Episode 173: Ryan Bickham

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast, Episode 173.Today we’re talking with Ryan Bickham, Equipment Manager at Loraloma. Loraloma is a private 18-hole course, and Ryan runs the shop with one other technician, supporting a fleet that’s primarily Toro equipment.Ryan shares his unconventional path into the turf industry, starting with heavy diesel work before making the move to golf course maintenance. From there, he worked his way through grounds crew and mechanic roles before landing at a nine-hole municipal course where he wore every hat, including superintendent and GM. That experience gave him a little bit of everything before making the jump to his current role at Loraloma, a high-budget operation with new equipment and an in-house grinder.They talk about what Ryan enjoys about the job, favorite tools, finding balance outside the shop, unusual things he's encountered on the course, mentors who have influenced his career, and the opportunity to volunteer at tournaments.The conversation also gets into reel performance on Zoysia and Ryan’s approach to getting the most out of a reel. It’s a great conversation about building a career by wearing a lot of hats, learning every side of the operation, and growing from a nine-hole municipal course to a completely different level of equipment management.Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManningEmail us at [email protected] out our YouTube Channel