Army Veteran Finds Employment Fit with IGM

by Tyler Minamyer, IGM Regional Manager

As a boy, Juan Palacios learned from his dad to work on classic car motors. He later worked as a mechanic in the Army, doing maintenance for combat units. Today, Juan is an IGM Equipment Technician at Rose Hill Golf Club in Bluffton, SC. “I enjoy coming to work, working with the guys and being at the shop. When equipment breaks, I am dedicated to getting things fixed. My goal is to make my course and Superintendent successful.”

IGM, which provides Rose Hill Golf Club’s management and course maintenance, has found that military veterans typically have the skills and work ethic to be successful in golf course maintenance positions.

IGM Regional Manager Tyler Minamyer said, “Military Veterans rely on hard work, communication, and teamwork during their service. Our golf course superintendents need those values in their maintenance operations, and Juan has become a vital part of our Rose Hill maintenance team.”

Palacios is a decorated Army Combat Veteran, having served multiple tours of duty in Kuwait and Iraq. He is a Bronze Star Medal recipient, among other recognitions. But after giving so much and witnessing so much suffering, Juan found himself drained. He took a professional golfing class in Bluffton, then began working as a caddy before joining the IGM team at Rose Hill.

Palacios admits to having great personal difficulty readjusting to life outside the military after his deployments. One thing that has helped is a place – and organization –known as OPFOB. “In a war zone, a FOB is a safe place,” said Palacios. OPFOB, or Operation Patriot Forward Operating Base, is a not-for-profit organization that exists on a large piece of property in South Carolina. Its mission is to create awareness of PTSD and suicide among veterans, by offering a safe place for veterans to engage in activities with others who understand their experiences.

“I have more friends who have died by suicide than in combat,” Palacios said. “The FOB is there to let you know you’re not alone. We have coffee every Saturday in the barn area and invite everyone.”

After first being invited to the FOB by a friend, Juan now serves on the non-profit’s advisory board. As a part of the Rose Hill community, IGM has embraced OPFOB’s mission and has committed fundraising dollars to the organization.

“It’s a logical connection because of the employment opportunities we can offer veterans and the skills they have to offer,” said Minamyer. “The golf course industry needs employees with those skill sets, and we can help Vets acclimate in a great work environment.”

IGM is proud of the work Palacios does with OPFOB, as well as his contributions at the golf course. IGM proudly employs veterans across the company, serving in a variety of golf course maintenance roles. “We have a good number of veterans who have grown into supervisory and management positions in the company,” said Steve Gano, Vice President of Operations.

IGM provides complete golf course management and maintenance services in markets across the U.S. The company is committed to agronomic excellence and environmentally conscious methods and products.

To request a consult, please contact Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President, 407-589-7200. Additional information may be obtained by visiting IGM’s website at golfmaintenance.com.