From Carleton to Camelot: Greg Richardson, Golf Club Manager

With a love for playing and watching sports, it was a natural transition for Greg Richardson, BCom/97, to put his business degree to use as a curling club manager after graduating from Carleton. After five years managing the curling club, he made the move to be club manager of a golf course. From his predecessor at this golf club, Greg learned about the Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM).

“I started on the path of not only managing the club but building my personal skills and education in club management through that organization. I became aware of the certification they offered, and jumped with two feet into that process, which I attained in 2008,” shared Greg about becoming a Certified Club Manager. To achieve this designation, Greg needed to belong to the CSCM for over six years, complete 300 hours of education and pass an eight-hour exam.

A passion for continuous learning runs through Greg’s family. His father completed his Bachelors of Science at Carleton, and continued on to get his MSc in Nuclear Physics. Greg’s mother worked for computing services at Carleton, where she took courses part time and got her BA, and completed the Management Development Program for Women through Carleton’s Centre for Research and Education in Women and Work. After retiring from Carleton, she pursued her Master’s in Legal Studies. Greg was in the audience as he watched his mother cross the stage this June. His parents, along with a curiosity to become better, inspired him to continue with his own education in club management.

In 2016, Greg got his Certified Chief Executive designation through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). He is one of only 16 individuals to hold this designation in Canada. On top of being a Certified Club Manager, Greg had to complete another 400 hours of education, including taking courses at Cornell University and other post-secondary institutions, in order to get the designation.

Greg talked about the benefits that come with networking through further education. He has colleagues in New Hampshire, California and across Canada that he can reach out to for advice. “It’s a very good sharing industry. Although we are all competitors, we don’t really act that way,” Greg explained.

As well as finding time to pursue these certifications, Greg also volunteered for the CSCM and was president for the 2012-2013 term. He was awarded with the CSCM lifetime achievement President’s Award in 2016. He has also stayed engaged with the Sprott community, attending the annual Sprott SBSS Business Banquet a few years ago.

“When I was in Commerce I still didn’t know what I was going to do with it. I didn’t have a planned outcome. You go to [these events] and you certainly see a lot of the students who are very specifically focused on what they want to do, and where they want to be. That’s great, but I think it’s good to keep their eyes open to other options. Opportunities will come, and they may not be what you expect,” expressed Greg.

During his degree he did not aspire to be a club manager. The opportunity presented itself at the curling club where he was a member. It brought him back to his love for sports, and he said he loves how the job is different every day.

Greg’s advice for Sprott alumni looking to advance in their careers is to seek out education and professional development. “Stay current, keep looking for ways to improve your knowledge,” said Greg. “You never know when you’ll have to use that information or when you’ll need it but it’s never a bad idea to have it.”