How did you get your start in the golf industry?
I have always enjoyed working outside and picked up the game of golf when I was 5 years old. This combination along with coming from a family background of farming outside of Dayton Ohio made working on a golf course a natural.
Can you tell us a few things about your early life, where were you born, what high school, first jobs?
I was born on the Monterey Peninsula but both sets of my parents are from Dayton Ohio and all my relatives are from that area. I lived in Minnesota for a short period of time but grew up here on the peninsula. My first job was working a paper route delivering newspapers on my bicycle. I attended local schools and held other jobs during my high school years such as working at a Pizza parlor and a warehouse operating a forklift.
Can you tell us a little about your family, how you met your wife, kid’s names?
I have two great parents that have taught me a lot about life and are an important part of my current life. I have three brothers and all of us were/are very competitive in sports. I met my wife while attending Oregon State University in college. My Wife Dionne grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon and has one brother. We got married in 1998 and have three beautiful daughters: Stephanie (13), Alexandra (10), and Ashley (6).
Where did you go to school for turf grass management?
I attended Oregon State University for two years and then graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Minor in Plant Science. I also went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Monterey Peninsula College.
Who was your earliest mentor in the industry and how did he inspire you?
My biggest influence in the industry was Mark Michaud when I was working early on in my carreer. Mark taught me about the importance of having a sense of urgency each and every day. His aggressive tendencies were a great recipe for learning.
How do you work with people to create a team?
Teamwork is the most important thing when trying to accomplish a common goal. The most important thing I believe in is getting out and working with the crew members. You do not always have the time to perform all the duties but you have to be willing and know how to do the work before leading people on the specific tasks.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I think organizing and running the 2010 US Open was a great accomplishment. I must say raising three kids tops all on the list at this time!
What item or person could you not do without at your golf course?
That is a hard question but here at Pebble Beach, it would be the staff. I have some really talented individuals that have been on this property for 20, 30, and even close to 40 years. Each one of these members brings value to the team and without their contributions, we would not be able to achieve what we do.
What is your favorite part of the job, least favorite?
My favorite part of the job is the hands-on work and the setting we work in. Watching the sunrise daily and creating a product for golfers every day to enjoy is something I take a tremendous amount of pride in. My least favorite is probably the paperwork and reports that sometime we have to generate.
Do you collect anything? Hub caps, license plates, signs…
I am a hoarder at heart. I use to collect baseball cards, signs, and old memorabilia and still stack things in my garage so someday my kids can look at them and laugh before they probably throw them away!
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I would continue to work in some capacity and continue to enjoy life…..but even more!
Few people know I like to…
I enjoy camping and all outdoor activities. I have always enjoyed riding motorcycles and have recently purchased one for my daughters to begin riding with me. I am a weather geek that is trying to learn more about that profession.
What do you like to do away from work? If you have time to yourself what do you like to do?
I still play basketball and baseball competitively in adult leagues and enjoy the game and workouts that come with it. I also enjoy the ability to complain to the referees when they miss a call!!!
