Healthy Habits

We’ve made some significant progress on my fronts this week. It’s an exciting time. We’ve started designing our space, our floor plan. We’re talking to suppliers about the larger pieces of equipment we will need, arranging any required financing, etc. And of course, we continue to work closely with our landlord on a variety of details.

I received a rather vague email from a friend’s assistant yesterday. My colleague wants to book a meeting to talk about a job/role that I’ve never heard of. I’m not sure if it’s his company or mine. But, the fact is, this colleague is a “rainmaker.” He makes things happen, lots of things, lots of very good things. It’s a distinct pleasure to have him in my network of friends. I’m hoping he needs a favour, as he’s helped me immeasurably lately. We’ll book the meeting!

Another friend, Jim Estill, posted a blog entry recently that focused on an article on healthy habits from Web MD. These are the habits, along with how I’m doing on each.

1 – Eat breakfast every morning – I never miss either a bowl of cold cereal (Shreddies) with skim milk or peameal bacon and eggs over medium with whole wheat toast.

2 – Get enough Omega-3 – I rarely eat fish, and while I do take a vitamin supplement, it likely doesn’t satisfy my Omega-3 requirements.

3 – Get enough sleep – I’m currently only getting 5.5 to 6.5 hours per night, with the odd night of 7 or 8 hours, and also the odd night of 4 hours or so.

4 – Make social connections – I’ve fallen down on this lately, focusing on the business.

5 – Exercise – I tend to workout (resistance training) three days a week for close to an hour each day, and I try to run once a week but have definitely missed many weeks lately.

6 – Practice good dental hygiene – I’m doing ok on this front.

7 – Take up a hobby – Do sports count? I golf in the summer and play hockey in the winter.

8 – Protect your skin – Again, I think I’m fairly diligent.

9 – Snack the healthy way – I could improve here. I don’t snack often, but when I do it’s usually toast, or something worse, like a few chips or desserts.

10 – Drink water and eat dairy – I drink a lot of water, eat some cheese, and enjoy skim milk with my breakfast cereal.

11 – Drink tea – I took up the coffee habit fairly recently. I’ve tried green tea, but don’t enjoy it. I may have to rethink this after reading the article.

12 – Take a daily walk – I generally walk when golfing, but rarely otherwise. I do get the odd hike in, the last of which was, by far, the most incredible experience I’ve ever had in the wilderness! I’d like to hike a lot more! I find some of my best ideas come to me while walking, and yet I rarely make time for it. I should make a change.

13 – Plan – This I do diligently. I’m a “planner”, in this sense, unlike some people I know. ;)

Strong Trees

I’ve had two quotes, both previously mentioned within this blog, rolling around in my mind lately.

"Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees." -unknown

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." -John Quincy Adams

I love what I do. I love this business, and the task of building this business, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. There are times when that strong wind seems to be at my back, and others when it seems to be coming right at me (like during a very long, steep uphill portion of my run this past Sunday morning, when the wind was quite definitely coming right at me).

But, of course, the combination of the wind and the incline helped me get more out of my run. And I ultimately turned in one of my best times for 5k.

I will build a strong business. I won’t have it any other way.

As for the second quote, for me, it speaks to momentum. As long as progress is made each and every day, as long as you never quit, you will achieve.

It’s simply the Law of Inertia. I mentioned this back in the very early days of this blog, here.

The Future

This past weekend was a bit of whirlwind. Friends from high school get together annually, generally a weekend in August, at a cottage owned by one of the gang. We used to play football in the shallow water, swim, hang out on the raft, water ski, etc. Now, as parents, we watch the children play football, swim, hang out on the raft, and water ski or wake board. At least we’re all still somewhat involved. We also sit around a campfire at night and tell all the same jokes and stories that we tell every year.

The cottage is near Minden, Ontario, a good 3.5 hour drive. We left at 6:00am and were in my home town shortly after 8:00am. From there it was only another hour to the cottage. After a day by the water we left around 12:30am and were home by 4:00am. A long day, but it was nice to see everyone.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the future lately, both business and personal. They’re clearly intertwined. Both my Saturday driving and a free Sunday afforded time for quiet contemplation.

Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will open in early 2008.

