First Job Series: Paul Bossert, CPC

First Job: Greens Keeper | Topeka Country Club

Responsibilities:

“Course maintenance including mowing, trimming, and landscaping.”

Why did you choose this as your first job?

“I got hired in this job because one of my good friend’s dad was the Superintendent, and a handful of my friends worked there. We started before the sun came up and got done early enough to enjoy the afternoon. Plus, a major perk was free golf at TCC.”

What was hour best memory about your first job?

“One of my first days on the job we were laying sod. With me being new, I was the last person to be given a task and head out on the course. I was assigned to drive one of the Cushman Haulers to carry away bad turf. The Cushmans were stick shift, and I had never driven a stick shift before. I relayed this info to my boss. He responded, “Well it’s a good day to learn, push in the clutch when you change gears, I’ll see you out there. Don’t be late,” and left me alone to figure it out. The lucky part for me was that my dad had explained the basics to me when I first learned to drive. The worst part was that I not only had to learn extremely quick, but I also had to back up a hill and stop under a backhoe. Hills are not the ideal place to master the sensitivity of a clutch; however, I learned quick and received some positive accolades.”

What life lesson did you learn from this job?

“Sometimes the best way to learn is to dive right in.”

What advice would you give to a kid starting their first job?

“Listen to your parents even when it seems they are giving you worthless information. It might come in handy.”