Episode 172: Jeff Gustafson, CTEM

Send us Fan MailToday we’re talking with Jeff Gustafson, CTEM, Equipment Manager at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield, Michigan. Oakland Hills is a private 36-hole facility with a rich history in golf, including courses designed by Donald Ross. Jeff leads a three-person shop supporting a fleet that is primarily John Deere equipment.Jeff shares how growing up around a small golf course in Bemus Point, New York, eventually led him into the turf equipment world. After a short stint at the Golf Academy of the South in Florida, a mechanic pointed him toward the trade and the long-term job security that comes with it. Jeff learned the ropes, including reel grinding and preventive maintenance, and eventually found himself managing large equipment fleets.He talks about some of the twists and turns in his career, including moving from Colorado to be closer to family and adapting from Toro to primarily John Deere equipment. He also shares a pretty unforgettable story from his time in St. Thomas involving a golf cart and a cliff.The conversation covers favorite tools like an ultrasonic cleaner and infrared thermometer, lessons from mentors Mark Swoop and Frank Pittman, and the importance of communicating with the crew and treating people with respect. Jeff also talks about using ChatGPT and oil analysis to help solve problems and improve maintenance practices.They wrap up with Jeff’s thoughts on autonomous equipment, including the potential for rough and range-tee mowing to improve consistency while helping address the ongoing challenge of finding enough people to do the work.It’s a great conversation about career paths, adapting to change, learning from the people around you, and finding new ways to make the job better.Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManningEmail us at [email protected] out our YouTube Channel