I am contracted with Parmasters Golf Training Centers to open four other locations in southwestern Ontario by July 2014. I believe the schedule will go something like this:
- London – Summer 2010
- Third Location – Summer 2011
- Fourth Location – Summer 2012
- Fifth Location – Summer 2013

Candidates for locations Three, Four and Five include Windsor, Cambridge, Guelph, Chatham, Sarnia, Woodstock and Brantford. I have a lot of golf and population analysis work to complete before final decisions will be made. I’ll also consider things like economics, the availability of suitable locations and local interest.

By targeting 2013 for completion, I’ve left myself a buffer of one year.

Change is a good thing, but not change simply for the sake of change. Moving forward, making progress, working towards a goal, growing, these are the changes that will happen over coming years. In speaking with a friend today, we both agreed that the pace of change, and the timing of major changes/openings, had to be manageable. While I’m eager to open these centers and simply get into a comfortable life of living with them daily, it’s critical that we get it right from the beginning, that we be sure when it’s time to move forward, and that we make sure all parties are consulted and all opinions are heard. Clearly, it’s also important to listen to wise advisors.

For now, I must get back to working on location One, Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.

The Early Years

It’s an exciting time in the Parmasters world. And those of us that are fairly new to the franchise owe a debt of gratitude to those that made those first few inroads.

Parmasters was founded some six or more years ago. Matt Jeffrey was the first franchise owner in Canada. Parmasters Memphis just opened in June 2006. Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will likely open as the fourth or fifth center in the Parmasters family.

There were many lean and sparse years in the early 2000’s. Years during which many early Parmasters pioneers helped build systems, develop concepts, build supplier relationships, etc. Those were years when there weren’t any sites under development. No one knew when the first Parmasters center would open. The pressure was no doubt immense, and yet the successes were small, the progress seemingly very slow.

I wasn’t part of the Parmasters family during those very lean years. I became involved in 2006, a time when successes were and are becoming larger and more fulfilling. The Memphis center opened. Every month it seems more franchise sites are awarded. We now have locations under development in many different cities across North America and the world.

I was involved in approximately 40 different phone conversations today. One of those conversations included discussion about the early years for a franchise system. As I’ve noted, I wasn’t involved in the very early and lean years, but Parmasters is still a young franchise. We have two sites open, not 200!

Ten years from now, some young entrepreneur is going to come to the Parmasters world and purchase franchise rights for some location. He/she will learn about the early years within Parmasters and I have no doubt that he/she will consider 2007 an “early year” and he/she will include me in that list of Parmasters pioneers. I’m not sure that distinction will be warranted or justified, but I’m quite sure the label will be affixed.

Whether we are involved in a “pioneering” effort, or something more tried and true, is really of little consequence. Each day I rise and there are tasks to tackle, priorities to focus on and relationships to build.

I do hope future Parmasters franchise owners have an easier go of it. And if I can contribute to fleshing out some systems, processes, etc., that will help make it easier for those that follow, that’s very rewarding. But of course, as I remind myself daily, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

Three Key Accomplishments

I’ve recently started a new practice of quiet contemplation and planning first thing each morning. I’ve set aside the first half hour of each day, generally from 6:30 to 7:00am, but this morning it was 5:30 to 6:00am.

The purpose, if summed up in one word, would be “focus.” It’s about doing the right things, and also doing those things well.

I spend part of this time reaffirming the path that I and my loved ones have chosen. There will always be a long way to go. Visions are meant to stretch us, to challenge us. We must believe that we can have and achieve those circumstances in life that bring us fulfillment and true happiness. Otherwise, why are we here and what are we doing?

I also ensure that my view of the current situation is accurate. Great minds have said that one of the keys to success is acknowledging your current situation. As Dan Sullivan noted, “all progress begins by telling the truth.”

From there, it’s a fairly simple matter to determine what must be done next. “It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do.” So spoke Elbert Hubbard. In this step there is always the temptation to be blinded by urgency, and to not consider importance. I blogged about the difference here.

At the end of this process, I have a list of three accomplishments for the day. I then proceed through my day, focused on these three key accomplishments, thankful that I have already achieved them.

And by nightfall, I generally have achieved the three key accomplishments for the day. Time for sleep, and the next three key accomplishments.

Space Plannng and Equipment Lists

I’ve added a few more links to the side bar on this blog. They include local associations, such as the Golf Association of Ontario, as well as local tours, such as the many wonderful junior tours throughout Ontario.

We’re making steady progress with Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. We’ve started more detailed space planning, we’re delving into more details within our list of required equipment and we will likely issue additional press releases in the coming weeks.

