separates great superintendents and leaders from good ones • Practical advice for young professionals entering the industry, including mobility, resilience, and family balance     Timestamps 00:00 – Content-first business philosophy and why revenue follows value 01:40 – Introducing Peter McCormick and TurfNet's early support of Bloom Golf Partners 03:50 – Building TurfNet and identifying unmet needs in the industry 07:38 – How the superintendent profession has changed over the past 30 years 09:00 – Rising salaries, equipment costs, and long-term sustainability concerns 12:50 – Curiosity, people-watching, and staying engaged in the industry 15:40 – Personal reflections on golf, family priorities, and career balance 23:25 – The role of AI and technology in modern golf course management 29:40 – The decline of blogs and why long-form communication still matters 36:15 – What separates great superintendents from good ones 39:35 – Communication, mentorship, and building strong team cultures 47:05 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry 53:45 – Letting professionals do their jobs and avoiding unnecessary interference 56:10 – Retirement, legacy, and lessons from 32 years of TurfNet 01:06:20 – Closing reflections on impact, relationships, and industry contribution     Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com TurfNet: https://www.turfnet.comGCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.orgPenn State Turfgrass Program: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf