RESUME

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

My name is Linda Riefler and I am The President of The Creek in Locust Valley, NY. I am delighted to write a recommendation for Mark Petrie from the perspective of a member and The President of The Club.

In my experience Mark is a natural leader with a warm and engaging personality that accrues to benefit of members and staff alike. Mark and I first met on the side of the road as Mark was pursuing his early morning rounds with his team on the golf course. I was struck immediately by his warmth and easy-going nature in addition to his golf acumen.  He has a passion for his work, and for the craft, and delights in a job well done.

Mark began at The Creek in April of 2019. He has played a critical and increasing role in the management, hiring and training of a crew of 30 people and recently he successfully oversaw the seeding and grow-in of a $1.4m driving range construction project under the direction of Gil Hanse.

In my experience and based on discussions of our talent pipeline with our General Manager, I know Mark exhibits a rare capacity for building rapport with staff, vendors, and his bosses and uses these skills to deliver better outcomes for all.  Mark enjoys communicating and can train staff in Spanish and English thereby ensuring the crew operates equipment safely, efficiently and effectively. He is consistently good tempered and as a leader, demonstrates care about quality of outcomes and how to achieve them. He is a compassionate and caring boss who listens, understands challenges, and engages his crew in solutions. Mark is also respected for his hands on style. He leads by example, and consistently jumps in as necessary even on very labor-intensive situations.  As a result, Mark is well liked and raises the game and diligence of all around him.

Mark is a consummate team player, a fast and agile learner who seeks challenge. He is ambitious, but never self-serving. He transitions well when learning something new and demonstrates great pride in his work and the work of his crew. Mark’s adaptability and leadership skills have been tested many times over the past few years. He has proven adept at managing the unexpected due to unprecedented rainfall and storm damage on a newly renovated course.  Every time it seems dire, Mark and his crew rise to the challenge with dedication, eagerness, and success.  The course reopens quickly to member’s delight. Mark clearly enjoys challenges, and under the leadership of our superintendent, Mark has successfully deepened his agronomy skills and demonstrated a rapid grasp of concepts and procedures.

In sum, Mark exhibits all the traits and characteristics of a successful Superintendent and a terrific leader. I am delighted to write him this letter of recommendation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Linda Riefler
President, The Creek