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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!

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com
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Send us a text

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com
• Check out our YouTube Channel

Send us a text

In Episode 129 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Deering to hear about his journey into the turf industry. Ryan shares his roots in small engine repair, learning the trade while working with his grandfather in their family-owned equipment shop, where no two days were ever the same—whether fixing hovercrafts or steamrollers. Ryan discusses his time at Home Depot, climbing the corporate ladder, and developing valuable management skills, before making the leap into the golf industry. Ryan recounts the humorous yet humbling moment during his first interview at a golf course when he unintentionally insulted the superintendent by complimenting the "camouflage" look of the fairways. Tune in for a story filled with hands-on mechanical knowledge, career pivots, and Ryan's unique perspective on the world of turf maintenance.

• Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning
• Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com
• Check out our YouTube Channel