In this episode, we’re diving into the power of personal branding—not just as a tool for visibility, but as a journey in personal development with Rachel Gogos, owner of BrandID. Rachel shares her career journey, from starting in higher education and working at the United Nations to launching her agency focused on personal branding and business strategy. The importance of self-discovery in personal branding Rachel shares when we truly understand our strengths, vision, and how we want to be...

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Urbanski, an accomplished golf course superintendent, to discuss his impressive career journey, insights on team culture and leadership, and his unique experience hosting the 2022 BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club. Jon shares how he went from considering a career as a math teacher to finding his passion in the golf industry. We discuss his journey from a summer crew member to one of the industry's top superintendents, highlighting his passion,...

In this episode, Brian Chapin shares insights from his unique career journey from golf course superintendent to general manager (GM) during the pandemic, and eventually to VP at LaBar Golf, where he joined in 2022. His path offers a valuable perspective on moving from hands-on turf management to overseeing broader club operations, providing a holistic view of club success. Emphasizing career development, Brian advises superintendents to stay open to non-traditional roles, like GM, as the...

Adam Garr discusses his unique career journey and expertise in communication strategies tailored for golf course superintendents. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and creative branding techniques to improve career advancement and opportunities, as well as to sell the opportunities within a department and operation. Garr also shares his own entrepreneurial journey and offers advice for those looking to pursue niche businesses in the golf industry. Creatively telling your story can...

In this special episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom highlights the impactful work of the Super Scratch Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2020. Tyler is joined by industry colleagues Scott Bordner and Timothy Zurybida to discuss how the foundation is making a difference in the often underserved and overlooked side of the golf industry: turfgrass and agronomy. The Super Scratch Foundation's mission is to invest in the future of the golf industry by...

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom interviews Shane Conroy, a GCSAA field staff representative, about his unconventional career path and his role as a field rep. They discuss the importance of getting involved in the industry and the various programs available for personal and professional development. They also touch on the role of Superintendents in encouraging their team members to engage in the industry and the rewarding aspects of the job. They discuss the...

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the career journey of Jason Tharp, a golf course superintendent whose unconventional path led him from the music industry to one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country.  Career Journey: From Music to Turf Jason Tharp’s story begins in Nashville, where he grew up surrounded by the music industry. After high school, he took jobs at local golf courses to make ends meet, all while exploring a career in recording arts. But it...

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the inspiring career journey of Alan FitzGerald, a golf course superintendent whose path has taken him from the emerald shores of Ireland to some of the world’s top golf courses. Alan shares his experiences growing up around golf courses, his early career at Mount Juliet resort, and his education at Penn State and Loch Lomond. His six-year tenure at Pine Valley and 19 years at Ledgerock prepared him for his current role at Rehoboth Beach...

In the latest episode of Leadership on the Links, we were thrilled to host Eric Schultz, whose career journey and industry insights provide valuable lessons for golf professionals and enthusiasts alike. Eric Schultz’s journey and insights provide a wealth of inspiration for anyone in the golf industry. His emphasis on relationships, empathy, and collaboration, combined with his personal anecdotes, make for a compelling and insightful episode. From Humble Beginnings to Prestigious Clubs ...

Courtney Trimble, a former college golf coach, shares her journey of starting a recruitment service for women in the golf industry. She saw a need to help college golfers transition into careers in the golf space and connect them with organizations looking to hire. She helps candidates find employment and provides career development opportunities. Courtney emphasizes the unique skills that college golfers bring to organizations and aims to build their confidence and help them map out their...

Guy Cipriano has served as editor-in-chief of Golf Course Industry magazine since 2014. The interviewer becomes the interviewee in this revealing listen about the birdies, pars, and bogeys of industry management that he has chronicled during his decade atop one of our sport’s leading publications. Cipriano started playing golf as a teenager after his father took him to the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh. He had become a successful sports writer in Pennsylvania when he...

Throughout her marketing career, Meredith has gained key insights into the world of golf and what it takes to connect with people in this industry.  Before starting her own marketing business, Meredith worked in golf course events and marketing where she met her husband, Tyler Otero. Meredith also has a background in real estate marketing, giving her a unique perspective in her current career.  In this episode, Meredith shares her tips for posting on social media for a golf course, how...

