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1. Bradley Frunchak

   

   24 posts
   
   3/15/2012 9:03 AM

   I have a retiree who cuts fairways for me 3 days a week. This past season he has had a health issue and now this off season he has had to have a small oxygen tank with him until his surgery. He still wants to work and thinks that it wouldn't be a problem to have the oxygen pack on the fairway mower. I am not too sure about this. He is extremely dependable but I am not sure about the liability, safety issues etc(my worry/stress level). My gut feeling says no. Any comments?

   
   
   
   
2. Wahlin Scott B

   
   3/15/2012 9:03 AM

   I am guessing this would be considered a "reasonable accomodation" under the ADA.
   
   http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html

   
   
   
   
3. Whitehead Kyle J

   
   3/15/2012 9:03 AM

   Yikes! I don't think it's very safe to have a oxygen tank while on the fairway unit. You could get into a little trouble if something were to happen. I think you have to tell this guy that's its just not a safe situation. I'm sure once he is able to go without it that he can return to work. But, in the meantime he may need to take some time off.
   Just my thought...

   
   
   
   
4. David Brandenburg

   

   3 posts
   
   3/15/2012 7:03 PM

   We have had mowing employees over 80 a few times and I have had 4 over my years who basically worked until they were dead or close to it. Not the fastest workers but they were a half hour early every day and took great care of the equipment and they did a good job mowing. For each one when I went to the wake or visited in the hospital the family pointed out how much they enjoyed their time on the golf course and how much they appreciated the opportunity. One family actually had the work schedule on a board with family pictures! I switched to a computer generated schedule rather than my hand work after that.
   
   My point is for these guys this job is an important part of their lives and I happily allowed them a few weeks of slower work for the months or years of great work they gave me.
   
   If he can get on and off the mower with his tank I would say let him go. Your not throwing sparks at him that could explode the tank or anything and I am sure he can secure it so it does not fall off.
   
   Every year we have a few old seniors who use a tank to play. It means a lot to them to be out their with their friends having fun.

   
   
   
   
5. Clay Putnam

   

   33 posts
   
   3/16/2012 7:03 AM

   Don't let the oxygen tank scare you. This employee will not have a welding torch tank strapped to his back. Most oxygen tanks are small and contained in pouch that hangs from a strap around his/her neck and shoulder. You won't even know it is is there while he/she is mowing.

   
   
   
   
6. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   3/16/2012 8:03 AM

   My mom used to have a little basket on the back of her lawn mower. She would still get out and mow the yard herself the first couple of years. Of course we didn't have to worry about any liabilities or ADA at home.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO
   
   
7. Jon Gansen

   

   1 posts
   
   3/29/2012 7:03 AM

   My father was on oxygen for the last 14 years of his life. The oxygen tank neither hindered him or stopped him from doing what he wanted running the tractor, mowing, livestock and so on. As small and light as those tanks were 15 years ago I cant imagine how much technology has made them safer and easier to manage. If the gentleman is responsible I dont think it would be a problem. Had a neighbor lady once that was a chain smoker on oxygen, I watched her burn right thru the line with a cig trying to get up from the couch. First thought was here comes the blow torch but nothing happened.

   
   
   
   
8. Jason Baker

   

   12 posts
   
   10/21/2016 8:10 AM

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9. Keith Fellenstein

   

   0 posts
   
   10/21/2016 10:10 AM

   I think you know the answer to your own question. If it was me, I would prepare for any possibility, but not approach the Green Chair or President. Wait for them to come to you. Set aside the moral and ethical part of the equation, as well as the emotional, that is a mess you will have to figure out for yourself. From a purely practical approach, if they have any leverage on you such as severance, or recommendations, if you need anything from them at all, it doesn't pay to sour the break up on your end. Not a good idea to burn bridges, you never know when a contact will come in handy. When you do want to delve into those other parts of the puzzle, don't buy into all the BS about how you want to be remembered, and your legacy, being professional, or that you owe anything to anyone except your crew -- it boils down to the people you worked with every day, and how they will be affected by how you handle the situation. This is the ugly side of the business, keep your head held high and hope you find what you're looking for.

   
   
   
   
10. Anthony Nysse

    

    1 posts
    
    10/23/2016 9:10 AM

    In this day and age and so many people being PC on everything, I think its more beneficial to take the high road, especially when others have the potential to control your future success. My dad always said, "You never know how your next employer may be, therefore it's always better to act right, be polite and watch your tongue." That all being said, I don't think that you want to burn a bridge with your current golf course and/or BOG. All it takes is for another club to call your current BOG members and depending how that goes, you get a resume in the short pile.
    As difficult of a pill it may be to swallow, your future success will probably appreciate it.

