I'm proud to announce that I have promoted Matthew Green, a 10 year employee of Highlands CC, to the Head Equipment Technician Position on Friday, July 17th. Three weeks ago, our former mechanic and two other employees resigned abruptly. Fortunately, as a Grade 2 Greenkeeper on the Old Course at St. Andrews in 1999, I had pretty extensive training in reel mower maintenance, bench setting and grinding. I initially stepped in to do the job, with the help of Matthew, who has rather extensive experience with small engines, welding etc. For the first few days, it was a team effort. Then, using my contacts, I scheduled a day for our Toro representative to come to HCC to put on a reel grinding seminar. That was a great refresher and a great day; time very well spent. Matthew caught onto it quicker than anyone I've ever seen. For the last decade, Matthew was always one of our key team members to turn to when something critical needed to be completed. In addition, he served as our Spray Technician. These past 2 week as he served in an interim role, I started seeing things in Matthew that I didn't completely know in past years. One, he observes everything going on around him and then is persistent in learning the whys of what we are doing so he can process and understand the big picture. Second, while I knew he had an great understanding of engines and general mechanics, I watched him replace a clutch in one of our maintenance vehicles in no time flat. Even more appealing to me, his organizational skills, safety awareness and housekeeping skills became very apparent. This position was his professional goal for the last number of years and he wasted no time showing his value over the last few weeks when the opportunity presented itself. I can't describe just how proud I am of Matthew. He has a excellent attitude and sense of urgency- 2 traits that I consider to be most important- especially in a business with so many unknowns. He is going to serve Highlands CC for a very long time and he'll do it very well. I fully expect that Matthew very well may be the last mechanic I ever hire!
The last 2 weeks was a pretty crazy time. I love working under pressure like that with a clear goal in mind. I interviewed a total of 20 candidates (Matthew included) out of the 35 resumes I received. Only a small minority would have been considered of those applicants. They ranged from 40 year industry veterans to a couple assistant mechanics looking to make the jump and even 3 technicians currently employed by top 25 rated golf clubs in the US. Of the 20 initial phone interviews, it was narrowed down to 5 candidates I met on site. While some were great options, I'm a little surprised at just how many people apply for jobs because they think the grass will be greener elsewhere or the new position will be somehow easier than their current job. My biggest pet peeve are the folks that don't even take the time to research a job/community prior to applying. That's 180 degrees from how I opporate. I want some who's willing to come in, be honest with me, improve the departments efficiencies and record keeping, develop a first class preventative maintenace schedule for all equipment and then someone to make decisions based on what's best for the golf course and membership as opposed to what is easier for them. I wanted someone that will support my decisions and vision that I have for the Club. My standards are incredibly high and my foot is always on the gas. I require my inner circle to also have their foot on the gas and not let up pushing for the highest golf course standards. The minute I don't feel that way, is the day I'm no longer worthy of the Superintendent position at HCC. I digress, but this concept of early retirement and entitlement is something I didn't realize was so prevalent and accepted by many. I'm sure it's every industry in existence as well. Human nature To a lot of people, perhaps.
The answer to exactly what I was looking for hand been in front of me all along. I look forward to continuing to invest in Matthew's future. He is committed to continuing education and striving to be better than yesterday. I hope you will join me and congratulate Matthew when you see him around the club!
Above: Matthew and son, Colton. Not pictured is his wife, Ashley.