Name: Rick Smith
Title: Owner, Rick Smith Golf Academy
Company, city: Treetops Resort; Gaylord, Mich.
Number of employees: 400
Recent project: Several projects are underway in China.
First job: Teaching professionally at Toledo Country Club in 1979
Little-known fact about you: I hold the record for the PGA’s playing ability test.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Have a clear plan you believe in and commit to executing it. Plans will require adjustments as circumstances change, but without a plan you cannot make meaningful progress.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Preparation and awareness are crucial. Recognize the mistakes you make and understand the actions required to improve. The better prepared you are, the more reliably you will reach your objectives.
Yardstick of success: Keep moving forward. Don’t dwell on past coverage or achievements; continually set new goals as you complete the old ones.
Rick Smith as a Traveler
Most important item when traveling: My shaving kit, which contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, Ibuprofen and a razor.
How I spend time on board: On long flights to China I usually have a glass of Champagne and then try to rest. If work demands it, I’ll handle it in flight, but rest is usually the best use of the time.
Favorite restaurants: In Hong Kong I enjoy Top of the Roof; in Shanghai I prefer French Laundry.
Favorite destinations: Kauai for peace and quiet; Hong Kong for activity and energy.
About Rick Smith Golf Academy, Treetops Resort
What makes Treetops courses stand out?
Treetops offers a year-round, world-class practice facility and 81 holes of diverse, scenic golf. Each of the five courses has its own character and strengths: the Signature, Tradition and Treetops courses reflect our design philosophy, the Masterpiece was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and the Premier Course is the only Tom Fazio design in Michigan. Recently we added 18 holes of foot golf on the front nine of the Tradition Course, available after 4 p.m., blending soccer and golf for a fun alternative to traditional play.
What’s on offer at the resort and nearby?
Treetops caters to families and golfers year-round, with skiing and snowboarding in winter and top-tier golf in warmer months. The resort features several dining and lounge venues and a full-service spa for relaxation after an active day. Nearby town dining options include Bennethums and the Alpine Tavern, and the region offers excellent hiking and biking trails. The resort is approximately 45 minutes from Lake Michigan, making it easy to combine beach or lakeside activities with a stay at Treetops.