The space planning is very exciting. This involves looking at the raw space – the term “vanilla shell” is very common in the industry – and deciding where the various components and activities will be placed. Our site will include 6 or more golf simulators; several other driving bays (where you hit into a net and thus are not distracted and/or mislead by ball flight); a massive slightly undulating putting green surrounded by rough and sand traps; two or three meeting rooms; a café; a golf fitness area; locker rooms; a pro shop retail area; club repair and a few offices. All of these components must be arranged such that they flow nicely throughout the 15,000 sq. ft. space.

Our detailed equipment list will flow out of our space planning. At least, we’ll know exactly how many simulators to order, how many tables for the meeting rooms, etc. The real decisions will lay within the thousands of details, such as the exact style, make and model of meeting room chair, the cutlery for the café, the design of our check-in counters and store fixtures, and the list will go on and on.

I am very eager to get into these details and finalize our space planning and equipment list. All things take time. I have good people around me that I can consult with, including our design firm, Tsao, based in California, to ensure that the center is both highly attractive and functional.

Misreading Putts

I chatted today with a fellow from 3L Putt Inc., based in beautiful New Hamburg, Ontario. They’re the makers of the Argon Putter. I could tell you all about it, but you’re better off following the link and visiting their website.

I played the Rockway Golf Course last night. And I really should have spent some time with the Argon Putter before I teed it up. My putting was terrible!

Of course, there are several components to effective putting, and my execution was not really off. I just couldn’t read the greens. It was just one misread after another! And with all due respect to Rockway, it’s not as if their greens are particularly quick or treacherous. I played several putts to break one way, that actually broke in the opposite direction! Yikes!

By the end of the evening I was trying my best to learn something from the situation. How could I improve? Well, clearly I need to spend more practice time reading greens.

Also, I didn’t warm up last night. It was a busy work day and I simply ran up to the first tee. I do that VERY rarely, but did so last night.

We were also rushing last night, trying to finish our round before darkness. I find it very helpful to look at a putt from both behind the ball and behind the hole, and I can generally do so without slowing the pace of play. But we were really moving last night.

Lastly, it was very late in the day and the greens had seen a lot of play. There were a little bumpy. Of course, that doesn’t explain my putts breaking in the opposite direction to my read, but it does make me feel just a little bit better.

Find Your True Talent

Tiger Woods put on yet another impressive display whilst capturing the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday. I believe it was golf analyst David Feherty that summed it up best. I believe the quote went something like this. “When he plays ok, he contends. When he plays well, he wins. And when he plays really well, he wins by 10!”

This left me wondering about that one thing, that one skill that each of us possesses. I believe each and every person possesses a talent for something. Let’s call it their “true talent.” Many– perhaps most – never discover their true talent. Others discover their true talent, but do not develop it to its full potential.

But those that discover their true talent, and go on to fully develop it, I believe lead incredibly rewarding lives.

Clearly, golf is most likely Tiger’s true talent. We could get more nitpicky and argue that his true talent is focus, or determination, or work ethic, or performance under pressure, but for now let’s just go with golf. And clearly he’s in the continual process of developing his true talent to its maximum potential.

I wonder if Faherty’s quote would apply to any other individual that found and developed his/her true talent. “When he/she plays/works/performs ok, he/she contends. When he/she plays/works/performs well, he/she wins. And when he/she plays/works/performs really well, he/she wins by a very large margin!”

And I wonder if the same applies to companies. Again, I believe all companies possess a true talent. And I believe those that find and optimize their true talent go on to achieve incredibly rewarding successes. Such companies touch upon and improve the lives of thousands of people and communities.

Of course, there’s a wealth of business research and popular business books that urge corporate leaders to find their companies’ true talents and then optimize same. These studies and books may use different language, but they preach the same message.

“Just do what you do best!” –Red Auerbach

“If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn.” –Charlie Parker (trumpet)

Integrative Thinking In HBR

In reading my June 2007 issue of Harvard Business Review I came across an article that struck a chord. Titled “How Successful Leaders Think”, by Roger Martin, it was based on the premise that we can learn far more by learning how great leaders think, or thought, than by how they act, or acted.

Martin keys in on one common thread that ran through the bulk of the “great” leaders he interviewed: they “have the predisposition and the capacity to hold in their heads two opposing ideas at once.”

