kal32473, on 27 February 2013 - 07:40 AM, said:
Having spent 10 years in the golf industry, I can say with all certainty that there are some equipment reps out there who, no matter how many times I called them, simply would never call back. Without knowing the other side of the story, I'm inclined to say that if 4 different stores haven't called you back and they were all supossed to get in touch with the same rep, that it's probably on the rep and not the stores themselves. And I would think that someone who has spent time in the industry the you say you have would be a little more sensitive than to use terms like "counter jockey". I got out of the business 6 years ago and I would never look down on those who hold the positions that I used to the way you seemingly do.
Maybe you're more sensitive to others than I am, I look at it as I was a counter jockey for the first couple of years in the business so I can say that, may be wrong. As a counter jockey I worked my a@# off to learn everything I could about inventory, sales reps, equipment, teaching and customer service. When someone called the shop I picked the phone up within 2 rings, we had to, If I didn't know the answer to that persons question I put them on hold and got it from my pro, if he didn't know I called the company in question. I saw first hand as a counter jockey that most head pros and other assistants thru phone messages and orders away at the end of each day. I hit my commissions on 70% cost of good sold for 4 years straight and made a good deal of money by seeking out tournaments and bringing them in, as a counter jockey. I did this by listening to members and guests and then doing what I said I would do. Some of my favorite members would walk in and ask me when I would graduate from counter jockey to pro, i joked and said they can't afford to move up their best salesman. I started at a new club in 1997 and on the first day had to deal with 3 members in which the outgoing assistant just didn't place orders. There is a real problem in golf with bitterness towards the low pay and the "good ole boy network of reps" and corporate management beating down the golf course employees. I don't look down on anyone for any position they hold, but if all you do is the minimum (in this scenario, clock in and take green fees, don't call yourself a professional). I have a great deal of respect for today's pros that are making it in spite of the business, but the ones that are just there for free golf and don't really care to do anything are making worse for pros of the future, pay will never increase and the position will never get any better if they don't show they are worth more.
I had a HP in 1995 that had an assistant pro come to him for a raise in and his response was spot on, Employee said I've been here working the counter for 4 years and have only gotten one raise. The pro responded with, I look at it as you've been here for 4 years and I haven't had to fire you. You don't take care of the shop, you haven't learned how to teach, you haven't passed your PAT in 5 attempts and one of the members wants his 18 year old daughter to work part time in the shop. I can pay her minimum wage to take green fees and she's alot more polite than you, so what is your request for a raise based on.
Please don't question my respect and love for the business of golf, as a matter of fact I'm currently working on some things with the pros at my course that will help improve their situation and create a business model that would help PGA Pros and Apprentices make more money and adapt to the current times. But yes there are counter jockeys and if you can deny that then YMMV. Sorry if this rude but it's a personal subject for me because I do more for some of our clubs members than the pros on a volunteer basis. I'd love to still be in the golf business but made some decisions 14 years ago and simply can't afford to at this time, got used to making more money.
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