    
    
    
    
11. Parker Scott E

    
    10/23/2016 8:10 PM

    Smile everyday, all day until you leave! If possible you should get their reason in writing unless you think you already know. When you are interviewing for a new position, the question will come up and they will already know the answer. They will want to know how you handle it. This is part of the journey, but would not wish it on anyone. You will survive and probably be better off.

    
    
    
    
12. Jason Baker

    

    12 posts
    
    10/24/2016 8:10 AM

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13. Max Lamas

    

    0 posts
    
    10/24/2016 8:10 AM

    Hold your head high and start looking. Be prepared to find an assistant job till you land the next superintendent job or even just move on to a new industry. Show the new guy how to start the irrigation pumps and just move on.

    
    
    
    
14. Morozowsky Martin

    
    10/24/2016 10:10 AM

    It is better to leave quietly and in good standing than blow-up at the situation. I know a forced life changing event is discouraging but the only way to look at it as an opportunity to improve. As mentioned before welcome to the dark side of the business. You should have several strategies in place based on your life experience and have a contingency plan based on the worst case scenario that you face. The reality of this industry it is changing because of the lack of demand for golf, you either learn to adapt or die trying.
    
    "Jason use the force!" that is what Yoda would say.
    
    Take care
    
    Martin Morozowsky
    MBA candidate

    
    
    
    
15. Keith Pegg

    

    0 posts
    
    10/24/2016 1:10 PM

    This is hard, you can do as they want or just be a Taxi when the new people come to see. You do not need to share the items that maybe only you know, its your call not the clubs. Save all you can for the time you have left and I really hope you find a great position soon.
    Being a person that had to look world wide was a great thing and not to be over looked.
    
    Keith Pegg now retired.

    
    
    
    
16. Stephen Ravenkamp

    

    1 posts
    
    10/24/2016 1:10 PM

    You are in an unfortunate situation and I'm sure you feel betrayed; however, I disagree with Keith about sharing information. I would hope whoever they pick to take your place had no role in replacing you. If he did not, it is not his fault and withholding information from him is, in my mind, unprofessional. I would hope you do your best to help him succeed professionally. One of the things I have always taken pride in with GCSAA is the way we help each other out. Go out with your head held high knowing you have nothing to be ashamed of.
    
    Now, if he had a hand in your replacement he doesn't deserve any professional courtesy and all bets are off!

    
    
    
    
17. Andy Jorgensen

    

    1 posts
    
    10/24/2016 3:10 PM

    Sit back, relax and smile. I wouldn't offer any advice unless asked to do so...part of being a good Superintendent is the experiences and knowledge you gain in the process. That's what sets you apart from anyone else. At the end of the day you can't do anything about the current situation except make it worse.
    
    Take a break after your last day before starting a new gig. I speak with a lot of Superintendents that are let go for numerous reasons...the common feeling among them all is a sense of relief. Relief from the daily grind that all to often causes our stress levels to go up.

    
    
    
    
18. Andrew Cross

    

    5 posts
    
    10/24/2016 8:10 PM

    I was let go unexpectedly back in Feb 2012, No notice to job hunt. I was unemployed for exactly 3 month and got my foot in the door as an seasonal asst. I have since moved up to a full time asst at the same place. I am in a very good spot now where I feel appreciated by the whole organization from the top down. Looking back it was an absolute blessing in disguise. The best thing is to remain positive during the job search, an old boss once told me "You get back what you put out"
    
    Good luck!!

    
    
    
    
19. Jeremy Hreben

    

    0 posts
    
    10/25/2016 12:10 PM

    I would say two things:
    
    1. you mentioned rumors. As of right now that's what they are. Nobody has asked you to teach or train anyone. Just do your job and wait to see what happens.
    
    2. If I were a new super replacing one, personally I wouldn't want his help. I would want to learn myself. Maybe your board asked you to help him in the transition but maybe the new guy won't want it.
    
    Sit back and let things play out.

    
    
    
    
20. Gary Carls

    

    19 posts
    
    10/26/2016 1:10 PM

    Jason,
    
    I would offer the following suggestions similar to what others have said:
    
    1. Don't burn any bridges as you never know when folks at your current facility may be able to help you in your current and/or future job searches.
    
    2. Hold your head up and be proud of what you have accomplished. It will serve you well in the long run.
    
    3. Help where you can in any transition that may take place. I wouldn't go out of my way to offer extra help but be open to any questions that may come up. A professional approach to all of this will serve you well.
    
    4. While it may be difficult to leave view this as an opportunity to do something better with your future. Now's a good time to think about where you want to be ten years from now and plan your career path accordingly.
    
    Best of luck in whatever you choose to do. Golf can be a tough business to be in (especially these last few years) but I still think there are a lot of great folks in this business that want everyone to be successful.

    
    Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative
    
    
21. James Smith

    

    112 posts
    
    11/1/2016 7:11 AM

    you are not required by law to train anyone who is replacing yourself. That being said, it seems like they were still trying to treat you right by letting you complete your contract so maybe helping your replacement would not be a bad thing but thats on you to decide.
    