Most decision makers “seek simplicity along the way” to a decision and are thus “often forced to make unattractive trade-offs.” The leaders that Martin interviewed did not feel forced into such trade-offs. Rather, they carried forth two opposing ideas/solutions/models/etc. for as long as possible, they embraced the accompanying complexity, and they felt comfortable with their ability to handle said complexity.

Martin notes, “integrative thinkers don’t mind a messy problem. In fact, they welcome complexity, because that’s where the best answers come from.”

When faced with two opposing ideas, most decision makers attempt to quickly determine which idea is correct/best/ideal, and thus which is faulty. They may take the approach of challenging both ideas very early in the decision making process, attempting to poke holes in one or the other, and thus eliminate said idea from contention. This reduces complexity and the decision maker feels more at ease.

Martin boils it down to four stage decision making model and juxtaposes “conventional thinkers” and “integrative thinkers.”

Note: This table is quoted directly from the article.

Step 1 – Determining Salience
Conventional Thinkers – Focus only on obviously relevant features
Integrative Thinkers – Seek less obvious but potentially relevant factors

Step 2 – Analyzing Causality
Conventional Thinkers – Consider one-way, linear relationships between variables, in which more of A produces more of B
Integrative Thinkers – Consider multidirectional and nonlinear relationships among variables

Step 3 – Envisioning the Decision Architecture
Conventional Thinkers – Break problems into pieces and work on them separately or sequentially
Integrative Thinkers – See problems as a whole, examining how the parts fit together and how decisions affect one another

Step 4 – Achieving Resolution
Conventional Thinkers – Make either or choices, settle for best available options
Integrative Thinkers – Creatively resolve tensions among opposing ideas; generate innovative outcomes

Most notably, integrative thinkers do not make either or choices. They carry forth, deep into the decision making process, not only opposing ideas but a wealth of data as well. Ultimately, they seek a solution that “integrates” the best of all available options, whether they are opposing ideas or not.

Took A Free Day

I took Sunday off. I did some reading but no work at all. I didn’t even return any emails. It’s been busy. Sunday was a Free Day. Jay Paterson blogged about this many months ago here.

I’ve been thinking more and more about this concept of Focus and Free days, and how to best spend the 168 hours we have each week. I’ve re-read Jay’s post a few times.

It’s such a departure from my normal modus operandi. I generally work a lot. Almost every day.

I remember speaking with a friend recently. We’ll keep his identity confidential. He invited me to his cottage. I noted that I was rather busy and don’t really take very many days off. He replied, “I know. That’s why you should come to the cottage.” Point well taken!

I didn’t fully enjoy my Free Day on Sunday. All day I was hoping to get some good news, some great news really, and it never did arrive. The great news did finally arrive today, although it was short lived. But, we accept what life sends our way and treasure every moment. We act with great belief, intention and industry. And we continue to believe no matter what comes our way and no matter how many obstacles appear before us.

I was reminded yesterday of this telling quote:
“The art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of our great men.” -Captain J.A. Hatfield

Let Go Of The Frustration

I mentioned in my previous post that I wanted to quote Andrew Winston, our Vice President of Franchise Training. I had lamented to him about my many technology issues of late. Here’s part of his reply.

“When I golf and hit the ball into the forest, I have an undying belief that the trees will kick the ball back out onto the fairway. ‘Trees are our friends’ is what I yell and it works. I guess what I'm saying is that your attitude will dictate your results. I know it's difficult when each step you take is a hassle. But let go of the frustration when you're dealing with the minutiae and it won't mean so much on the negative side.”

He’s right, of course.

I’ve had a lot of minutiae pile up over the last couple of weeks. I generally deal with most of the real non-value-added stuff on my weekends, but my weekends of late have been busy, or I’ve taken time to relax (like last weekend). So some of the real boring stuff piled up.

My plan for this weekend is to rip through all of that as quickly as possible. I got organized last night and figured out what had to be done. I like to start with the worst/least-enjoyable tasks and work my way through to the more pleasant tasks.

Also did some yard work last night. My eldest son cuts our grass, but there are other tasks that he’s not quite ready to tackle.

I started this morning with a great workout and then dove right into my to-do list. I’m at least three quarters of the way through the list and have only a few of the more pleasant tasks left.

I hope to complete most of them today and then set tomorrow aside for some RnR.

