Turf, Tech, and Taking Risks: Leadership Lessons with Jason VanBuskirk

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Summary
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Jason VansBuskirk for a wide-ranging conversation on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in golf course management. Jason shares his career journey from superintendent to founder of Turf Cloud and partner at GreenSight, detailing how data, drones, autonomous mowers, and integrated technology platforms are reshaping modern turf operations. The discussion explores risk-taking, customer relationships, work-life balance, labor challenges, and why technology should serve as a complement—not a replacement—to well-trained teams. Jason also offers candid advice for professionals considering alternative career paths beyond the superintendent role, emphasizing vision, relationships, and long-term sustainability.
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What You’ll Learn
• How Jason transitioned from golf course superintendent to tech entrepreneur
• Why data management became the foundation for Turf Cloud and GreenSight
• How drones, soil sensors, job boards, and autonomous mowers work together as a unified platform
• Why technology adoption is often limited by “not knowing what you don’t know”
• How autonomous mowers can improve consistency, labor efficiency, and work-life balance
• The importance of customer relationships and honoring commitments in the vendor–club dynamic
• Why entrepreneurship requires risk tolerance, self-belief, and a strong support system
• How technology can elevate crews rather than replace them
• Lessons on leadership, delegation, and prioritizing family alongside professional success
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Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Jason’s background
02:00 – Early career in turf management and superintendent roles
04:50 – Discovering the power of data and early technology adoption
06:30 – Building Turf Cloud and the entrepreneurial leap
10:10 – Acquisition by GreenSight and scaling the business
14:05 – Evolution of drones, job boards, sensors, and autonomous mowers
18:45 – Creating a holistic, one-stop technology platform
20:40 – Customer success stories and real-world impact
23:05 – Autonomous mowers, labor challenges, and ROI
25:06 – Coaching clubs through technology adoption
29:49 – Technology as a supplement, not a replacement, for people
34:25 – Lessons learned as a superintendent and business owner
37:30 – Work-life balance, family, and leadership priorities
40:00 – Chip shots: golf, influences, and industry perspectives
42:45 – Underrated regions in golf course management
45:27 – Final thoughts and industry outlook
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Links Mentioned
GreenSight Website
Turf Cloud Platform
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
LinkedIn – Jason VansBuskirk