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NEW! Todd Kueppers is a
PGA
Professional and General Manager at Chisago Lakes Golf Course.

He is a dad to Zack and a husband to Aimee. He has a scratch handicap, has three hole-in-ones, and works like a dog in the summer while everyone else is playing his course. Despite the challenges of his job, he loves what he does, and provides a good life for his family.

 

Todd and I went to high school together. He was on the golf team in high school and he also played in college at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Todd describes himself as the type of student who could do well on the courses he enjoyed. He majored in Business Administration and even though we went to different schools we would occasionally get together to hit the bars. During college he worked at a course close to his family’s home in Mendota Heights, MN.

 

Todd could never see himself behind a desk so, after he graduated college, Todd became an assistant pro at Forest Hills Golf Club in Forest Lake, MN. There he worked for Doug Gustafson, who became his professional mentor. Doug was “Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky” and had his family work at the course. Todd thought that Doug had quite the life. He met Aimee and, like all good women, she got him to start thinking about his future. So he began to look around for more of a professional level position. He approached Chisago Lakes with the idea of adding a Golf Professional to their course. He met the manager and began extolling the virtues of a full time Golf Professional. She offered to set up a meeting with the course Board of Directors. Todd then pitched his program ideas to the Board. He shared ideas about youth outreach, member events, lessons, and course development and maintenance.

 

The biggest lesson I learned from talking to Todd is that you have to love what you do. His love of the game and ideas for Chisago Lakes got him hired. He basically created his position out of thin air. Chisago Lakes Golf Course was going along without a golf professional, but Todd convinced the Board it was important for the future direction of the course to have professional management, and he was the guy. He has now been there ten years.

 

The ability to practice and achieve results is what drew Todd to golf. With golf, Todd says, “If you spend time on putting, for instance, then you will see progress in that area. If you work on your short game, it will also improve.” The idea of working on the different facets of the game was something he could get behind.

 

Fortunately, he did well in academic areas like business and accounting while in school. In his professional life as a PGA Professional and General Manager, Todd has had to hone his marketing and advertising skills, too. “It’s not like we can afford to have a marketing or advertising person on staff, so we have to improvise.” He has learned to be creative and business savvy in his many years in the golf industry. Even though many courses are struggling in today’s economic climate, Chisago Lakes is doing well.

 

“We have done many things to keep cost down for our course and our members. At membership renewal time, we provide our clients with course usage statistics.” If a member hardly played on the weekends, Chisago Lakes offered those customers a Monday through Friday membership. The people who play the most and use the most sought after tee times saw an increase. In both cases, Chisago Lakes has been responsive to the customers. By customizing the options they have fewer membership cancellations.

 

Hiring good people is another way to keep costs low. Todd spoke of one young kid who lives near the course. “This kid has been asking me for a job since he was ten.” He is now seventeen and has been working for Todd for over a year. He is one of Todd’s best employees and has been able to step into the job and do anything I ask.

 

Todd’s Hole-In-One(s)

·         Todd has three hole-in-ones in his life. This once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment happened twice on the same hole at the same course.

 

·         His second ace happened the day after he asked Aimee to marry him. . . pretty cool and a great sign of the future.

 

·         Todd said, “We were meeting my parents for dinner that night to tell them about the engagement.” He led with, “I have something to tell you.” then added, “I got a hole-in-one today.” He then finished with “Oh, by the way, Aimee and I got engaged yesterday.”

 

·         Everyone, including Aimee, laughed and all were excited about the fun news.

 

·         Aimee doesn’t really golf much. Occasionally she joins him on the course and brings a book.

 

·         Todd hopes she either takes it up or continues to join him on occasion.

·         “Who knows, later on it might be her only chance to hang out with Todd and Zack. Says Todd.

 

 

Benefits and Good Golf Stories

·         One of the reasons Todd enjoys his job is the opportunity to participate in many community events. On the day I spoke to Todd, he had just finished an event for Special Olympics. He golfed with a couple of local weathermen and two Special Olympians.