Technology Challenges or Opportunities

It’s time to change gears. We now have the bulk of our capital lined up. (Is that a dangling participle? I can never remember. My Grade 9 high school English teacher, Mrs. Ballard, God bless her soul, may not be happy if she notices!)

I’ve spent the bulk of my time to date securing capital. It’s now finally time to start the marketing training provided by the franchisor, and then move on to marketing and selling memberships, and soon construction.

I can’t wait. Many people have asked about purchasing a membership – friends and new acquaintances (future friends). I really look forward to creating our little golfing community/club and watching new friendships and camaraderie develop.

I’ve faced more than my fair share of technology issues of late. For most of the week now I’ve been receiving two copies of all emails on Blackberry. I have a few different email accounts and the problem is only affecting the one account. I still have not solved it.

It’s rather ironic. For many of the emails I receive, I don’t even want the original, let alone a copy!

Also, on Wednesday, I learned that my computer headset is no longer working. I had installed some software related to a digital voice recorder I’ve been using. Said installation basically obliterated all of the audio drivers for my Logitech USB headset. I’m told there’s no way to fix it. We in the Parmasters world use Internet-based/online meeting rooms for many of our meetings.

I lamented some of my technology misfortune to Andrew Winston, Parmasters’ Vice President of Franchise Training. He wrote back and reminded me of many of the principles in The Secret, without ever really mentioning The Secret. I’d love to quote him here, but don’t have his permission. Perhaps in my next post.

And lastly, before I head out to a day of meetings, we must all applaud Mr. Hunter Mahan for his performance at our “Open Championship” yesterday. I’ve witnessed many a hole-out, but never two in a round. Great to see! It’s also nice to see young Canadian David Hearn fairing well on opening day.

Have a look at Mahan’s score card. You won’t see many like it!

Big Day For Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo

We’ve just completed one of the most important days in the brief history of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. I can’t make any big announcements yet, unfortunately. Suffice it to say that we took a giant leap forward today and are much closer to our opening day. It’s quite amazing, and surprising, what can happen within a few hours.

Today was spent with Tom Matzen, Parmasters’ President and CEO and Andre Ferris, Parmasters’ Canadian Regional Franchisor. We went from meeting to meeting, with investors, with shareholders, with partners and with other stakeholders.

It was actually Tom’s first visit to southwestern Ontario, which really surprised me. He grew up on the prairies and has done most of his business on the west coast.

All of our meetings today went very well. The three of us – but predominantly Tom, since he is a co-founder – answered a wide array of questions regarding the business. Shareholders wanted more details, and wanted to ensure we had our focus on certain areas. Potential investors were asking tough questions related to risk. Partners and stakeholders spent most of their time congratulating us on our concept and our progress to date.

Of course, as with every fantastic day in business, the day after is when the rubber actually meets the road. Tomorrow is when we’ll start to paper some agreements that were hammered out today. Tomorrow is when I must inform all necessary parties and start marshalling the troops to move forward much faster than previously. Tomorrow I must adjust my to-do list and ensure my focus is appropriate given these new developments. It’s time to accelerate, once again. The time is nigh.

So, for now, it’s time to relax and recharge.

Quiet Weekend Not Car-nastie

It was nice to see Padraig Harrington win The Open Championship on Sunday. It was equally sad to see young Spaniard Sergio Garcia lose the same Open. Carnoustie played as Car-nicetie this time round, rather than the fabled Car-nastie of old. But then, as many analysts have since pointed out, Mother Nature was unusually benign. A little wind, a little cooler and this year’s Open would have been completely different.

I had a fairly quiet weekend. I worked Saturday morning but then attended a folk music festival in London in the afternoon. The music was wonderful but I was quite distracted with many other things on my mind.

I also relaxed in front of the television a fair bit this weekend. Very unusual for me. I’ll watch a few sports now and then, but rarely sit for extended periods of time and watch a movie or show. I think the tally came to three movies this past weekend, along with part of a fourth. They included, and I may get the titles incorrect, A Few Good Men, The Jackal, White Lightning and Little Man (chosen by my young, but not-so-little men).

I’m about to leave for the airport to pick up the Tom Matzen, Parmasters HQ President and CEO. We have a full day of investor candidate and shareholder meetings tomorrow. Looking forward to some good discussion and challenging questions. Tom was a co-founder of Parmasters, so I always learn a lot when with him.

