Lessons from golf applied everywhere

I have a deep and abiding love for golf that has been a part of my life since I was a child. It all began when I started caddying for my dad at Audubon, and my journey through the world of golf has been filled with unforgettable moments and experiences. From my early days learning the game to competitive events and humorous discussions at the 19th hole, golf has been a constant source of joy and camaraderie in my life.

Caddying and Hand-Me-Down Clubs:

My golfing journey kicked off as I followed my dad around the picturesque greens of Audubon while caddying for him. I still remember the day we headed out to South Shore to purchase his annual set of clubs from Iggy Banko. It was a rite of passage for me as I received the hand-me-down set, a tradition in our family. Those clubs marked the beginning of my golf career, and I couldn’t have been more excited to step into the world of golf. It was my turn to shine on the fairways after my brothers, Tim and Dan, had received their clubs the previous year.

High School, College, and Competitive Golf:

My golf journey didn’t stop with those hand-me-down clubs. I went on to play golf in high school and college, which further fueled my passion for the game. Competing in various events, from scrambles to invitations, gave me the opportunity to hone my skills and share memorable moments with fellow golf enthusiasts. One of the highlights was participating in the Lockport Invitation with my dad, an event where we came tantalizingly close to victory.

The Art of Plum Bobbing:

Recently, I was discussing plum bobbing with some friends, and it struck me how every golfer has their own unique take on this technique. My own approach to plum bobbing has been shaped by a book a friend recommended and the wisdom I gained from Mike Bender’s golf school. However, I can’t help but smile when I think of my dad, one of the finest putters I’ve known, who relied on his instincts, wrists, and feel when it came to putting. Plum bobbing, while a valuable skill, sometimes feels like it could have been a humorous addition to a golf classic like Caddyshack.

The Ultimate Finish:

One of the greatest stories I have in my golfing journey is how my friends in a close-knit group helped me reach the finish line. It’s a testament to the camaraderie and support that the golfing community can offer.

Reflecting on that remarkable day, I find solace in the enduring legacy of golf’s greatest icons. The sight of Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player, teeing off at the Masters, serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless allure of the game. Theirs is a story of resilience, of transcending the boundaries of age and time. As I gaze upon images capturing their prowess in youth juxtaposed with the seasoned grace they exhibit today, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation for the years ahead.

For just as they have navigated the peaks and valleys of their golfing careers with grace and fortitude, so too do I look forward to the journey that lies ahead. With every swing, every putt, I am reminded that golf is not merely a game of skill but a lifelong pursuit of joy and camaraderie. And as I tee off into the next 20+ years, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the memories made and the adventures yet to come.

Future Plans and a Glimpse of the 19th Hole:

Should I ever get around to writing a book, there’s no doubt that one of the chapters will be dedicated to golf and all its quirks and intricacies. Here’s a humorous glimpse into some of the topics and discussions we’ve all engaged in at the 19th hole, the heart of post-round camaraderie:

• Playing Number 11 at Brookfield: How to properly line up your fourth putt – it’s no gimme.
• Helping your opponent organize and count the clubs in his bag.
• Hitting a Callaway from the rough when you hit a Titleist from the tee.
• Avoiding the water when you lie 8 in a bunker.
• Getting more distance off the shank – a skill in its own right.
• Knowing when to give the Ranger a heads up.
• Using your shadow on the greens to maximize earnings.
• Implementing handicap management strategically.
• Rationalizing a six-hour round – an art form.
• The quest for that ball everyone else saw go into the water.
• The harsh truth: No one cares that you birdied the 5th.
• The etiquette of letting a foursome play through your twosome.
• Maintaining composure when you’re hitting five off the tee.
• Offering swing advice to your opponent – carefully.
• The birdie-to-bogey three-putt and its unique frustrations.
• The art of planning a footprint in your opponent’s path without them noticing.
• Marking your ball as if you’re playing tiddleywink.
• The secret to getting free carts from your club pro.
• Giving yourself a generous three-footer – “who’s it hurting?” philosophy.
• The subtle act of pocketing your opponent’s ball while still assisting in the search.
• The dilemma of taking advice from someone who has no clue how to plumb bob.

Golf is more than just a sport; it’s a lifelong journey filled with experiences, camaraderie, and laughter. From my early days on the course to the humorous discussions at the 19th hole, golf has given me countless memories and a passion that will continue to burn bright. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, there’s always something new and exciting waiting for you on the greens.

