SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE

How did you get your start in the golf industry?
I first began by going to work with my dad at the age of eight, who managed a golf course. I would spend all day playing golf, fishing in the lakes, picking up range balls and helping out with the carts. Growing up in this environment lead to a passion for outdoors and golf course maintenance.
Can you tell us a few things about your early life, where were you born, what high school, first jobs? I was born in Cape Girardeau, MO and then my parents moved down to south Mississippi where I graduated from Ocean Springs High School. My first job that I had was working for my dad at the golf course, mowing during the day and watering the course at night.

Can you tell us a little about your family, how you met your wife, kid’s names?
I met my wife while I was attending Mississippi State and we have two beautiful children, Tanner -4 and Penelope-2.

Where did you go to school for turfgrass management?
Mississippi State University and currently attending Sam Houston State for a M.B.A.
Who was your earliest mentor in the industry and how did he inspire you? My earliest mentor was my father, who taught me that you get what you work for and nothing comes free. He taught me what work was like at an early age and the importance of being responsible.

How do you work with people to create a team?
I strongly believe in teaching by example and building confidence in people. I believe that mistakes are not always bad unless they are made out of negligence. I teach my team to build off of mistakes and to create solutions to prevent the mistake from reoccurring.
What achievements are you most proud of? Becoming a certified superintendent certainly tops the list, but nothing could be as great as being a father and husband.

What item or person could you not do without at your golf course? My team is certainly the life-blood of the golf course, therefore I could not do without them.

What is your favorite part of the job, least favorite? My favorite part of my job is seeing the results and developing people. The least favorite thing about my job would be dealing with the unpredictability of weather.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I would first go out and hire an attorney and an accountant, then I would continue working as a superintendent and would help out as many people as I could.

Few people know I like to… lift weights, I have a love for going to the gym after work and relieving a little stress. Also probably don’t know that I have a passion for cooking. My best dish would have to be a large platter of hot Louisiana boiled crawfish.

What do you like to do away from work? If you have time to yourself what do you like to do? I love to fish and duck hunt when I am not at work, and most importantly spending time with my family.