Just had coffee with a group of friends this morning, much the same as I have for the past 20 or so years.  Every Wednesday morning from about November 1st through April or so depending on weather, a group of local golf industry folks meet for coffee.  We switch to once or twice a month for lunch during the busy summer months.

This group originated about 23 years ago with 6-8 Superintendents who had courses very near each other.  It was an opportunity to share experiences, techniques, problems, and equipment.  In about 1988, through a friendship, I was invited as the first non-Superintendent to come along.  It was never said but understood that this was not an opportunity to sell (thankfully).  It was about friendship and laughter.

Over the years it has transformed from all Superintendents, to now include a number of sales guys, but the unsaid rule still applies.  It is not unusual to have all three equipment companies represented as well as others from the seed and soft goods side.  We all get along wonderfully, with lots of laughter, exchanged information about course conditions, industry news and sometimes products.  Some have retired and still show up.  New people are always welcome.  Bonds have been made and all that makes this industry so rewarding is represented by this small group of guys.  For me, its a contact group that I can bring new product ideas to; for the sales guys it’s a chance to know each other; and for the Superintendents, it’s got to be refreshing knowing that while the sales guys compete for business, it is done fairly and honorably.  Life is too short and I think that our little group gets it.