On July 8th, many residents of Graeagle and Reno recognized the picture and write up of Aaron Klein in the Reno Gazette Journal. Aaron and his family moved to Graeagle, CA when he was two years old when his father, Bob Klein was hired as head pro at Graeagle Meadows Golf Course. Bob, on his 25th year at Graeagle Meadows continues to bring enthusiasm and passion for his profession and has passed it on to Aaron.
Aaron started middle school in Reno and went to Reno High School. He later achieved a bachelors degree in business at the University of Nevada, Reno. Aaron then went to work for the Reno-Tahoe Open where his hard work has now earned him the title of operations manager of the tournament. Aaron has even helped other tournaments who have reached out for his expertise. Earlier this summer, Aaron received life changing news. He has been accepted to the University of Oregon sports marketing masters program. An exclusive program that will give him a huge advantage in the sports industry. Good job Aaron, we look forward to another great year at the RTO!
Reno Gazette Journal:
BACKGROUND
I’ve been around the game of golf my entire life and started working at golf courses when I was in high school. My first involvement with the Reno-Tahoe Open was as a volunteer standard bearer when I was 16. I believe my involvement with golf, coupled with my education as a marketing major at Nevada, has led me to my current position.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
I grew up in Graeagle, Ca. and moved to Reno in middle school; I graduated from Reno High and received my Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Nevada. One thing that many people don’t know about the Reno-Tahoe Open is that we are a nonprofit organization, and have donated more than $2.2 million back to the community since our inception in 1999. There’s something very rewarding about being part of an organization that gives back and promotes the region in a positive manner to an international audience.
WHAT BROUGHT ME TO RENO
What is there to not like about Reno? The area has so much to offer; there are a lot of great golf courses, world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and a plethora of great events. Reno is definitely a small town with all the amenities of a much larger community.
WHAT I DO TO LEAVE WORK AT THE OFFICE
For me, making time each day to exercise is a great way to get my mind off work. We’re always connected these days with our smartphones, but it is important to break away for a period of time. Golfing/getting together with friends are other great ways to break away.
HOW I GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY
We have some great fundraising opportunities with the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation. From our Birdies for Charity program to Chip in For Schools, it is rewarding to see the work we do impact various local school organizations and nonprofits. I am always trying to come up with new things to incorporate into our event.
BEST BUSINESS BOOK I’VE READ LATELY
Not a book, but I’m an avid reader of the Sports Business Journal. It keeps me current on the sports business world and is full of best practice ideas
BEST PLACE IN RENO TO MEET WITH CLIENTS OR COLLEAGUES
Of course, a round of golf is always great, but Pinocchio’s Bar & Grill is a favorite of mine.
MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
I am always trying to push myself out of my comfort zone with a “never settle for mediocrity” mentality. I believe this gives me a good example to lead by.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
I received the Millennium Scholarship which enabled me to attend the University of Nevada. Many of our staff here at the Foundation went to school on this scholarship and last year we established the Kenny Guinn Millennium Scholarship fund and the tournament was able to donate over $24,000 to this fund. It was an honor working for an organization that donated back to the very fund that helped pay for my education.
IF I COULD DO SOMETHING ELSE, I WOULD…
In addition to being around golf my entire life, I played ice hockey growing up. If I could do something else, I would try to bring a minor league hockey team to Reno. We have some great some great sports offerings here in Reno, but I would love to see an ice rink and a resurgence of professional hockey here in Reno.