Continue reading →

I read an article the other day about the evolution of the millennial generation and their ability as it relates to working for, working with, and having to work for Post War leaders, Baby Boomers, and Gen-X. It focused on workplace distractions, and it got me thinking about output and how output is what remains relevant in the workplace. Linda Ronstadt was quoted that no one has connected one generation to the next better than the Eagles, better than any Behavioral Scientist can. There is just something about music, and I concur, because all my kids love the Eagles, as do I. The Eagles

Currently,  generations make up our society.  Each of those six generations has an active role in the marketplace. Depending on the specific workplace, the workforce includes four to five generations.  I had the privelege of seeing the Greatest generation in action as I navigated through my teens and twenties.

The Greatest and Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before

Post War Generational Behaviors

Let me begin by making some basic observations.  I grew up watching my father, a real post war stereotype, providing for his family and making many friends over the years.  He’ll be 90 this year, and I find myself talking about my observations as a child and teenager  He made a good living, he was paid on output, he did what he had to do, and then he found time to enjoy life. Distractions are different from generation, and if a three martini lunch wasn’t a distraction back then, I don’t know what was.

As much as  this new generation is welded to their tablets and smartphones, and employers at times ban them from certain workplace environment, every generation has been distracted at work, unless you consider the three-martini-lunch normal?  And even though certain kids are medicated or high these days, very few are getting hammered at lunch like the good old days.

Baby Boom Behaviors

We are a pretty vain generation. Certain Boomers on unearned income borrow money on things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like, and then there are those waiting for the trust fund to kick in.

With regard to how we work, one of my favorite sayings my friend shared with me in a sales meeting when he turned in his weekly report was “Don’t confuse activity with results.”  As for me, at age 24, I chose the same profession as my dad and embarked on a sales career.  I only had three jobs, and took pay cuts at every position move with incentives based on output.  I had to turn in a report every week about sales calls, phone calls, prospects, revenue generation, client retention, and community service.

Back in my 20’s and early 30’s, I worked for a public company with many offices.  Each office had a little dink word processor for correspondence and a fax machine, and that was it. I had the opportunity to visit many offices and teach my peers some sales techniques, including a stint in the UK.  I turned down a promotion to move there, and, looking back, I’m glad I did.

We sat in a bullpen and that was tough for some. What were my distractions?  A phone personal call or kicking back to read Sports Illustrated. We didn’t have desktop computers so there were no ergonomics concerns and no carpal tunnel leaves-of-absence.  The only thing you got was a stiff neck from being on the phone too long or a sore hand from too many handshakes.  I showed a friend of mine his old business card.  It didn’t even have a fax number on it.  I used to call his landline, write notes and delivered resumes via a cab driver.

We were taught to do one thing.  Get results.  And always with the understanding not to confuse business standards with ethics.  We all know there are many paths to output, from thank you notes to lunches and dinners to gifts to bribes.

Generation X

Known for work-life balance, less loyal than the boomers, more tech savvy, craves attention and reassurance they are doing a good job, and a bit of a free agent mentality to job hop elsewhere if they’re not feeling valued.

Millennials earning their way to a billion dollars

Millennials

Personally I’m looking forward to the millennials repairing the damage the Boomers have done. How things have changed.  We now put in cell phone lockers when we need all distractions eliminated.  Bring your pet to work, work with your shoes off, sit on the floor, and work from home.  But there is still only one thing that matters.  Output.

“Millennials have become the largest generation in the workforce.  Millennials are also the fastest-growing generation of customers in the marketplace, bringing the greatest lifetime value.  In addition, Millennials exhibit different attitudes toward employment, sales and marketing, which are challenging many conventional strategies and approaches.”  – http://genhq.com/faq-info-about-generations/

A 2014 Harris Interactive survey on behalf of CareerBuilder, a job recruitment website, found that 38 percent of U.S. workers had a younger boss, up from 34 percent in 2012.

In closing

There is the current dilemma of long range planning for any business, private or public, and how to motivate the staff, regardless of which generation is steering the ship. A friend of mine helped give some clarity to what’s next:

1. You can continue to learn as we grow and teach/coerce as we go;
2. The management of a company can learn as they grow and be a valuable resource for the owners to depend on and enjoy building with;
3. You can outsource the skill set necessary to take the company to the next level and beyond;
4. Or cash out; and, finally,
5. The owner can put the brakes on and let all of the employees enjoy their success for a while, and just sit back and listen to the Eagles.

What’s your choice?

I met Mark Pautler in high school in 1974, and we went on to finish college together, competed against each other early on, worked together for six years honing our craft, and partnered up together for phase three in 1996, and enjoyed building together ever since.

