06/14/2012 | Press release

Jacobsen Executive Goes ‘Undercover’ on Turf Maintenance Crew

distributed by noodls on 06/14/2012 14:53

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Vice President of Sales poses as equipment operator on Alabama golf course

Charlotte, N.C. (June 12, 2012) - In an effort to get some unfiltered feedback from the field, Jacobsen's Vice President of Sales Ric Stone recently worked undercover as an equipment operator for a week at Kiva Dunes, one of American's top resort courses.

Inspired by CBS' hit television show "Undercover Boss," Stone's idea was to work alongside a real maintenance crew for an entire week without them knowing his true identity. He believed his anonymity would give him a uniquely authentic experience and provide honest user feedback on Jacobsen equipment.

Kiva Dunes uses a fleet of Jacobsen turf equipment, including ECLIPSE walking greens mowers and ECLIPSE 322 riding greens mowers. The stunning course, sprawling across the narrow peninsula of Gulf Shores, Alabama, has been named the state's top course and is ranked as one of Golf Digest's Top 60 Resort Courses.

Kiva Dunes Superintendent Mike Rienzi played along perfectly with the ruse and introduced Ric as a new member of the maintenance crew on the first day. "Nobody suspected anything," said Rienzi. "But they probably wondered why I was working him so hard. He held up pretty well, except for the blisters."

Ric's gnarled hands were the result of some very hard work: he was tasked with bunker raking, hole cutting, floor sweeping, greens and fairway mowing, machine maintenance and a handful of other odd jobs around the shop.

At the end of the week over a pizza lunch, Rienzi revealed the true identity of the new rookie. After a moment of stunned silence, the room filled with gasps, laughter and head shaking.

"What I learned from the operators was invaluable. They love using our machines, but there are little things we can do to make them even better," said Stone. "I will take that feedback directly to our engineering department.

Above all else, I came away with a great respect for operators. They have a true passion for presenting world-class conditions for their customers. It was an awe-inspiring week that will be with me for a long, long time."

Jacobsen is a Textron (NYSE: TXT) Company.

About Jacobsen
With over 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. Additional information about the company can be found at www.jacobsen.com.

About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.

For further information please contact:
Adam C. Slick, Public Relations & Communications Manager, Jacobsen
11108 Quality Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273
Tel: 704.504.4867 Email: aslick@textron.com

	Jacobsen VP of Sales Ric Stone learning the finer points of bunker raking. Kiva Dunes is filled with large rolling bunkers, leaving Ric exhausted by day's end.
	Jacobsen VP of Sales Ric Stone on one of Kiva Dunes' pristine greens with a Jacobsen ECLIPSE walking greens mower, under the watchful eye of assistant Zeke Philips
	Jacobsen VP of Sales Ric Stone putting his back into a hole change at Kiva Dunes.

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