    I myself have been thinking lately about how long my job could still last. with golf down and revenue down we have had to cut my department severely. I have been here for 22 years now and while my salary is good (not great) I may be getting out of my clubs ability to continue keeping me. To top this off, my board elected to give me an increase this last year which was the first in 7-8 years and much more then I figured they could afford (being completely honest with myself). Since I do a lot more then most Superintendents in this business (clubhouse reconstruction, electrical, plumbing, and just about everything) due to my DYI expertise. I try to make myself as valuable as possible to my club. This year I have actually donated money back to the club for items in our renovation work ($500 towards the new floor in our men's locker room).
    
    Like I said above, I have been here for 22 years and live 1 mile away in a house I own without a mortgage note. I have been considering that at some point I may have to work for less money if I want to stay here. Is this something any other Superintendent has done before? I feel that it may be worth a little less to continue working here. I will not cross that bridge until I have to though.

    
    
    
    
22. Corey Eastwood

    

    80 posts
    
    11/1/2016 11:11 AM

    "Like I said above, I have been here for 22 years and live 1 mile away in a house I own without a mortgage note. I have been considering that at some point I may have to work for less money if I want to stay here. Is this something any other Superintendent has done before? I feel that it may be worth a little less to continue working here. I will not cross that bridge until I have to though.
    
    James
    I have wondered why this doesn't happen often. I have known of a couple of instances that Superintends have suggested this when finances became an issue including myself. I have never heard of it happening. I guess the mentality is that you will only stay at the lower salary until another job comes along. Hire a young guy cheaper and he/she will stay.

    
    Corey Eastwood CGCS, Stockton Golf & CC, Retired
    
    
23. James Smith

    

    112 posts
    
    11/3/2016 2:11 PM

    Corey Eastwood, CGCS said: "Like I said above, I have been here for 22 years and live 1 mile away in a house I own without a mortgage note. I have been considering that at some point I may have to work for less money if I want to stay here. Is this something any other Superintendent has done before? I feel that it may be worth a little less to continue working here. I will not cross that bridge until I have to though.
    
    James
    I have wondered why this doesn't happen often. I have known of a couple of instances that Superintends have suggested this when finances became an issue including myself. I have never heard of it happening. I guess the mentality is that you will only stay at the lower salary until another job comes along. Hire a young guy cheaper and he/she will stay.

    
    
    Corey, To be honest with you I have always worked for less money then other Superintendents in our region. I knew it and my club knew it. I had been honest with my club in saying that since I already own my house and grew up three houses down the street from where I grew up, that it was worth a little less to me then making what everyone else was making. We have no kids, and after putting my wife through 6 years of college in the medical field we are not hurting for the money (she makes good money but not great). Only having to drive 1 mile each way and being close enough to run back out to check on things if needed. Two weeks after accepting this position I had been offered $10,000 more per year from a position I had accepted three days before this one came open, after I had told that club I was no longer interested in that position. They thought I may have been trying to get more money I guess until I told them I still was not interested.
    
    My guess is that at some point and time if I want to stay in this business I will have to take less money or move.

    
    
    
    
24. Jason Baker

    

    12 posts
    
    11/7/2016 9:11 AM

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25. Sean Hoolehan

    

    0 posts
    
    11/7/2016 10:11 AM

    Jason
    
    If i can be of any help feel free to call me at 541-377-0277.
    
    Good luck,
    Sean

    
    
    
    
26. Jason Baker

    

    12 posts
    
    11/9/2016 8:11 AM

    Thanks Sean, I will.
    
    I am really in a good place, emotionally and professionally. It is a relief to be leaving this place, I have been in an extremely difficult position for a long time.
    
    I have a few opportunities in and out of the industry and am looking forward to the next step.
    
    As I said from the beginning of this post the BOD and Club in general has handled this professionally and with a ton of respect.
    
    Last night I had a greens committee meeting and afterward spoke with the Chair and another BOD member, they outlined the plan for the rest of the year and my expected role. It works for me. The new Super was announced on Monday along with his start date, which is later rather than sooner.
    
    My anxiety stemmed from the unknown and was heightened by tid bits of information. Now that I know the expectations and have an exit strategy I am good.
    
    We are in a tough business, one that I loved once, not sure I still do though. We will see what the future holds!

    
    
    
    
27. Sandy Clark

    

    0 posts
    
    11/11/2016 9:11 AM

    Jason, best of luck with your future. You sound like a quality guy and I expect you will find something to show your talent for years to come. I consider myself so fortunate since every golf course position change in my career has been my own choice but being a little older than most of you, I have seen many a friend go through situations as you described. Never easy. Nearly all have found a better fit. You will be just fine!