GCSAA member Bryan Epland, CTEM, shares professional path, value of GCSAA membership

Before he got his start in the golf course management industry, Bryan Epland, CTEM, equipment manager at ArborLinks Golf Course in Nebraska City, Neb., was on a different professional path serving our country in the U.S. Army. It was during his time in the Armed Services that Bryan honed his skills that would one day make a career as an equipment manager a natural fit.

He joined the Army immediately after high school where he earned his metal working/welding certificate and later gained experience as a pipeline specialist. During his service to our country, he learned everything from fuel types to pump mechanics, but his next role gave him the hands-on experience that would change the trajectory of his career path.

After completing his service with the Army in 2014, Epland worked as an automotive mechanic. He had the pump and fuel knowledge, the welding certificate and other skills needed for the job, but he lacked the mechanical knowledge. Working in the automotive field provided that and prepared him for his transition into the turf industry. 

“Working full-time as a mechanic is where I came full circle in terms of what set me up to be a success in the golf industry,” Epland said. “Looking back, I had no idea I was developing the required skill set to work as an equipment manager.”

Happenstance later led him to take a leap into the field of turfgrass equipment management.

“I was eating barbecue at a local restaurant, and the owner suggested that I look at a job posting at ArborLinks. I wasn’t looking for a job at the time but figured ‘What the heck?’,” he said. “I had nothing to lose. Eight years later, I’m still here and loving it.”

Once at ArborLinks, Epland quickly found a mentor in Michael Sheely, a 20-year GCSAA member and ArborLinks director of agronomy. Sheely showed him what the professional turf maintenance industry is and introduced him to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

“Joining GCSAA wasn’t that important for me in the beginning. I knew there was education available but didn’t see the value,” Epland said. “I honestly give all the credit to Trent Manning, CTEM, for opening my eyes to the value of my membership. It wasn’t until I listened to his podcast, Reel Turf Techs, that I realized the benefits available and the certificate programs.”

Since then, Epland has completed the Equipment Management Certificate Program (EMCP) series and achieved the Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) status, a rewarding process that has undoubtedly helped him grow in his career. He has also joined the Nebraska GCSA and has proudly taken the knowledge he’s gained through the CTEM process to start the equipment management section for the NGCSA, serving as the chapter’s equipment manager liaison.

“Above all else, I am extremely proud of the title ‘CTEM’,” Epland said.

Further sharing his equipment management knowledge with GCSAA members, Epland was a presenter at the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix. He discussed the topic of “Welcoming Equipment Managers to our Chapters” during the Chapter Management Session alongside Kayla Kipp, CTEM; Trent Manning, CTEM, and Scott McCullough.

Giving back to the association that has helped Epland in his career has been another rewarding and meaningful aspect of his GCSAA membership. And, thanks to support from GCSAA along the way, Epland is enjoying both the personal and professional benefits of his membership.

“A personal benefit has been communication skills. I have always struggled in that area, and the GCSAA staff and related events have helped me a ton,” he said. “Professionally, I have gained so much knowledge, a certification, endless friends and contacts and a sense of pride.”

Epland has also found support and guidance from GCSAA staff.

“Any and all staff have been supportive, but there are two who have made a huge impact on me, Diana Kern (senior manager, CTEM certification and certificate programs) and Kelli Norwood (senior manager, curriculum),” Epland said. “They have both not only made everything easy but have helped me get to where I am today.”

Epland encourages other GCSAA members to take advantage of all the opportunities the association offers and the “mountain of free education” through webinars on gcsaa.org.

To learn more about GCSAA education, EMCP, CTEM and other opportunities for equipment managers, visit gcsaa.org.