SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/460594
THE INTERVIEW 28 SportsTurf | March 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com I have had some really terrific jobs during my career and worked with so many incredible people and have learned so much. I have gotten to do some pretty incredible things during my mili- tary and post -military careers. I can truly say I loved going to work. My dad always asked: "When are you going to get a real job and quit playing in the dirt?" Well I enjoyed almost 45 years of playing in the dirt, made a living, made great friends and had fun, so dad I hope you are proud. But, one of the best jobs I have ever had is being Grampa; we have two beautiful little granddaughters and one handsome little grandson. I love every minute that I get to be in their pres- ence. I have three great brothers and their spouses, children and grandchildren, I love the time I get to join my brothers for a round of golf, or spend time together with all of them. I have been blessed with great friends that I love as well, so my job is to fill whatever time I can, doing things I love to do with the people I love. ST: What wisdom can you share with the younger turf managers about being successful in the profession? Schiller: What is success? Is it winning awards; it's always great to be acknowledged by your peers, but I think if you can wake up in the morning, look forward to what lies ahead, and do some- thing you really love to do, then I think you are successful. I would study and continue to learn something new each and every day. One of my early mentors and bosses once told me, "If you do not learn something each and every day, then you wasted the day!" So find a niche that you enjoy. As Karl Mecklenburg said at our luncheon in Denver this year, "Reach!" Don't ever stop improving, don't stop learning. Don't be afraid to say you don't know, but always be willing to say you will find out. Do things you enjoy doing and it will not be work. Make time for you, make sure there is something you enjoy doing away from work so you can relax and let off steam. And always make sure you have time for your family and friends because none of us knows how much time we have on this earth. Get involved, help others, become an active member of STMA because you will get so much more out of it. And make sure you develop friendships within STMA because those friends will be there for you always. I have been so lucky in my life, I have gotten to meet so many great people, I have seen facilities of every type all over our country, and I have made great friends and have enjoyed oh so much my other family and the times we spent together. There are so many of you in STMA who have played an important part in my life; too many to name you all but you know who you are. Thanks from the bottom of my heart! ■ STT