I was an Assistant Super before becoming a Course Superintendent, so I knew what I wanted to see when hiring these individuals, but what I found was a bit different from what I thought. It is not that these people are dedicated to this job in turf, it is that they are dedicated human beings to whatever role they take in life. They believe their job IS their life, and I did / do too!
Let me explain.
Most outsiders of this belief would call this attitude of working: “Workaholism”. I am sure there are many people that fall into this category, but I believe [Turf People] particularly for this story, [Assistant Superintendents] are part of the term, “Ergophile”. This is a newer word in our world, but I would like to amend the definition a bit to say: “A special love or desire for the TYPE of work that they are doing.”
I also think this type of person may believe there is always a better job once they know they’ve found their desired work, they’ll move on, but stay in the same business. All the while still being an “Ergophile”. I was that way also…
Hence my job roles from Assistant Superintendent, Golf Superintendent, Aerification / Construction Sales, Syngenta Territory Rep., to VP of Sales and Marketing at Genesis Turfgrass, Inc.
In every “Turf” role, my phone was on 24 hours a day and I answered it! Ask my wife, LOL! I could go on about this topic but let’s just keep to the Assistant Superintendents i’ve had over the years and how this has played out for them.
My first Assistant Bruce, was an Assistant Golf Pro who wanted to work in Turf.
He stayed for two years, got the necessary education, put up with me and then went on to become a Private Club Golf Course Superintendent. Then after a General Manager, and then part owner of the place as I recall; I believe he is now retired. Bruce was a hard worker and a great family man. I believe he had five children. He was a good Christian man who once saved a man from a burning car.
Blaine was my Mechanic Darrel’s son who worked the golf course part time while in high school and then decided to get into turf full time.
Same dedication but after becoming my Assistant, he saw sales in Turf the next three moves in his turf career. Assistant Superintendent, to Toro Irrigation Sales, to owning his own Irrigation Company, to Distributor Turf Sales Rep., to Director of Sales at Genesis. I have to say that Blaine is my favorite “Ergophile” because he saved my life one day during a massive heart attack that I was having right in front of him. He got me off of the Golf Course, to the Hospital and stayed with me while going into the operating room. That is another story for another time. Thanks Blaine! I am still here to give you grief! Your fault!
Shaun was a friend of one of my great mechanics that I spoke about in another story, Mike Gray. They were close friends and true lovers of the outdoors.
Shaun was with me for many years on the course, got the necessary education. I believe all my Assistants went to the University of Maryland for the 2-year Turf Program. Shaun went from Assistant role to another Assistant Role, and then was the only one who became a Superintendent and stayed a Superintendent at a few different locations. Not sure where he is now because he was moving around the country so much. Maybe someone can fill me in.
Chris was the closest personality to me when it came to Assistant Superintendents. I was harder on him more than any Assistant because he was so much like me. High “I” personality on the “D.I.S.C.” Charts.
I mention “D.I.S.C. Personalities” in many of these posts because I believe this to be part of our makeup, and it helps people communicate with one another… Look it up. Chris went into Lawn Care after being an Assistant Super and has stayed for many years at the same company. In 2015 he was named Service Manager and oversees the operations. Another great family man who loves his family and the Orioles!
So, there you have my Assistant Ergophiles! No matter what they say, I loved them all! Check yourself to see if you fall into that definition in your job field.
-Mark S. Merrick, CGCS Retired
Introducing ‘Merrick Mondays’, a segment where we hear from Mark Merrick, our resident brand Ambassador, Chief ‘Cool” Officer, and general source of wisdom and secrets of the universe, to spotlight a dose of interview-style content, weekly.