Clark Smith Wins Sales Rep and Tyler Christians Wins Assistant of the Year

Oct 7, 2019

AWARDS CENTRAL

Today begins our yearly highlight of our 2019 Iowa PGA Section Award Winners.  We will be running these on Monday's, Tuesday's and Wednesday's leading up to the All Star Pro Golf Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

Smith Wins Sales Representative of the Year

Riverside, Iowa – Clark Smith of Ahead and Kate Lord has been named the 2019 Iowa PGA Sales Representative of the Year. This honor is based on the vendor’s entire record. This is the highest honor paid to a Sales Representative. The award is based on the following attributes, strengths in service and communication, contributions made to nominee’s company’s success, contributions to the game of golf at the section level, size and success of nominee’s line, sales call rotation and customer interaction and previous awards or community involvement.

“Being a PGA Member and having worked at multiple daily fee facilities along with high end private clubs I understand that buyers have many different needs,” said Smith, “I thoroughly enjoy the creative process and working with my fellow PGA Members to provide the best service and product to help their facilities succeed.  To be recognized for this by my fellow members and the board is truly humbling.”

Since joining Ahead in 2016, Smith has been pushing a 200% increase in total sales for end of this year. He has been able to increase his annual sales each year including increasing Kate Lord by 25% over last year.  Smith currently works with over 80 customers in four states and has sponsorships in the four sections he covers.

“The great thing about working with Clark is he listens to what we need,” said Andy Woodley of Signarama, Iowa, “Clark and Ahead always hit the mark on quality and attention to detail.  He is always my first call when I am looking for items for my customers or my team members.”

Ahead has been the long-time Iowa Cup clothing sponsor along with sponsoring our Junior Tour with tee gifts and prizes.  Clark still plays Iowa Section tournaments as much as he can as he uses this for building relationships.

“I have had the privilege of working with Clark for the past three years,” said Adam Pritchard the Head Professional at Hyperion Field Club, “Over those years Clark has shown a continuous commitment to meeting and providing outstanding service and products for my club.  Clark is always readily available to my phone calls or emails; he doesn’t hesitate to help me out with any issues I might have, and that is a quality I find truly remarkable consider how many pros he is responsible for helping.  In my dealings with Clark, I find him truly approachable about any topic and his honest answers have helped me become a better merchandiser.  Clark’s has the attention to detail, work ethic, and product knowledge that makes working with him extremely enjoyable.”
 
In addition to his success and dedication to his business, Smith volunteers throughout the year with Susan G. Koman and Mentor Iowa.  He also assisted Chad Proehl with his junior golf camps at Sugar Creek Memorial Golf Course.

Through his hard work and dedication to Ahead and Kate Lord, the Iowa PGA, his customers and his community, Smith has elevated many organizations. We are proud to call Clark a friend and to announce him as the 2019 Iowa PGA Sales Representative of the Year.

Christians Wins 2019 Assistant Professional of the Year

Riverside, Iowa – Tyler Christians of the Wakonda Club has been named the 2019 Iowa PGA Assistant Professional of the Year. This honor is based on the professional’s entire record with emphasis on his performance and achievements over the past year. This is the highest honor paid to an assistant golf professional and the award committee determined this winner based on strength as a player, teacher, merchandiser, and overall golf professional, the contributions to the success of the nominees facility, the nominees contributions to the game of golf, the character of the nominee and respect for other professionals, example of professionals who have enhanced their careers through the nominee, the nominee’s ability to play golf and the previous Section awards or community involvement activities. 

“I appreciate being recognized for the Assistant of the Year Award,” said Christians, “I owe many thanks to the people I am surrounded with in my life. They make it possible for me to be my absolute best every day no matter what comes up.  This is quite an honor.”

Christians has worked at the Wakonda Club for the last three years after working at the Brown Deer Golf Club for 18 months. He also worked in the bag room for two seasons while he attended Grand View before moving inside during his internship. Over those years he has shown continuous commitment to meeting the goals of the Wakonda Club while employing his talents in the exceptional execution of his job. He has been in charge of and trains the Wakonda Club’s Outside Operation’s Staff and has been instrumental in raising their level of customer service.  He is also in charge of the Men’s 2-Man Match Play event.

“Tyler has chosen a career that he was born for,” said Wakonda Club’s Director of Golf, Aaron Krueger. “I’m convinced he has the complete skill set to do anything he wants in the golf business.”

Christians also assists Director of Instruction Sarah Bidney in the new Operation 36 program as well as our summer junior program and has built a great rapport with the junior golfers.  Christians is also serving as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at Simpson College in Indianola, IA.

The energy and excitement that Tyler brings to work every day is unmatched!  He is an instant leader and motivates the entire staff to complete the task at hand.” said Wakonda Club’s Head PGA Professional Grant Fielmann, “He has a bright future ahead of him and I am excited for him to win this award.”

Tyler has showcased the core meaning of what it takes to excel as an Assistant Golf Professional during his time at the Wakonda Club. As a result of his dedication and passion for the game of golf, the Iowa PGA is excited to announce Tyler Christians as the 2019 Iowa PGA Assistant Professional of the Year.

Click here for the complete list of the 2019 Iowa PGA Award Winners.