Get To, Not Got To
My first job fresh from college taught me so many valuable lessons. As we get older, we think about the people and the experiences that have shaped us. This was one of the more valuable times in my career. Ironically, my first boss was from the Pacific Northwest. Born, raised, and educated in Washington—a bone of contention between he, the Husky and me the Golden Bear—Dale was a retired banker turned successful entrepreneur. And for whatever reason, he took a liking to me. I consider him my first mentor in my career and consider myself very fortunate to have found several other mentors along my continued growth as a professional and a leader.
The biggest lesson that Dale taught me was the power of relationships. The banker in him had perfected the art of relationships, and that talent, he demonstrated, is more art than science. Dale was lucky to have honed his craft during an era when it was commonplace to spend the better part of your day with a client, on a golf course, or over an extended lunch. No matter where you were, to be truly successful you needed to listen, to care, and to serve.
Dale also taught me that in life there are really two kinds of jobs. There are jobs you “got to do,” and there are jobs you “get to do.” Always look, he told me for the “get to” jobs but know, sometimes, you need to take a “got to” job. We have, all, surely had both. Before and during college, I worked in warehouses. I worked landscaping. I had jobs I “got to do” to pay for gas, car insurance, and tuition. Since then, I have been lucky to find jobs I “get to do.” Becoming the CEO of the PNWPGA is a “get to do” job. I “get to” serve the members and grow the game.
More importantly, I “get to” constantly look for ways to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Each member in our section has a “get to” job. While at times it may feel more like a “got to” job, we have the privilege of working in an industry we love. Every day, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life. Think of the members at your facility, the junior golfers in your summer camp, or even the beginner meeting you on the lesson tee. Sometimes, especially in the heat of the season, it can get easy to forget the many and varied chance we “get to” bring smiles, improve days, and leave imprints on the people who look to us to serve.
In our position to serve you, the Section is always searching for ways to improve your experience in the PNWPGA. Some upcoming opportunities for you to take special include our annual Merchandise Show. Registration will open soon, as we return in-person to Tacoma Convention Center October 19-20, 2021. I encourage you to register as soon as you can.
Merchandise Show – Pro Registration
Also, look for new and exciting reasons to join us in-person. Scheduled around this year’s show are two fantastic education opportunities: “Strategies for Building Meaningful Relationships in Your Career” on October 18 and “Strategies for a Successful Career in Coaching/Teaching” on October 20. Both seminars include a networking session and snack break.
Lastly, one of the best things I “get to” do—and enjoy doing—is promoting our members and their facilities. In the coming weeks, please keep an eye out for more information on a new program we as a section will be executing to do just that. I am hopeful you will see the value in this program and share my excitement around what is possible.
Many, if not most, of the things we “get to” do for our members is in partnership with some fantastic sponsors. It is worth noting two sponsors in this month’s Foreword Press. My special thanks to Lorente for supporting our New Members by being the New Member plaques sponsor. Additionally, very special thanks to Peter Trudeau and Pacific Golf and Turf. Pacific Golf and Turf is once again sponsoring the PNWPGA Pacific Golf & Turf Pro-Amateur Championship, to be held at Palouse Ridge GC in Pullman, WA on October 6-7.
Pacific Golf & Turf PNW Pro-Am Entry
Lastly, I have some news from PGA National. Members can now earn 1 MSR credit by submitting their club champions. PGA National features the PGA Section and the Member Facility for all competitors that compete at the PGA’s National Club Championship in Palm Springs this December as well as showcase how champions take lessons from PGA Professionals.
As always, if I or our amazing Section staff can ever be of service to you, never hesitate to contact us.
Frank Talarico, CEO