 

·         “The kids we so excited and appreciative.” Todd also added, “I like what the PGA does for charities. We are always involved in events to help various charities and expose more people to the game.”

 

·         Another rewarding experience of being a PGA Professional is teaching kids. Todd offers camps and teaches outreach programs at schools. He recalls one program, where he had a child who had never seen golf in his life. The child was a bit shy and uncomfortable at first. As he was exposed to the game, the child’s face began to brighten. The kid couldn’t stop smiling. He was hooked.

 

·         The boy’s dad was so appreciative and excited for his son. Todd got them set up with a starter set and lessons. “It felt so good to get a thank you note from the father and to also know that the child made new friends because of golf.”

 

·         One of Todd’s favorite golf moments involved his son. At the age of six, Zack has three pars this season. One of Zack’s pars came on a par three. Zack got up and down by chipping over a bunker and making the put.

 

·         “My son’s first Up and Down”, was quite a moment for me. It was so cool to see his joy in what he did.”

 

Philosophy on Teaching New Golfers

·         “Don’t force them to do anything. Golf should be fun and if you are constantly correcting a child’s grip, stance or head position, the child is going to resist.” 

 

·         Todd suggests letting the child do what is comfortable and letting them ask you about changes to their grip or swing.

 

·         Kids are imitators but first they may need to see some sense of accomplishment. Todd says that some his most successful lessons have involved making golf easier. For instance, he has some beginners hit tennis balls first, then work the way down to whiffle golf balls and eventually to real golf balls.

 

·         Take it easy when introducing golf. Your first lesson could be driving your child around in a cart while you play a few holes. Have him or her roll a few balls or hit some with a putter. Then go out for ice cream. . . lesson one is complete.

 

·         He recalls one youth group lesson where a child raised his hand shortly after Todd began to address the group. “Yes” said Todd, the child then yelled “Look Squirrel!!” All the kids turned and looked. Distractions are part of the game, so roll with it when kids get distracted.

 

Finally he suggests the following:

·         When introducing children to golf, use youth clubs because they are lighter and easier to use. Kids need to see good things happen.

·         Cheap plastic clubs and plastic balls can be a great introduction to the game for little ones.

·         Encourage children often!!!!!!

·         He recommends the following website: http://www.snaggolf.com. It offers great ideas for those beginning to learn the game.

 

 

Interview with John Schneider, Director of Football Operations, Green Bay Packers
Great News - John has just been hired as the General Manager for the Seattle Seahawks.
This is an extremely exciting accomplishment! Congratulations John!

John Schneider is the Director of Football Operations for the Green Bay Packers. He is also a friend of mine from college, who I have not spoken to in over 14 years. I recently sent him a letter asking if I could profile him on DadSpa. Ironically, he responded while I was on my trip to Chicago Bears training camp. He graciously agreed to answer a few questions about what it is like to work in the NFL and be a dad.

Describe your role as the Director of Football Operations?
My primary focus is working closely with our GM, personnel staff, and coaching staff in order to put the best product on the field to compete for a world championship year in and year out. I work closely with Russ Ball our cap guy as well. I scout both at the college and professional levels. I probably visit between 20 – 25 schools per year. In this current role, I tend to concentrate on strategy as well. What is coming down the path? I also work on trade negotiations. We just finished with Brett Favre.

