Thomas Howe Jr. is the director of Golf Operations at Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort. “I believe Majestic Oaks is one of the most fun golf courses in the Lake Geneva area. And I feel like we treat people as if they were our family.” Learn more about Thomas Howe Jr….
Hometown: Southside of Chicago (White Sox!)
First job: First job in my life was at Sportmart in Oak Lawn, Illinois working in the shoe department. First job in golf was at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club working for the Jemsek Family and renowned club manager, Nick Mokelke. We had 17 PGA Tour Events, and Tiger Woods won five of them. It was a pretty spectacular place to work as a young man and with a wonderful team of people over the years too.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: With my beautiful wife, Maureen, and our three kids, Claire, Maggie and Patrick, for sure. Right now, we are in the thick of it, as they say. Multiple sports teams and lots of running around. But I love it. The off-season is especially fun because I get a chance to see all of them in the school and club sports, such as basketball. I’m even helping my son’s baseball team as a coach, which has always been a dream of mine since my dad did that for me. In fact, baseball was my first love. I played baseball in the old Comiskey Park when I was 10 years old, and eventually pitched at Mississippi State University when I was in college. We are currently National Champions, so I have a lot of BULLDOG PRIDE!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I can think of several in all aspects of my life, including some here at Lake Lawn Resort. But honestly, I would have to say my biggest accomplishment in life is finding a true partner in my wife, Maureen. She offers me unconditional love and has given me the family that I had always dreamed of. Having someone in your life that you can count on, no matter what, is what defines success to me, not economic or career status. And I certainly have that in her, no doubt.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Obtaining my MBA from Auburn University in 2016 while working full-time at Cog Hill and with three little kids at home.
Someone who inspires you and why: My dad was always my hero. My heart is still broken that he isn’t here anymore. But my mom is the person that inspires me the most because of her quiet determination and strength. I have always felt her unconditional love and support. She is the rock of our family. I feel blessed to have had the parents that God chose for me.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t be entitled. Do every job possible. And be an example for those around you through actions, not words. Become involved with the PGA and/or Club Managers Association of America early in life and pursue opportunities at multiple facilities so that when you have your chance to run an operation you are well-rounded in perspectives.
Favorite quote: “The mass of men leads lives of quiet desperation.” –Henry David Thoreau
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: My baseball card from Mississippi State in 1992 was taken by a Sports Illustrated photographer during the NCAA Playoff Series we played at the University of Maine in 1991. One of only two action photo cards on our team. Pretty neat.
What makes someone fabulous: Being authentic.