Parmasters CEO Visiting

The President, CEO and Co-founder of Parmasters Golf Training Centers, Tom Matzen, is coming to town next week. We’ve arranged the trip to put Tom in front of both existing shareholders and potential investors. I’m looking forward to the sessions.

It will be a whirlwind 24 hour visit. Tom will arrive late in the evening and leave for Vancouver late the next evening.

This will be Tom’s first time in Kitchener since I purchased the franchise rights. It will give him an opportunity to tour our coming location at Market Square (at the corner of King and Frederick Streets in Kitchener).

I’ve been busy inviting interested attendees and making other arrangements. The schedule for the day is still up in the air, but we’ll get the details ironed out on Monday.

I still feel like I’m behind on my to-do lists and regular tasks. I look forward to the weekend and an opportunity to get caught up. Of course, I also feel I’m a little behind on my RnR time, so hopefully I can get some of that in on the weekend also.

Golf Course Architecture

It’s been another stretch of very little blogging. I have found two sets of circumstances that lead me to blog less than normal.

First, of course, is when I’m extremely busy. It’s difficult to make and justify the time to blog during very busy periods.

And second, during vacation periods, no matter how long or short. I didn’t do a lot of work late last week. And my parents visited over the weekend. During periods like that, I try to simply do whatever I want, whenever I want. This helps me to relax and rejuvenate.

I recently read an interesting article in Golf Canada (published by the RCGA). Titled “Lessons from the Past,” it focused on the evolution of golf course design. It’s an area that has always intrigued me, and so I read the article with much anticipation.

Of course, in the very early days of golf, there was no such thing as golf course design. As the article states, “the game’s initial courses were often ’18 stakes on a sunny afternoon,’ … within an interesting piece of property.”

Apparently one of the first to actually alter the land was Willie Park Jr., “a British designer whose work in Canada includes Calgary Golf & Country Club and Laval-Sur-Le Lac Golf Club.” Approximately a century ago Mr. Park made subtle alterations to properties/courses, but certainly never sculpted mass swaths of land.

Alister Mackenzie stands out for his contribution of “13 Golf Commandments,” essentially a list of concepts that all great courses should share. The list included such things as the importance of hills and valleys, beautiful surroundings as well as testing both proficient and beginner golfers, and motivating golfers to improve.

Longer holes traversed “less impressive land” and par-3’s were placed very strategically, to take advantage of beautiful locations.

Towards the end of Stanley Thompson’s contributions, and at the beginning of Robert Trent Jones’ career, the advent of massive earth moving equipment brought new possibilities to golf course design and construction. No longer was the architect relegated to merely tweaking the natural landscape. Wholesale change was in vogue, and possible.

This trend ushered in the concept of the famous golf course architect. Since it was no more the architect, and less the land, that created the end product, the architect’s name became very prominent. PGA players, such as Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw, began to make a name for themselves in golf course architecture.

The article ends describing the most recent movement back to the basics, a minimalist and naturalist approach. This takes architecture full circle, back to designs that wind and weave through untouched properties, with the designer and design yielding to the land, rather than vice versa.

In reading about the journey that golf course design has taken, I was reminded of a sculptor. Some describe sculpting as molding a solid block into a beautiful representation of some form. Others describe it as an effort to free the form that lies trapped within the original solid block.

I look forward to learning more about golf course design. One brief article has only whetted my appetite.

University Campuses

I've been reminded this week of how much I enjoy university campuses. I'm not sure exactly what it is about campuses but they always lead me to new ideas and very positive feelings.

I have degrees from both the university of Waterloo (B.Math.)and Wilfrid Laurier University (MBA). Those two campuses are very familiar, like an old pair of jeans. I considered some globally renowned ivey league schools for my MBA, but opted to stay home in Waterloo, ON.

While working in sales at Maplesoft (mathematical software sold mainly to universities) I spent countless days visiting campuses throughout the United States. Some were incredibly beautiful and inspiring. Some were more "practical" or "utilitarian". But all inspired.

I believe there's a sense of possibility and new, fresh ideas that is essentially inherent in all/most campuses, both by design and by happenstance. There's a freedom from judgment and a spirit of stepping well outside of "the box" and one's "comfort zone." Campuses are also a wonderful reminder of days gone by, be they personal memories or society's history in general.

I've been reminded this week that, for me, setting aside time - even brief periods - to think, to ponder, to analyze, and to consider the "big picture" is a very valuable and high-leverage activity. And a university campus inspires very clear thinking.

