The stereotype of a curmudgeonly mechanic and wary equipment operators struggling to coexist in a world of mower reels and topdressing sand is nearly as old as the mechanized mower itself.
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay golf course in Tower, Minnesota, has been immune to such an affliction, all thanks to equipment manager Jori Hughes.At age 28, Hughes already has been the equipment manager at The Wilderness for eight years under Vincent Dodge, CGCS. And in that time he has built a rapport with members of Dodge's crew that has resulted in 1) them being better and more efficient in the day-to-day aspects of their jobs, 2) equipment that is better cared for and lasts longer, and 3) peaceful coexistence between mechanic and operator.
Not possible, you say. Dodge says it is, and that is a big part of why Hughes is one of three finalists for the TurfNet Technician of the Year Award, presented by Toro. The winner will receive the Golden Wrench Award and a slot in an upcoming Toro Service Training Academy session.
"Where I see the most improvement is not just his technical skills, but his social skills," Dodge says. "We have a staff of more than 20 people, and many mechanics struggle with a staff that large. Jori actively works with them, not just on fixing and repairing things, but showing them how to become a better operator. He does it all with a positive attitude. I've been around some mechanics who, when something breaks, get angry. He doesn't. His attitude makes the worker's job easier."
And when they do break or damage something?
"Since he is approachable, they will come to him if they damaged or broken something," Dodge said. "They know they're not going to get yelled at."
In fact, for Hughes, training the staff on safe operation of equipment and tools helps head off a lot of the problems he might encounter otherwise at The Wilderness, which is part of a casino and resort destination.
"Safety in the workplace for Jori involves both safety in the shop and safety in the field," Dodge said. "Safety in the shop is accomplished by the acquisition of the proper tools to do the job and then the training to use them properly. Jori makes all the right recommendations to make the shop a safer place. Where Jori truly excels, however, is in the way he assists others in operating equipment in a safe manner. He does this by ensuring that all of the safety features of equipment are working properly and by assisting in the training of other employees to operate their equipment in a safe fashion."
As its name implies, The Wilderness is located in a remote and environmentally sensitive area that is in the headwaters of Lake Superior. Maintaining a balance between golf and environment is a job Hughes takes seriously.
Hughes, who spends his free time building, maintaining and racing cars, has developed programs for recycling just about anything. All fluids drained from mechanized equipment are saved into spill containers and processed by recycling companies. He also has played a key role in a steady transition to electric and hybrid equipment. Those are important attributes to Dodge, who sees the golf course as a vehicle in the drive to achieve sustainability.
"He understands the seriousness of being an environmental steward as much as I do," Dodge said. "And he helps me achieve that goal."
Previous winners are (2015) Robert Smith, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA; (2014) Lee Medeiros, Timber Creek and Sierra Pines Golf Courses, Roseville, CA; (2013) Brian Sjögren, Corral de Tierra Country Club, Corral de Tierra, CA; (2012) Kevin Bauer, Prairie Bluff Golf Club, Crest Hill, IL; (2011) Jim Kilgallon, The Connecticut Golf Club, Easton, CT; (2010) Herb Berg, Oakmont (PA) Country Club; (2009) Doug Johnson, TPC at Las Colinas, Irving, TX; (2007) Jim Stuart, Stone Mountain (GA) Golf Club; (2006) Fred Peck, Fox Hollow and The Homestead, Lakewood, CO; (2005) Jesus Olivas, Heritage Highlands at Dove Mountain, Marana, AZ; (2004) Henry Heinz, Kalamazoo (MI) Country Club; (2003) Eric Kulaas, Marriott Vinoy Renaissance Resort, Sarasota, FL. No award in 2008.