The beginning of 2006 marks the opening of a new chapter in Paul Foley’s professional life. The Golf Course Builders Association of America appointed Foley as its new executive director – a post he claimed Jan. 2.
Though he retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1999 after 34 years of service, he has been doing anything but relaxing. Following time spent playing golf and living life as a retired man, Foley re-entered the business world – this time on the trade side – five years ago and has been serving as the vice president of the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association.
“When I jump into something, I jump in full-fledge,” he says.
He vows to bring that same energy to his post with the GCBAA.
“You really need to reach out and talk to members to find out what the problems are … issues,” he says.
Foley stresses the importance of membership involvement to strengthen the association and says an individual is not as adept at dealing with larger issues as an industry is.
“You need to resolve issues as an industry,” he says. “Voices are in numbers. Voices are in rallying the people.”
Steve Christman, president of Eagle Golf & Landscape Products and GCBAA treasurer, says Foley was chosen from more than 120 applicants.
“We spent a great deal of time and effort in this search,” he says. “He has an unbelievable background … he will do a great job.”
Though he is still immersed in issues dealing with the automotive industry, Foley is looking ahead at what awaits him in the green industry, such as environmental concerns and the rising cost of raw materials.
“I’ve got to expose myself and talk to as many people as I can … be a sponge,” he says about preparing for his new post.
Common questions Foley expects to ask members are: What do you like that’s being done? What don’t you like? What can the association do to help course builders?
Are there similarities between his job within the automotive industry and the golf course building world? Foley thinks so.
“There are lots of opportunities to do a lot of things,” he says. “I’ll be reaching out and involving members and talking to members constantly.”
Though he has working knowledge of the golf industry as a golfer, Foley brings an outsider’s vision to the GCBAA. He says he has the ability to look at things differently – bringing a new perspective.
“We’re all creatures of habit. We get caught in comfort zones,” Foley says. “New ideas are good – challenging the stability that’s there. Push ahead or get stuck behind the 8 ball.”
Foley says he’s looking forward to attending the Golf Industry Show in February and meeting the members to start “putting a face with the name.”
“Starting the process of picking brains … what we need to do as a group,” he says.
“Time will tell, but I think it’s going to be a great match for us and him,” Christman says. “We want to continue growing in an era where golf is not growing. I think he can bring value to being a member.”
For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call 402-476-4444.
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“When I jump into something, I jump in full-fledge,” he says.
He vows to bring that same energy to his post with the GCBAA.
“You really need to reach out and talk to members to find out what the problems are … issues,” he says.
Foley stresses the importance of membership involvement to strengthen the association and says an individual is not as adept at dealing with larger issues as an industry is.
“You need to resolve issues as an industry,” he says. “Voices are in numbers. Voices are in rallying the people.”
Steve Christman, president of Eagle Golf & Landscape Products and GCBAA treasurer, says Foley was chosen from more than 120 applicants.
“We spent a great deal of time and effort in this search,” he says. “He has an unbelievable background … he will do a great job.”
Though he is still immersed in issues dealing with the automotive industry, Foley is looking ahead at what awaits him in the green industry, such as environmental concerns and the rising cost of raw materials.
“I’ve got to expose myself and talk to as many people as I can … be a sponge,” he says about preparing for his new post.
Common questions Foley expects to ask members are: What do you like that’s being done? What don’t you like? What can the association do to help course builders?
Are there similarities between his job within the automotive industry and the golf course building world? Foley thinks so.
“There are lots of opportunities to do a lot of things,” he says. “I’ll be reaching out and involving members and talking to members constantly.”
Though he has working knowledge of the golf industry as a golfer, Foley brings an outsider’s vision to the GCBAA. He says he has the ability to look at things differently – bringing a new perspective.
“We’re all creatures of habit. We get caught in comfort zones,” Foley says. “New ideas are good – challenging the stability that’s there. Push ahead or get stuck behind the 8 ball.”
Foley says he’s looking forward to attending the Golf Industry Show in February and meeting the members to start “putting a face with the name.”
“Starting the process of picking brains … what we need to do as a group,” he says.
“Time will tell, but I think it’s going to be a great match for us and him,” Christman says. “We want to continue growing in an era where golf is not growing. I think he can bring value to being a member.”
For more information, visit www.gcbaa.org or call 402-476-4444.