Get an inside look into the NYSTA Apprenticeship Program from former student and industry pioneer, Ryan Bain.   Ryan is an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Noyac Golf Club in Long Island, New York. As someone who entered the golf industry with no formal experience, Ryan became a huge proponent of the New York State Turfgrass Association’s (NYSTA) Apprenticeship Program – a mutually beneficial program for an industry struggling to find qualified talent and candidates who need a foot...

What sets good superintendents apart from great ones is their business ability. The most successful superintendents bring a higher-level thought process to their leaders, club members, and team. Patrick Michener shares how you can become that irreplaceable leader. Patrick has been the Superintendent at Bidermann Golf Course and Vicmead Hunt Club since January 2019. Prior to that, he was the Golf Course Superintendent at the Country Club of York in York, PA for six years. A graduate of Penn...

We are excited to introduce our very own Administrative Manager, Mary Maloney, on this episode of Leadership on the Links! Mary provides essential administrative support to the Tyler Bloom Consulting team, along with assisting in our recruiting efforts and marketing channels.  Prior to working with Tyler Bloom Consulting, Mary worked in manufacturing before pivoting to a career in recruiting. Mary is tied to the golf industry through her husband who is a Field Staff member for the GCSAA,...

A great leader knows how to get the most out of their team. Eric Materkowski is an expert in building strong team cultures that increase productivity and create supportive and innovative work environments on the golf course. Eric received his Turfgrass Management degree from Ohio State ATI and has been a golf course superintendent for 28 years. He recently finished his 10th year as Golf Course Superintendent at St. Clair Country Club. Before St. Clair, he was the Golf Course Superintendent...

We are excited to introduce our very own Communications Manager, Mitch Rupert, on this episode of Leadership on the Links!  Mitch facilitates the interview process, interviewing candidates and sharing key takeaways with the hiring managers we serve.  Prior to working with Tyler Bloom Consulting, Mitch worked as an award-winning sports journalist, covering professional sports, Phillies minor league baseball, collegiate athletics, high school athletics, all the way down to the youth-level...

Booking entertainment at golf course venues can boost member engagement and revenues. Who better to advise club managers than comedian, magician, and Private Club Radio host Denny Corby? Corby fell in love with magic as a kid growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and he had an obvious knack for entertainment. After balancing college and work for his parents at their paper supply company (yes, it was in Scranton), the real-life cross between “The Office” characters Michael Scott, Jim Halpert,...

011 | 3 Surprising Traits That Make a Successful Leader with Joe Blackburn What makes a great leader? Joe Blackburn boils it down to 3 key traits that he’s seen lead people to success time and time again. Joe is a Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Lion’s Eye Coaching, with a track record of helping clients significantly increase their revenues. He's a former director at Merrill Lynch, where he managed a team of over 140 financial advisors and oversaw billions in assets.  Joe's...

We are excited to introduce our very own Operations Manager, Ryan McNally, on this episode of Leadership on the Links!  Ryan has been with Tyler Bloom Consulting just shy of three years now. His focus is on our recruiting arm of services, where he does talent outreach, client and candidate coordination, and background and reference checks. Essentially, Ryan ensures our entire recruitment process is seamless from start to finish. He succeeds in this role due to his commitment to...

We are excited to introduce Golf Course Superintendent and 82nd President of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Darren Davis, on this episode of Leadership on the Links!  Darren has been in the golf industry for 35 years, serving as the Superintendent of the Olde Florida Golf Club for the majority of his career.  Darren sits down with Tyler to discuss his tenure in the golf industry and how he got his start back in 1989. He gives key insights into the status of the...

Improve your job search outcomes with these tips Erin Wolfram shares on this episode of Leadership on the Links!  Erin is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Professional Etiquette Consultant who is the owner of Career Advantage Golf –  career consulting services geared toward professionals in golf course maintenance and turf management.  Her business partners with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to provide its members with free resume and cover...

If you’ve ever wondered how to attract top interns for your club, look no further. Dr. John Kaminski is a Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University. He serves as Director of the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program, an 18-month intense training program for future golf course grounds managers. He also consults with various golf courses around the United States and select countries around the world. Outside of Penn State, Dr....

From young golf enthusiasts to industry leaders overseeing iconic venues, Jeff Corcoran and Dave Delsandro share their journey of passion, growth, and adaptation in the golf industry. Discover their evolution from demanding superintendents to understanding leaders, the challenges of labor shortages, and their new roles as advisors, providing invaluable insights and expertise to the next generation of golf course superintendents  Corcoran has been a golf course superintendent for more than 20...