Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1345880
"I can still remember my interview with Tim Sr. for the GM position at Settler's Hill in 1990," reminisces John O'Connor, now a GolfVisions vice president. "I appreciate the loyalty the company and Tim have shown me throughout my career, and I look forward to continued success as GolfVisions is always focused on quality golf at affordable pricing for the golfer." Observes Tim Miles Jr., who serves as GolfVisions' executive vice president and has direct oversight for about one-third of the portfolio, "While working in a family business can be a challenge, we strive to treat all key and seasonal staff as part of the family and build a trust and respect that carries through the entire team. My dad inspired and instilled this ideology, and we hope to continue on for years to come." Tim Jr. notes that GolfVisions' emphasis on nurturing trust and respect extends to clients, as well. "We want to be a leader in the golf business while providing exceptional service to our golfers and clients. So we operate with a smaller, more intimate client base than the more sizeable management companies, which allows us to build relationships that positively impact communication and results." Twenty years in, all of Miles' five children and two of their spouses have worked for Golf Visions, while four of his nine grandchildren have found summer jobs at one course or another. Currently, two sons, two daughters, and one son-in-law are with the company in managerial roles while Miles' wife, a retired teacher, provides part-time administrative support. Several other key employees have been with Miles for 20+ years while others have been recruited into the firm by the dedicated core. For Golf Visions, these "ties that bind" have fostered stability and resilience in an industry that has been on a rollercoaster ride for the past couple decades. "It's no secret that the golf industry has seen its challenges in the 21st century," says Miles. "We've gone through some big economic downturns, and here in the Midwest golf has felt the impacts of climate change with colder springs, wetter summers and shorter falls. We've seen increasing competition from other recreational activities and priorities changing as parents and grandparents spent more time on youth sports." All of this, Miles explains, contributed to flat participation in golf over the past couple decades. Even with an active emphasis on attracting juniors and other March 1978 GOLF NOW! Chicago 27