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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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• 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.

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In this episode of Reel Turf Techs, we sit down with Kevin Kline, an equipment manager who has had quite the journey into the turf industry. Kevin shares how he started in the turf program at Ohio State University ATI, but his path took a detour as he ventured into electrical work and later became the director of facilities at a community college in Ohio. Years later, an unexpected job ad led him back to the golf course, where he now manages over 300 pieces of equipment at a private 38-hole facility.

Kevin discusses his love for golf, averaging 110-150 rounds a year, and how that passion for the game ultimately guided him back to the golf industry. He also highlights his goal to connect with members through weekly rounds and a league he set up for the Green staff. Tune in to hear Kevin’s unique journey, his thoughts on balancing work with his passion for golf, and how he brings his experience from multiple industries into his current role.

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Welcome to Episode 127 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! Today, we’re chatting with John Michael Clark, Equipment Manager at Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL—though, at the time of recording, he was at McLemore Golf Club in Georgia.

Join Trent and John Michael as they dive into everything but college football! John Michael shares how he stumbled into turf management, earning a degree from Mississippi State and transitioning from checking reels to running the shop full-time. They explore the challenges of training a crew from scratch, the year-round demands of Florida’s golf industry, the power of intentional communication, and the precision of a granite plate. Plus, they touch on the unique trials of managing a mountain course, like fog and rocks. Don’t miss this insightful episode as we anticipate John Michael’s next exciting chapter.

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Welcome to Episode 126 of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! This week, we're honored to chat with Jerry Goman, Senior Principal Design Engineer at The Toro Company, who recently retired after an impressive 39-year career. Jerry's journey began on a dairy farm, leading to dual degrees in agricultural and mechanical engineering, and ultimately to a pivotal role at Toro. Over the years, Jerry worked on numerous product lines, with a significant focus on greens mowers. In this episode, we dive deep into the design and engineering of cutting units, exploring topics like rifling, blade pass frequency, the development of DPA and EdgeSeries reels, bedknives, and more. If you're into the technical details of turfgrass equipment, this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with one of the industry's greats.

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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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Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 124!

Today, we’re joined by Paul MacCormack, Golf Course Superintendent and General Manager at Fox Meadow Golf Course on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fox Meadow, a public 18-hole course designed by Rob Heaslip, is where Paul, also known as the Mindful Superintendent, has been blogging for 12 years on TurfNet, promoting mindfulness in golf course maintenance. As a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and international speaker, Paul brings invaluable insights to our discussion.

Returning to the podcast is Wyatt Harris, equipment technician at the Four Seasons Golf and Sport Club in Orlando, Florida. Wyatt, a self-described Florida Man and OCD lawnmower mechanic, first appeared on Episode 23 and in a bonus episode in our Mental Health Series. With his background as the son of a golf course superintendent and a year of daily meditation practice, Wyatt shares how mindfulness meditation has improved his mental health, work efficiency, and family life.

In this episode, Trent, Paul, and Wyatt dive deep into the benefits of mindfulness meditation and debunk myths, including the idea that meditation conflicts with religious practices. They cover essential concepts like self-awareness, interconnectedness, and observing patterns without judgment. The discussion highlights how these practices reduce suffering, enhance leadership, and improve our ability to care for others and ourselves.

Trent shares his own aha moments from ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) meetings, illustrating the power of realizing that our thoughts do not define us. This awareness helps reduce reactivity and gives us the space to respond thoughtfully. They also explore the practical benefits of taking more pauses in a busy day and understanding that our roles in life do not define who we are.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on mindfulness, leadership, and the transformative power of meditation in both personal and professional life.

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