At Brickshire Golf Club, we’re fortunate to have a dedicated team working tirelessly to keep our course in top condition. One role that’s often underappreciated but absolutely critical to our operation is our Equipment Manager, Ron Lumpkin. With a career that spans multiple industries and decades of experience, Ron’s expertise makes him an invaluable member of our team.
Ron’s journey to Brickshire is a unique one. He began in the automotive and machine shop sectors, working at Napa (1985-87), AMF (1987-90), and Ford Automotive Rebuilders (1990-91), then moved to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (1991-99) as an IT professional. In 1999, he took a new direction into the turf industry, managing a branch in Richmond for GL Cornell (1999-08), and later focusing on equipment management at Hanover Country Club (2008-16), Mattaponi Springs (2014-20), and The Crossings (2020-24), before joining us here at Brickshire.
Since joining the turf industry, Ron has taken on roles as both Equipment Manager and Assistant Superintendent, honing skills in equipment maintenance, crew management, and turf health. He holds certifications as a Master Service Technician from Jacobsen and Briggs & Stratton, as well as a Master Trainer designation from Bernhard Grinders. His journey also includes experience with companies like The Walkerton Brake Shoe Factory, Pohlig’s Power Equipment, Davis Landscaping, Lawndoctor, and Howell’s Heating and Air, each adding to the depth of expertise he brings to Brickshire.
Ron embodies the modern Equipment Manager role, which goes far beyond the traditional “golf course mechanic.” Today, an equipment manager like Ron ensures that every machine, from mowers to utility vehicles, performs to perfection. With over a million dollars of equipment in his care, Ron’s expertise in engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and preventative maintenance is central to Brickshire’s operations. Every day, he handles Total Shop Management, overseeing everything from shop layout and inventory to training new operators on proper machinery use. Each of these details impacts the quality of Brickshire’s course and, in turn, our members’ experience.
Brickshire’s daily presentation—the pristine greens, fairways, and overall playability—is shaped by Ron’s dedication. While no single person can claim sole credit for Brickshire’s condition, a successful team thrives when every member takes pride in their role. And that’s precisely what makes Ron such an invaluable asset: he doesn’t just do his job; he cares deeply about it, always striving for excellence in everything he touches.
In golf course maintenance, it’s often said that you’re only as good as your equipment. Thanks to Ron, Brickshire’s fleet is always in top form, saving us from costly repairs and downtime and ensuring that our course remains a destination our members are proud to call their own. Though skilled equipment managers are increasingly hard to find, we feel especially fortunate to have Ron with us.
To Ron: thank you for being the backbone of Brickshire, and for everything you do to make our course extraordinary.
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