It's so easy to get into a habit or mode of constantly doing, and often difficult to remember to step back and consider whether you're "doing" the right thing(s).

"It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do." -Elbert Hubbard

I resolve to dedicate more time to contemplation and analysis, and will consider best locations - including nearby campuses - for such activity.

Moe's Birthday

From the golf blog In Golf We Trust (www.ingolfwetrust.com):

On This Day In History - 10 July 2007

Lee Trevino wins his first Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, finishing with a 70 for a one-stroke victory margin over Taiwan's Lu Liang-Huan. Trevino came into the tournament in form, having won the US Open and the The Canadian Open weeks earlier. 34-year-old Lu, contended right from the start and he Trevino and Tony Jacklin took a three shot lead over the field going into the final day.

Lu trailed by a shot going up the 18th and his errant drive struck spectator, Lillian Tipping, who was concussed and taken to hospital needing several stitches. Despite going to her aid, Lu managed to make birdie, but so did the Merry Mex to win his first Open, which he would successfully defend the following year at Muirfield.

Lu would have to be satisfied with being remembered for his pork pie hat and his role as the heroic underdog. He and Mrs Tipping sent each other Christmas cards for many years afterwards.

...

It's also the day that one of the greatest golfing mavericks off all time was born. Canadian Moe Norman never made the grade on the PGA Tour, but his ball-striking exploits are legend. Tiger Woods once said that he aspired to 'own his swing' in the way that only two players – Ben Hogan and Moe Norman – have previously.

Parmasters KW On The Web

As some of you may have noticed, we’ve recently launched our web pages / website. You can Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo here. As with all Parmasters Centers, our web pages are accessed via the main Parmasters Golf Training Centers site.

Our web pages provide a wealth of information about our site and also allow you to sign up for a membership giveaway and to simply join our mailing list to learn more about membership and other opportunities as they arise. You can sign up here.

We will start selling memberships in the coming months. Residents of Waterloo Region will hear plenty from us as our marketing efforts begin.

This also marks a transition in this blog. Up until now, almost all readers have been friends and family, people that I’ve spoken to personally regarding our Parmasters Center. Now that our web pages are live, and we’re getting some media exposure, readers of this blog will include future members and clients that I have not yet met. I have not yet decided whether this might alter my musings and writings.

Our press release, issued yesterday, was picked up by the Kitchener-Waterloo Record. Here’s a link to the article, and the full text, below.

CORE SCORE

Parmasters 'health club for golfers' comes to Market Square in downtown Kitchener this winter targeting those duffers without regular access to training facilities or coaches

MICHAEL HAMMOND

KITCHENER (Jul 4, 2007)
A "health club for golfers" is set to open in the Market Square in downtown Kitchener, adding fuel to hopes of a revival in the city's struggling core.

Stephen Southern, president of Parmasters Southern Ontario, said he hopes to open his golf training centre in the mall this winter.

"We describe it as a health club for golfers," he said.

The Parmasters chain, based in Memphis, Tenn., currently has facilities in Memphis and Guangzhou, China. It plans to open dozens of similar golf training centres around the world, including 27 in Canada.

The Kitchener centre will occupy 15,000 square feet of space in the Market Square's main floor retail concourse, although a specific location has yet to be confirmed. It will be the first Parmasters location in Ontario.

Southern, who holds the Parmasters franchise rights in southern Ontario, said he wants to offer a year-round attraction where the average golfer can work on his or her game.

"Our studies show there are about 70,000 golfers in the region," he said. "That's an absolutely prime market. There aren't many places for public golfers to practise their game."

Linda Stewart, executive director of the Kitchener Downtown Business Association, said the "out-of-the-ordinary" attraction represents a much-needed endorsement for the core.

"I'm excited they picked Kitchener's downtown because it speaks to the fact that we've got some great developments going on here," she said. "This type of business is going to attract different people to the core."

John Vickery, manager of leasing for Cora Group, which owns Market Square, said the golfing attraction will bring new momentum to the south end of the downtown.

"We've tried a couple of strategies to bring in new retail without much success," he said. "We hope this will attract a whole new audience to Market Square."

Vickery said his group possibly will shift several stores around in the mall to make way for Parmasters.

Both Cora and the Kitchener Market have had trouble retaining tenants, Vickery said. "I think that's indicative of how difficult it is leasing retail space in the downtown."

