When it comes to creating an entrepreneurial mindset, don’t be afraid to challenge tradition. Just consider the case of Kevin Osgood, president of Sterling Golf Management in Newton, Massachusetts.
Like so many who are now working in the business, Osgood started part-time work on a golf course as a kid. He fell in love with the prospect of an outdoor career and eventually spent nine years as a golf course superintendent. An opportunity to run a course eventually came up and now after more than 20 years, Osgood's company oversees six facilities.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to have the foresight to adapt, the willingness to do it, and the preparedness to do it quickly,” he says. “That can mean you’ve got to get outside the box and that might feel strange because you’re doing something different, but you’ve got to be prepared to do what’s uncomfortable sometimes.”
As a golf lover from way back, Osgood explains that even now he grapples with what might be seen as modest innovations. To help drive awareness of banquet facilities, lunch service and more at The Shattuck Golf Club in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Osgood created Shattuckfest Family Fun Day. The event centered around a golf tournament for charity but included a heavy emphasis on activities for non-golfers, such as golf cart fall foliage tours for children, face painting, pumpkin carving and a pig roast.
“When I got into golf, I never thought I’d be hosting a pig roast,” says Osgood, “but now people in the community know this isn’t a snooty, unfriendly place. Your eyes have to be wide open to see different ways to overcome your challenges.”