 

Tell me about your sons, Ben and Jack.
My sons – Ben and Jack….the most important responsibility that I have going in my life. My pride and joy. Ben is 6 years old and has higher functioning autism. We are very blessed as he has words, can communicate, has fun, and while there are some frustrating times, he is a fun-loving little dude who loves to play and smile a lot. We try to get involved in the autism functions as much as we  can, but there is no doubt that we want to do more in this area. Ben is extremely smart and he loves to swim and play with Legos. Jack is 4 years old and is going to be a singer or movie star. He is high drama…his grandmother calls him “ Hollywood “ He loves playing with his guitar, listening to music and entertaining us. He loves Jack Johnson and loves watching his concert on DVD. He also loves snuggling with his mom in bed in the mornings in order to watch  cartoons.  Because I am gone a lot, I simply love spending time with them, which means reading time and prayer time before going to bed. We love taking scooter rides, jumping on the trampoline and swimming. Ben is a fish and Jack just loves hanging out at the pool.  They love coming over to work with me, but it really has nothing to do with football. They love drawing on my dry-erase wall, riding the escalators in the building, and watching tape of the players in rewind. They think it is very funny when I make the players run backward. They also love running around in our gym downstairs. They are not into “ special privileges “ They see coach McCarthy and simply refer to him as coach mike. It is not a big deal to them yet. They both played soccer this last summer, they love swimming, and love running, but neither one is a huge sports guy at this point. They love music and building stuff with blocks and legos. Our favorite places to vacation with them is probably Door County, WI., any water parks, and they loved downtown Chicago last spring.

I know you met your wife Traci at college. What does she do now?
Traci is the CEO of the Schneider household. She has her hands full keeping all of us in line. She is very involved in the boys school and is also very involved with the autism society of northeast Wisconsin. I am very blessed to be married to such a strong and beautiful woman. She is awesome, man.

What career changes/decisions have you made based on being a husband and father?
Probably moving back to Green Bay after our experience in Washington. I could have taken a “ better job “ with two other clubs, but decided to move back to Green Bay with a newborn baby .

I know you have been mentioned in the local media as a potential candidate for GM positions in the past. Is that your dream job? Being is a GM is the pinnacle of our profession. Before I had children, this was my primary focus, but now that we are a true family I am more laid back about the situation and am simply waiting for the best opportunity to come along. Ideally, yes, I would like to be a GM someday and put my own stamp on a team, but it is not the ultimate driver in my life, like it used to be before children.

Do you have any friends who are players on the Packers or other teams?
Most of my league friends are now former players or executives with other clubs. We work with the players and try to give them advice, but it is hard to get too close- you may have to end up cutting them at some point.

You were a part of the team under Ron Wolf when Green Bay won the Super Bowl, did you get a Super Bowl Ring?
Yes I do have a Super Bowl ring…you’ll have to check it out sometime.

Which Packer legends have you met? (Other than current team members)
Tony Canadeo, Lynn Dickey, Fuzzy Thurston, Sterling Sharpe, James Lofton.

Which player(s) do you currently admire in the NFL?
I really admire the players who have had to overcome big obstacles in their lives just to be here playing with us. We have two players Donald Driver and James Jones who were homeless at one point in their lives. This builds character and I really respect what a lot of players have had to go through.  I also really like L. Tomlinson and Maurice James Drew.

What is the most memorable moment in your NFL career?
Most memorable football moment was watching Desmond Howard return that kickoff for a touchdown in the Super Bowl vs. NE.
Birth of both of my boys was the two of the best moments of life personally.

Who were your favorite players growing up?
My favorite player growing up was my role model Walter Payton. I played running back and wanted to be like him. His work ethic, his character, fun-loving personality, the way he finished each run…I spat my shoes and had a towel  because I wanted to dress just like him. He was a great role model for me as a young man…I’m sure he was a big role model for a lot of boys my age.

Many dads watch football to relax and unwind. Is it hard for you to take that approach to watching a game? Are you always working?
I am always working, but it is very enjoyable for me to watch a high school game or a college game where I really don’t care about the outcome. I still just love watching football. I do like going to baseball games. It is pretty fun because I have no clue what is going on. I thought I may add the following for the DadSpa – Relax page. What I like to do to relax is, in the evening, get on my knees next to my boys beds while they are sleeping. Then I get in bed with my wife and read next to her while listening to some soothing smooth jazz.  This is a good relaxer to ease the stress.