The golf centre will include five or six golf simulators, a 4,000-square-foot putting green, a sand trap practice area and an automated driving range simulator that places a ball on a tee every few seconds.

The attraction will employ 15 to 20 people. Southern hopes to begin selling memberships, which will start at $39 a month, later this summer or in the fall.

The centre will be open to the public as well. The facility will also have a pro shop, fitness area and cafe.

Southern, a self-described serial entrepreneur who has worked for several technology startups including SlipStream Data in Waterloo, is targeting golfers who don't belong to golf clubs and don't have access to training facilities or golf coaches.

He said he plans to eventually open Parmasters locations in Cambridge, London, Windsor and Chatham-Kent.

Besides Market Square's central location, Southern said there were several key factors that led him to locate the centre in downtown Kitchener.

More than 2,500 professionals work within a five-minute walk of Market Square, at the corner of King and Frederick streets. There also will be hundreds of affluent condominium owners in the downtown in the coming years at the Kaufman Lofts, Eatons Lofts and in the proposed Centre Block development, he said.

State-of-the-Art Golf Center

We issued our first press release today, and I gave my first interview related to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo! The Record tracked me down early this morning.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2007
Play Golf All Year Long in Southern Ontario Parmasters announces the opening of state-of-the-art Golf Center

July 3, 2007, KITCHENER-WATERLOO – Parmasters is pleased to be opening the first of five golf centers in Southern Ontario at Kitchener’s Market Square, 100 King Street East, at the corner of King and Frederick Streets. This location will open this winter with other sites in London, Windsor, Chatham-Kent and Cambridge to follow soon.

Typically, a Parmasters Golf Training Center is 12,000 to 15,000 square-feet and is “the ultimate golf training and practice facility” offering a climate-controlled, indoor golfers haven and an affordable, non-intimidating alternative to the traditional, typically expensive teaching methods that guarantees a 25 per cent reduction in handicap.

This center will feature 5 state-of-the art golf simulators, 2 or more fluency bays (with an automatic tee that tees up a ball every 1.5 seconds), other driving bays such as fairway bunker, uneven lies long game areas, a pro shop, a golf fitness area, and a 4,000 sq. ft. indoor undulating green surrounded by rough and bunkers for short game practice. Parmasters Golf Training Centers have been designed to have the look and feel of a high-end clubhouse including food and beverage service in the Company’s “Links Golf Café”.

A 2006 Ipsos Reid poll indicated that Canadians spent a total of $11.23 billion in 2005 on green fees, membership, equipment and apparel and also indicated that 5.95 million Canadians participated in the sport in 2005, representing a 21.6 per cent increase from 2001.

In summarizing the poll results, Ipsos Reid senior vice president, Amanda Maltby said: "The game is in good health…I'm not in the industry but looking at it from a research perspective . . . we're seeing very robust growth.”

“I’m excited and the timing couldn’t be better for opening a Parmasters Golf Center,” says Stephen Southern, President, Parmasters Southern Ontario. “And with support from the Canadian Regional Franchisor of Parmasters Golf Training Centers we hope to pre-sell a target 750 Charter Memberships prior to opening.”

As an entrepreneur and former sales and marketing professional, Stephen’s broad business knowledge, his strong customer service orientation, his leadership and team building skills, as well as his commitment to sales and marketing fundamentals, will all serve him well as Southern Ontario Area Developer for Parmasters Golf Training Centers.

To date, eighty-three franchises and eight regional franchises have been awarded. The first location, a 25,000 sq. ft. center in Memphis Tennessee opened in June 2006, and the first international centre in Guangzhou, China in April, 2007. The opening of 12 additional golf training centers and 20 Links Golf Cafes are planned by April, 2008. In Canada, 27 franchises have been awarded to date, with further opportunities in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec.

Tom Matzen, an international speaker and best-selling author, founder and past CEO of Entrepreneur Coach Inc., together with Scott Hazledine, a Class A PGA member, Master Teacher, and Master Player, recognized the growth in golf and teamed up to form Parmasters in 1999.

Parmasters is optimistic about its future as an indoor golf training center because new golfers want to learn, they want to improve and they want to look good on the fairway. Parmasters primary focus is offering one-on-one golf skills training. This training will differentiate itself by its fun and easy format, guaranteed results and an overall goal of increasing each attendee's passion and excitement for the game of golf.