Page 25 - GreenMaster Fall 2024

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Chris Whittaker, Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM), began his rewarding new career in the golf industry in 2017.
along with the membership, and they are outlined on the GCSAA website.
The GCSAA website has lots of information for technicians; industry webinars, GSAATV and the Equipment Managers Certificate Program (EMCP). These classes and programs allowed me to keep working while I continued to learn. The EMCP level 1 buildsyourknowledgeonbasicrepair skills, cutting unit basics and fundamental turfgrass operations. EMCP level 2 exposes you to the management side of the industry.
To achieve the Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) desig- nation you must complete EMCP level 1 & 2. Then you must implement the knowledge and prepare your
shop facility to be inspected and attested based on a rubric that was developed by GCSAA Equipment Manager Task group. If you complete a self assessment, you can see if you are ready to take the next step and contact the GCSAA. Attesting is done by two Equipment Managers that have their CTEM designation usually over a Zoom call. We go over everything on the list and if there are any areas that should be improved, wemakethenotes,andtheresults are provided back to you by the GCSAA.
In 2020, I finished EMCP level 1 and 2 and found out that I was the first Canadian to complete level 1 and I became the first international CTEM in 2022. In 2021, I was selected to be a Melrose Equipment Manager Experience member and attended the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. Throughout my progression to gain the CTEM designation, I have had many positive interactions and experiences with GCSAA staff and other Equipment Managers from aroundtheworld.IjoinedtheGCSAA Equipment Manager Task Group in 2022, to give back to the group that has helped me develop my career.
THE HUMAN CONNECTION
I have found that when you get involved with people, your return will be tenfold. I have not met anyone who does not want to chat and share
their experiences! People will always talk golf with you, either problems that they are having with equipment or how Tiger is doing in the latest tournament.
When I get the chance to meet people and see how they do their job, how their shop is set up or just to chat with them and share ideas, I take the best bits and pieces of our experiences and create an environment that works for me. Everyone has offered an open invitation to come by to visit and see their facility, but we all know that during the season the course is busy and during the off season the shop is busy. So, sometimes the only time we get to see each other is during conferences, but the invitation to come see The Winston Golf Club is always there, just give me a call.
I believe that you never stop learning and there will always be new technology, new models, and/or new staff members to help. Equipment Managers are fundamental to golf course’s running well and efficiently. Our skill set is unique, and we help keep the equipment running smoothly so our turf team can keep the golf course looking great.
Happy Fixing! GM
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