Interview with Troy Schmechel, volunteer firefighter and dad

Troy Schmechel is an (Exception Based Reporting) Administrator with a retail company called Sephora. In addition to being a great father and an investigator, Troy is an active volunteer firefighter in his community. Troy has shared many remarkable stories with me about his volunteer work and now he shares them with you.

What do you do for a living?

I work for a retail company called Sephora. My official title is EBR (Exception Based Reporting) Administrator. I manage the system that monitors cash register activity, looking for both dishonest activity and exceptional associate performance. It is a ‘loss prevention’ position, which is the department in retail that protects the company’s assets.

How many children do you have?
Family: Wife – Tannille, Daughter – Madisen, Daughter – Emilee, son – Aiden

As far as likes, Madisen is in to volleyball and softball.  Emilee is more in to crafts like knitting and crocheting.  Tannille enjoys cooking and gardening.  We all enjoy fishing, and the outdoors. The kids think that me being involved in the Fire Department is pretty neat. They got to ride in a parade this summer for the Fire Department, and that was a thrill for them. 

How do your wife and children feel about your role as a volunteer firefighter?
Tannille knows how much the department means to me, and therefore puts up with my passion.  I don’t think she necessarily wants me doing it, being that it can be dangerous, and it takes us apart at times.

How did you become involved in volunteer fire fighting?
My Dad joined the Volunteer Fire Department where we lived when I was in Middle School, and I thought that the family atmosphere that the department displayed was so welcoming. Eventually, when I turned 18, I talked a friend of mine into joining with me. Together we went through Fire Fighter training at the Milwaukee Police & Fire Academy for our Fire Fighter I certification. I was amazed that someone would allow me to run into a burning building, especially when everyone else would be running out. It was also a great way for my Dad and I to get closer, as we could work side-by-side doing something that we both thoroughly enjoyed.

What kind of special training or certifications do you have?
State Certified Fire Fighter I & II, RIT or Rapid Intervention Team, Emergency Medical Technician, Recognition & Identification of Hazardous Materials, Arson Detection through national Fire Academy, Dive Rescue I, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Dry Suit Diver, Ice Diver.

What was your most memorable moment as a volunteer fire fighter?
Well, not that this was a happy experience, but I guess it was the most memorable. Last year, our RIT Team was called to another neighboring community to a structure fire where there had been people in the home at the time of the fire. Upon arrival, I noticed two ambulances pulling away, lights and sirens running. In my mind, as I had experienced many times before, I knew that meant that victims were being transported to the hospital. As the flames were nearly extinguished, the three person group that I was in made entry again to the home. We were instructed to go to the second level to pull ceiling and search for fire extension within the walls. As we entered the home, and made our way to the base of the stairs that lead to the second level, a Fire Fighter was making his way down. He seemed very disoriented, and panicked. We helped him out of the building and then proceeded to the second level to complete the task we were assigned. Once we got upstairs, we were radioed by Incident Command to hold off, as they were sending in a sheet. At the time, I thought that it was a sheet that we had to complete or that it was some list of items that we were to search for. To my then disbelief, the sheet was being sent in to cover the body of one of the victims that lay in the bedroom at the end of the hallway. When we went through fire fighting school, we were instructed that should we discover a body, to leave the hose line and a hand light at the body. This was to insure that anyone else could find their way back to that spot. I then looked down the hallway only to see just that, the hose line and a hand light. What took minutes, but seemed like hours, the sheet was finally delivered to us. We then walked down the maybe four or five foot hallway, but to me it seemed like miles. Once at the end of the hallway, at the entry way to the bedroom, I shined my light around the room on all the usual places one would expect to find a person. I was puzzled as I didn’t see any. Then I scanned the floor, where there I saw two little legs sticking out from under what was left of the bedroom door. Every surface of the interior of this house was covered in black soot, which means that the fire burned really hot, and produced a lot of heavy smoke. The victim had obviously attempted to exit the room, but had been overcome by the smoke. What was even harder to deal with was later finding out that the Fire Firefighter that had come down the stairs as we were to make our way up them had been fighting the fire in that back bed room. Flames had apparently sprung up again, and his crew was to knock them down. He stood just inside the doorway, and sprayed the room with water. He noticed that his footing was not stable, as he stumbled about. He looked down, only to notice that he had been standing on top of what was left of the door, which covered the upper torso of the victim.