My Mom

March 19, 2023. Hello everyone! I am thrilled to share some wonderful news with you today! As many of you know, we have been sharing updates about my amazing mother, Eloise, on my blog for over 8 years now. And today, on her 92nd birthday, I am filled with joy and gratitude as I reflect on all the beautiful memories we have made together as a family. Through it all, my mother’s unwavering leadership and sharp mind have been a source of strength and inspiration for us all.

We have celebrated the births of more great-grandchildren, witnessed some incredible weddings, with two more coming this year, and marked many more milestones since that first blog post. And as we look to the future, we know that we have so much more to celebrate together as a family. That’s why we are planning an epic house party in honor of my mother – a celebration of her incredible life and the many blessings she has brought into all of our lives.

So, I raise a glass to my amazing mother, Eloise, and all the joy and love she brings to our family. Cheers to many more years of happiness and celebration, Mom. We all love you.

As we wind down 2015, I was at my parents’ the other night reminiscing about the year with my mother Eloise. I’ve been fortunate to be able to spend some quality time with her lately. I was thinking about all my friends and the one common link we all have. We often talk about our mothers. Some lost their moms early, some midstream, and some of us are still fortunate to have them in our lives. Living or deceased, who doesn’t enjoy talking about their mom in mixed company?

Mom has ten great-grandkids as of 1.1.2023, and my granddaughter Eloise is named after her. I happened to be there when my daughter told my mom what she was having and what they’d be naming her. That was a magical moment that I’ll cherish forever. As she cares for my dad, we’ve been enjoying talking about many things in our lives. She used to love watching Norm and me play gin rummy, and occasionally I’d pick a lucky card and win.

She’s had some great accomplishments in her life: number one in her class in nursing school, a skilled nurse, a lifetime accountant for the family Courier Express route, six healthy children, 18 grandkids, ten great-grandkids, a husband who always knew the difference between right and wrong, a hole in one, attended a Super Bowl, and sound relationships with all of her daughters-in-law and son-in-law.

Twelve years ago, we celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and what a party it was, with that monstrous-size family of theirs. Twelve years later, they are still going strong, and Norman appreciates all she does for him. I made a choice not to move away 26 years ago, and as I look back at the life we’ve enjoyed in Buffalo, I’d say that was a pretty wise move.

Mom retired from nursing at age 75, and the caregiver in her has held strong for all of us. My family often wonders how many term papers she typed, how many cab rides she took us to the doctor, and how many times she walked to the grocery store.

I often tell her how much I love what I do, and she told me her dad retired from farming at age 93. That gives me hope for the next 27 years, and I hope to be as prosperous and successful as he was.

We spent many years traveling back to the family farm in Ohio, and those are memories we’ll all cherish forever. In the world of lavish vacations and social media, I wouldn’t trade those family farm vacations for anything.

Takers Finish Second

Life, I’ve decided, resembles an endless dinner party where the cosmic waiter drops the bill and studies the table to see who blinks first. In that moment we reveal ourselves. Most of us fall into one of three camps:

1. The Reachers – wallets out before the ink on the subtotal is dry. They shoulder the cost and walk away with dessert, goodwill, and future invitations.
2. The Alligator-Arms Crew – suddenly their limbs are too short to reach the check, just like the GEICO reptile. They finish—at best—second.
3. The Stealth Benefactors – the Harvey-MacKay disciples who arrive early, slip the server a credit card, and let everyone else discover the bill is already paid. That textbook move from Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive buys near-mythic status—and, quite possibly, a minor feast day in the group chat.

Four decades of business lunches, friendship dues, and parental negotiations have confirmed the pattern: givers keep winning, takers keep explaining, and stealth buyers are quietly canonized by everyone they treat.

Personal Lessons from givers and takers

A recent conversation with a friend sent me back to a spring break in Florida with my youngest daughter, Haylee. I handed her spending money at Charming Charlie’s, expecting a couple of souvenirs. She returned with a bag overflowing with trinkets—for her friends. That ten-year-old act of unprompted generosity reminded me that real giving expects nothing in return.

• Stronger academic performance
• Healthier relationships and habits
• Greater career success

The takeaway isn’t destiny; it’s discipline. Delayed gratification can be practiced and learned, just like generosity.

The Alligator-Arms Test (and Other Dinner-Table Shenanigans)

We’ve all witnessed the modern marshmallow test in the wild—usually around a restaurant table:

• GEICO’s “alligator arms” commercial nails it: the reptile’s limbs are conveniently too short to grasp the check.
• Then there’s the friend who always “needs the restroom” the moment the server arrives with the bill, returning just in time to thank the group for covering them.

Humor aside, those dinner-table dodge moves reveal more than penny-pinching habits; they spotlight a mindset. Givers see the tab as a chance to invest in camaraderie. Takers see it as a cost to be avoided.

