Reel Turf Techs Podcast

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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! In this exciting episode, we are thrilled to have Seth Sheldon, the Equipment Manager at the prestigious Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield, Michigan, as our guest. Seth's journey into the world of turf management is a story of passion, dedication, and mentorship.

Seth's journey began with a simple summer job on the grounds crew of a golf club that he and his family were members of. Little did he know that this experience would ignite his passion for the golf course industry. Initially pursuing a path in landscape architecture, Seth's heart took a detour as he fell in love with the intricacies of maintaining golf courses.

As he progressed in his career, Seth took the superintendent route, gaining valuable experience as an Assistant Superintendent at several golf clubs. However, it was a pivotal decision to switch to the mechanical side of the operation that would ultimately shape his future. Seth embarked on a new journey as an Assistant Mechanic at the County Club of Detroit, where he met a mentor who would play a significant role in his professional development.

Join us as Seth Sheldon shares his remarkable journey, from summer jobs on the grounds crew to becoming the Equipment Manager at Oakland Hills. Discover the insights, challenges, and joys of working behind the scenes to ensure that the golf course's equipment is in prime condition. Seth's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the pursuit of one's true passion.

If you're a turf management enthusiast, golf lover, or simply someone interested in the fascinating world of golf course equipment management, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we delve into Seth's journey and the secrets of keeping a world-class golf course in top shape. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast!

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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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You’ve never heard a ‘how I got into the industry’ story like Hector’s! Get to know the man behind the videos: a person of faith, family man, and absolutely the real deal. Hector will inspire you to speak your dreams into reality and is a living example that there is strength in being vulnerable about our fears, hopes and dreams. On the wrenching side, learn how his background as a motorcycle mechanic impacts his approach to turf equipment. Important reminders on chainsaw and chipper safety, as well as communicating with and caring about your operators, are discussed. Find out which PBS superstar influenced Hector to create Hector’s Shop and begin his video career, and how the desire to spend more time with his family resulted in taking his show on the road. We wrap up with all the details on Hector’s new venture, the Hector’s Shop Outdoor Power Equipment Training Center, and how the void in technical education for homeschool students called him to teach in a new way for future generations of techs. We’re thrilled to hear all the ways our industry has come together to support someone who has given so much to educate and support us.

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at [email protected]
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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.

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at [email protected]
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Welcome to Episode 116 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! We’re diving into the whirlwind journey of Brian Harper, Equipment Manager at Pendleton Golf Club in Fredericksburg, VA. Pendleton, an 18-hole public facility, serves as the backdrop for Brian's unique story.

Get ready for a tale straight out of an 80s movie as Brian takes us from life on the road with a rock band to delivering furniture and mixing drinks in the Florida Keys. But Brian flipped the script, choosing early mornings and sunrises over late nights and neon lights.

Starting as an irrigation tech and assistant superintendent, Brian had his "aha" moment when he realized the mechanic avoided weekend work – a revelation that led him to his true calling and the freedom to spend more time with his wife, son and daughter and time to pursue his creative passions.

Join us for a lively discussion on managing parts budgets, the importance of the turf technician community, and the intriguing discoveries spotted on trail cams around the course.

In his downtime, Brian enjoys making music, fly fishing, and even squeezing in some bass fishing over his lunch break. And don't miss his latest outlet – stand-up comedy!

Tune in as Brian shares insights into operator training and the secrets to his success in the turf industry. It's an episode packed with laughter, connection, inspiration, and a touch of nostalgia.

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at [email protected]
• Check out our YouTube Channel