You told me a story of rescuing a deer from a frozen lake. ..
On a local lake, a resident had called in that a large buck was struggling in a hole that it had fallen through out on the ice. The Fire Department was called, and responded to the scene. They made the decision to rescue the animal, as they felt that this was probably a great opportunity to put the training and equipment they have to use in as close to a real life situation possible. It obviously was a success, and it also drew some positive publicity to the team.
Have you been involved in fighting a lot of fires?
Yes. We fight many wild land or grass fires every year. Luckily, structure fires are few and far between. Of course we respond to many vehicle accidents too. We do though have a really good prevention program in our community through the department. We visit all the schools, and daycares in the area distributing materials and talking about prevention. We also have an open house every year in October where we put on demonstrations for the community.

Have you ever consider full time fire fighting positions?
Oh absolutely. At one time I applied all over the place, but it seems that folks in this industry fall so deeply in love with their jobs, they never want to give them up. I am completely satisfied being a volunteer at this time.

How does your department raise funds for equipment?
We do have billable calls; we also have a contract with the areas we cover. Beyond that, we receive donations. We are strictly volunteer; no one is paid for their time.

Do you have to pay for any of your own training or equipment?
No, all of that money comes from the department. It is so important though that if you join a department like ours, that you take it seriously. PPE (personal protective equipment) can be distributed to someone else roughly the same size if you leave, but the training that you received can’t be. So if the investment in your education is made at their expense, you have to make the commitment to putting that to use with them.

Do you have any fire safety tips to pass on?
This sounds so cliché, but you need to be prepared. Fire can be a great tool, but you can’t become complacent when using it or being around it. Many people burn off leaves or their grass clippings, but they don’t follow the rules in getting permits or even notifying neighbors before they ignite the materials they are burning. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent things from getting out of control. Use of accelerants in these burns just adds a whole other level of danger. Just be cautious anytime you are using or around fire. Keep the appropriate extinguishers around your home.

What are your hobbies?
I just started hunting last year, does that count? Through the Fire Department I took several scuba diving classes, so I guess that is a hobby too. I enjoy building things, and fixing things around our home.

Has/does anyone from your fire fighting group volunteer with large scale efforts such as the fires that affect large portions of California? Some may have, but you have to understand that all of the members in our department or departments like ours are volunteers, and they have other full-time jobs. So, if they are able to go to another state that is impacted by wild land fires like that, they usually have to take time off from their REAL jobs.

Picture from training
This was a home that was donated to the department for us
to use as training.  Basically, we ignite a fire in an upstairs room, and then send a team of firefighters in to extinguish it. 

We do several evolutions of this, moving the fires from room to room as the fire consumes portions of the home.  We continue this until the home is no longer able to be entered safely.

(Troy is one standing in the middle of the group
with sunglasses and a blue shirt)

 

 

Suggested things that dads can do with their kids:
  • Go to local fire and police open houses (your children will learn from the men and woman in uniform)
  • Attend fundraisers for your local community fire and emergency responders
  • Donate to a worthy charity that you have a personal connection with, such as http://www.autismspeaks.org/
  • Talk to your kids about these issues
  • Coach you kids team.
  • Learn what to expect of your kids at certain ages.
  • Read DadSpa - I learned a lot from Todd Keuppers regarding teaching my kids about golf.
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