A Quick Self-Check

Have I given more than I’ve taken? I ask myself that often, and I invite you to do the same. Scorekeepers—people who remember exactly who bought lunch last time—rarely create lasting value. Those who give freely, who appreciate instead of expect, enrich every room they enter.

If you don’t like your position, one small act—an unsolicited thank-you note, a quiet favor, or picking up the tab without fanfare—can start nudging the needle.

Whether you’re structuring a partnership, nurturing a friendship, or coaching your kids, the give-and-take dynamic defines the culture you create. It’s not about tallying credits and debits; it’s about building relationships strong enough to thrive when times get lean.

So pause and ask yourself: Have I given more than I’ve taken? If not, what’s one practical way to flip that equation today? Feel free to share your thoughts—or just borrow mine and move on.

I’ll owe you one.

• 
  

---

---

Over the years my partners and I were involved in some remarkable companies, some falter, while others meet with tremendous success.  The Autonomic Resources adventure was one of our most audacious pursuits, and I am proud to have been a part of it.  Here is a little backstory from my partner Tony’s blog http://tonywalkerpost.com/2015/02/21/now-that-was-a-ride/

For the first three years, I was little more than an idle observer of our FedCloud initiative; but, for the past 16 months, I have been working directly with Tom Thomson and John Keese to bring our FedCloud adventure to fruition.  It was a high risk venture [certainly higher than we ever anticipated], and it was wrought with tension throughout the journey [somewhere between white water rafting and waterboarding].  Fortunately, this past Thursday, we were able to complete the sale of Autonomic Resources [after nearly three months of a roller coaster ride of negotiations and due diligence].

Although the sale of Autonomic Resources’ remarkable FedRAMP ATO’s might put our FedDROP start-up in limbo, I couldn’t be happier for the entire Autonomic Resources family, especially the crew at our headquarters in North Carolina.  And I am particularly proud to have been in the trenches with Tom and John seeing this thing through to such a successful conclusion.

A special round of thanks needs to go out to Butch, Kerry, Mike, Lynn, Geno, and the Pfalzgraf team for bringing this one home.  And an ever bigger thanks to Joe Kreuz, who got all these partnerships started over 20 years ago.

When I look at our lineup of IT partnerships today, especially Capax Global, CBX, and AP Phoenix [which just had it biggest month ever in January], I can’t help but be excited about what the future has in store. Tony Ragusa

Interviewing and Tips: Standing Out in the Modern Job Market

Years ago, during her interview, we asked our first employee in Rochester what she was most proud of. Whether it was a childhood accomplishment or a recent achievement, we encouraged her to share anything meaningful. She struggled at first, but then remembered her perfect attendance in high school and her four-year record of never missing a day of work in college.

Interestingly, none of this was on her resume. But for us, it was everything. Can you imagine an employee with that level of dependability? We could—and we hired her on the spot. She turned out to be exactly what we expected: dependable, reliable, and exceptional.

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that the job market has evolved significantly since I first penned this advice in 2009. Back then, concepts like Big Data, cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were only beginning to shape the workforce. Today, they dominate. It’s time to update timeless interview strategies with a modern twist to help job seekers excel in today’s competitive environment.

---

Timeless Advice with a Modern Perspective

Every year, I meet a diverse group of college graduates eager to launch their careers. Whether their degrees are in HR, IT, or another field, they all face the same challenge: standing out in a sea of resumes and acing their interviews.

For many, unless they’ve pursued a “learned profession” like law, medicine, or engineering, their resumes risk blending in. Today’s job market demands a unique narrative—one that combines traditional wisdom with modern insights.

---

Crafting Your Unique Narrative

Start with Reflection
Begin with a blank page and ask yourself:

• Who am I?
• How did I become the person I am today?
• Who do I want to be?
• What is my roadmap to get there?

Draw from Life Experiences
Reflect on your upbringing, education, and decisions. How did your parents influence you? Why did you choose your schools? How have these experiences shaped your journey?

Prepare for the Interview
Your resume is a snapshot, but your interview is where your story comes to life. Make it count by emphasizing:

• Moments of Happiness: Highlight when you felt most fulfilled.
• Notable Achievements: Bring these to life, showcasing the skills and effort behind them.
• Significant Positive Decisions: Share how these choices have shaped your path.
• Common Ground: Find connections with the interviewer—shared colleges, interests, or experiences—to build rapport.

---

Modern Insights for Today’s Job Market

Leverage Technology

• Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements, skills, and endorsements.
• Use quantifiable metrics in your resume to show measurable impact.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

• Customize your resume for each job using keywords relevant to the role.

