Growing up in the Midwest, I would walk the golf courses with my dad and always enjoyed the quality time and the times I had playing the game. After high school graduation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, our family relocated to Florida in 1987. I started working in golf course management in 1988 in South Florida. Humidity, bugs and bermudagrass were the daily scene. I worked a season of fly mowing and weedeating and was offered the opportunity to do work on a new course, growing it in. After sprigging and fertilizing at Rotonda, I was offered the job as the Spray Technician at Plantation in Venice, FL. Being responsible for all insects, weeds, and diseases is no easy task in Florida especially on 36 holes of golf! I excelled and was hooked on my career.
I was encouraged to get my Turf Degree and enrolled at Lake City(FL) Community College - Golf Course Management School. After graduating with honors in 1995, I moved to Denver, CO and was hired as the Irrigation Technician at The Pinery in Parker. My hard work and self motivation paid off in 1996 as I was offered an Assistant's position for the construction and seed grow-in of Aspen Glen in Carbondale, CO, a Nicklaus/Nicklaus II Design. I had an amazing educational work experience, getting to meet Jack Nicklaus was a highlight. Aspen Glen consistently makes Top Ten lists in the industry.
In 1998, I was offered the Assistant Superintendent's position at River Valley Ranch in Carbondale to finish the grow-in and get it to a successful grand opening. We made Golf Magazine's Top Ten You Can Play in 1999. In 2002, I accepted the 1st Assistant's position at Promontory in Park City for a better opportunity to advance my career. After a successful construction and sod grow-in and meeting Pete Dye we had a Golf Digest Top 100 Courses in the United States. I was rewarded for my efforts and promoted to Superintendent in 2005.
In 2008, the recession hit the golf market and I moved our family to a better situation, accepting the Superintendent's position at Devil's Thumb Golf Club in Delta, CO. In just two seasons, I was able turn the course around using my tournament greens program and reprogramming the irrigation central control. In 2009, we boosted the course into the esteemed list of Colorado Golf Magazine's Top Ten Public Courses, at #7! First time the course ever ranked. The recession caught up with Delta in 2010 and severe budget and personnel cuts were made.
Throughout my career I have gained the successful experience with operations and management of all types of golf facilities from municipal to private. One thing is constant at every golf course, the importance of relationships with people. I strongly believe in strong fiscal responsibility, continuing education and environmental stewardship. Providing leadership, vision, integrity, a positive attitude and Midwestern work ethic.
I have been happily married to my wife, Pauline for ten years and we are blessed with our six year old, Sophia and four year old, Thomas. We enjoy golf, hiking, biking, camping and family time.
