b'Congratulations on the award, John!The culture he creates with his staff andWould you say you approach life and your golf operation with a specificbrings to the Club is what I strive to learn from personal mission?him and bring to my department.Yes, thank you. It was a tremendous honor to be recognized with this award.Cory Griess, Golf Course SuperintendentPrairie Dunes Country ClubI am mission focused and dedicated to bringing honor and integrity to our profession, setting an example andownership of their different roles withinMany I coached are successful head mentoring the next generation of PGAthe department and in achieving thoseprofessionals or lead assistants at other Professionals. Im proud to representstandards. I believe in empoweringtop clubs. Several are top-earning sales our profession in my daily interactionsteam members to be creative and usereps for major retail brands. Whether both in the Club and outside in thetheir unique talents to benefit the golfits location, hours or lifestyle, we steer greater community.operation. them in the best direction for their goals.Throughout my career, Ive tried to liveI played several sports growing upHow does it all translate to being a and work by these commitments:and always loved being in a teamstrong family leader?Model personal character. I believeatmosphere. It is critically importantJohns wife, Kelly Anne, takes this a person must be accountable,to me to help everyone believeon. She says, John is an amazing dependable and trustworthy they are better as a team than ashusband, father, son, brother and now Prioritize faith and family. I am aindividuals. I am consistent in providinggrandfather to his family. He is the type proud husband of 15 years to Kellyencouragement and positivity and inof guy who calls his mom everyday just Anne, an engaged father of four (twoholding team members accountable. to check in and see how she is doing. sons and two daughters), a memberIt is not uncommon for John to work of Holy Cross Catholic Church, andHow would you describe your60+ hours during a week; he is a hard a member of the Ancient Order ofleadership style? worker at his core but he still always Hibernians I believe anyone in a leadership rolefinds time for his friends and family. Lead by example. As a leader, I setshould lead by example and strive to beJohn has made our yearly family high standards for our operation,a role model. I am fortunate to have hadvacation a priority and everyone makes constantly communicate thosestrong role models like Cameron Doan,sure to not miss that fun-filled week. standards and hold myself and myPGA at Preston Trail in my corner. IPeople gravitate to John because of team accountable want to have that same influence onhis energetic personality and the family Be a source of consistentmy team. I enjoy being positive andvalues he models daily.encouragement and positivity for myencouraging to our Assistants and team, the Prairie Dunes family and mydesire to be a valued resource offeringWhat do you hope your legacy will be, fellow PGA Professionals support and guidance. John?Grow the game of golf throughI truly hope to be able to look back with member engagement in compellingThere are several ways to motivate,Kelly Anne and see a big old, beautiful events, thoughtful programming andand if you demonstrate that you trulytree. Deep character roots. Sprawling, best practice teaching and instruction care about individuals, I believe you cansturdy branches representing all our and will earn their trust. Enthusiasm ischildren growing and living vibrant You have had a very distinguishedone of my predominate traits; keepinglives and the PGA Professionals we career and a great 22-year run at PD.the culture upbeat and fun has alwayshave launched from Prairie Dunes into Yes and Im very grateful to the Club,worked in my golf operation. leadership roles at other clubs and my team members and our membershipwith industry partners. All positively for it. I was hired by Prairie Dunes inSeveral under my leadership haveimpacting the world around them and 2003. The Club wanted to develop anearned promotions to Lead Assistant.the game of golf.energetic golf staff with fresh ideas, and I have not wavered from this focus. Through my PGA network, Im able to attract talent from different areas to join our team. My philosophy: recruit individuals who have the right personalities and work ethic and teach them the business. Everyone learns all facets: customer service, receiving, merchandising, tournament ops, scheduling, budgeting, instruction and marshalling.My goal is to set and communicate high-bar standards and motivate the entire professional staff to take 21'