Embrace Remote Work Skills

• Showcase adaptability and independence in remote work settings.

Highlight Soft Skills

• Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are as critical as technical expertise.

Demonstrate Lifelong Learning

• Highlight ongoing education, certifications, or skills development.

Showcase Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

• If applicable, mention involvement in DEI initiatives, as they’re highly valued in today’s workplace.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

• Send a handwritten thank-you note or personalized LinkedIn connection request to leave a lasting impression.

---

Strategic Use of Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now integral to recruitment. To ensure your resume makes it past initial screenings, include relevant keywords for your field, such as:

General Keywords:

• Leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, innovation, project management.

IT and Tech Keywords:

• Cybersecurity, AI, data science, DevOps, cloud computing, Agile methodology.

Marketing Keywords:

• SEO, social media marketing, analytics, content management systems.

Finance Keywords:

• Financial analysis, risk management, budgeting, CPA, corporate finance.

HR Keywords:

• Talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, HR analytics.

---

The Value of Patience and Preparation

While technology has revolutionized job searching, the core principles of patience and preparation remain constant. Take time to craft your narrative, align it with modern tools, and remember that small details—like a thoughtful follow-up or a personalized approach—can set you apart.

As the workforce continues to evolve, driven by the departure of Baby Boomers and the rise of AI and robotics, the demand for innovative and adaptable talent grows. By blending timeless advice with modern strategies, you’ll not only navigate today’s job market but thrive within it.

Differentiating Yourself in a Crowded Job Market

Every year, I meet an array of college graduates with freshly minted degrees spanning fields from HR to IT and everything in between. Their biggest challenge? Standing out in a crowded job market and acing the interview process.

Unless you’ve chosen a well-defined career path—like becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or accountant—your resume risks blending into the sea of sameness. Over the past two decades, I’ve helped thousands of college grads navigate this transition, and I’ve learned what makes a real difference.

Making Your Resume Stand Out

In any given year, thousands of college graduates enter the workforce. Most resumes follow the same cookie-cutter formula—one page, structured neatly, but often devoid of personality or individuality. This approach might land you a few interviews, but to truly shine, your resume should reflect who you are.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Start with a blank sheet of paper. Write down your thoughts on:
   • Who you are.
   • How you became the person you are today.
   • Who you want to be.
   • How you plan to get there.
2. Reflect on your upbringing.
   • How did your parents influence you?
   • What choices in high school and college shaped your path?
   • Why did you choose the schools you attended?

By the time you reach the interview stage, this exercise will have set you apart from others who rely solely on generic templates.

Navigating the Interview

During the interview, weave the following three elements into the conversation:

1. When you were happiest.
   • There’s no need to discuss when you were sad—no one wants to work with someone who dwells on negativity. Focus on the moments that brought you genuine joy and fulfillment.
2. Your most notable achievement.
   • Highlight this both on your resume and during the interview. Use the opportunity to bring the experience to life and showcase your capabilities.
3. The biggest positive decision you’ve ever made.
   • Share how this decision impacted your life and what it taught you. This is your chance to emphasize your ability to meet challenges and succeed, not to recount problems you’ve faced.

The Intangibles Matter

Years ago, I asked our first employee in Rochester to share something she was most proud of—whether it was from third grade or yesterday. She initially froze, but after some thought, she recalled winning a perfect attendance award in high school and another from her college employer for never missing work in four years.

None of this was on her resume. But to us, her dependability was priceless. She was hired on the spot and became a dependable, reliable, and dedicated employee—exactly what we hoped for.

A Story of Dependability

Recently, a friend asked me to advise his daughter, who had spent a year networking and interviewing without any job offers. He described her as his most dependable child, but she was frustrated with the process.

When I asked her if she was dependable, she hesitated before saying yes. I encouraged her to highlight this quality during interviews—the intangible traits that can’t always be captured on paper. A week later, she landed a great job, and two years on, her employer still praises her dependability.

The Final Touch: A Handwritten Thank-You Note

Final Advice: Send a Handwritten Thank You
Think of it as the final touch in Golf, where a good swing (or handshake) is important, but it’s the thoughtful follow-up—whether through a thank-you note or a follow-up email—that seals the deal.

After the interview, don’t forget the thank-you note. Skip the email; a handwritten note, sent the same day with a real stamp, will make a lasting impression. You know, the kind of impression that says, “I’m serious, but I also appreciate the human touch!” And maybe, just maybe, season it with a little beef—because as we saw in that classic cartoon, sometimes it’s not just about what’s on your resume; it’s about what you add to the flavor of the conversation. “Yours is a most impressive résumé, and you’ve scented it with beef.”