Reel Turf Techs Podcast

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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.

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In Episode 139 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, we sit down with Carl Michael, Equipment Manager at Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, FL. Growing up in the turf industry, Carl's journey began when his family bought a golf course in foreclosure, teaching themselves the business from the ground up. After completing a two-year ag and mechanics program followed by a turfgrass degree at Penn State and working as a superintendent at his family’s course, he eventually transitioned to the equipment side in Florida.

Carl shares the unique challenges of maintaining equipment during the club’s annual one-month closure, the shift in mindset from agronomics to equipment, and the importance of a solid foundation in cutting units. He also reflects on his love for working on the course, spending time at the ball field, and perfecting his skills on the pellet grill. We discuss the importance of exposing young people to the golf course mechanic profession and the rewarding career opportunities it offers. Tune in for a conversation about turf equipment management, industry challenges, and a shared love for the 90-degree 1⁄4-inch Snap-on ratchet!

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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 125! Today, we’re chatting with Robert Smith, Equipment Manager at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA. Merion is a private 36-hole facility with two shops and a rich history of hosting five U.S. Opens. Robert oversees a team of two full-time mechanics and one part-time assistant.

Golf runs deep in Robert's family, with a father who worked as a part-time golf cart mechanic and a mother employed in the pro shop of their local course. Uniquely, Robert knew he wanted to be a golf course mechanic as a teenager and pursued a combined ag/golf program to make it his career. Outside of work, Robert enjoys quality time with his wife and two daughters, fishing, and quiet time at home.

In this episode, Robert shares the challenges of training in all aspects of golf course maintenance, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual learning styles. He offers wisdom on the value of patience and the usefulness of note-taking when diagnosing equipment issues along with insight on the internship program at his facility. Robert and Trent also bond over their admiration for outdoorsman Dick Proenneke and the fun of volunteering at tournaments. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical advice and shared passions.

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In this episode of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast , we chat with Ben Herberger, Equipment Manager at Shooting Star Golf Club in Teton Village, WY. Ben, the lone technician overseeing a fleet of Toro equipment, shares his journey and valuable insights from his career.

Hailing from a family deeply connected to golf course maintenance—his great-grandfather was a superintendent—Ben grew up immersed in the industry. He first learned to turn wrenches at 18 while fixing his motorcycle, a skill that eventually led him to a role as a Toro distributor tech before moving to Central Oregon and later Jackson Hole.

Ben and Trent explore how the superintendent’s approach and leadership style can profoundly shape an equipment manager’s day-to-day experience. They discuss the relational aspects of the job, the importance of fostering a positive work environment, and the introspection needed to determine the “price” of happiness at work—how to cultivate it and when to consider moving on. Ben also reflects on the satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of technicians and the joy it brings.

Away from the shop, Ben embraces life as a dad to a two-year-old, enjoys fly fishing, running, and working on his hot rod Ford. Join us for an engaging and thoughtful conversation about finding balance and purpose in the turf industry!

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Episode 107: Meet Justin Wilkerson, the Equipment Manager at Wapika Ranch Golf Course in Piney, WY. This one-of-a-kind course is a privately-owned 9-hole gem, with another 9 in the works, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Wyoming and a 6000 acre cattle ranch.

Justin stands alone in the shop, tending to a fleet of mainly Toro equipment. His journey to becoming an Equipment Manager was far from conventional. Starting out as an automotive wrench-turner and after a stint in the oil and gas industry, and a detour into financial advising, Justin honed his mechanical skills in the power sports arena.

In this episode, Justin sheds light on his unique role as an EM at a privately-owned course in Wyoming, where winter whiteouts sometimes lead him to spend the night at the ranch. A devoted father of two, Justin savors this chapter of his life, seeking balance between his professional commitments and family life, and looking forward to fitting in a bit more hunting and shooting.

We dive into a range of topics, from imposter syndrome and the learning curves of the golf industry, to the crucial role of mentorship and the positive impact of the Reel Turf Techs WhatsApp community on Justin's professional development. He also shares a hot tip for detecting leaks, his innovative lift idea, and provides a sneak peek into the dynamic action at a sole owner course within a working cattle ranch along the banks of the Green River.

Tune in for an episode filled with insights, tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at Justin's eventful journey as an Equipment Manager in the beauty of Wyoming.

Thank you to @ASBtaskTracker for supporting this episode and agronomy teams everywhere!

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
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