Southern Oaks - Staff

Tyler Krager PGA Professional

Hometown: Raymond, Illinois

Tyler is the Head Golf Professional at Southern Oaks Golf Club and has been a member of the PGA of America since 2014. Prior to earning his PGA Membership, he earned his degree in Sports Management from Millikin University where he also played golf. Tyler has been in the golf business since 2006 and have spent time at The Country Club of Decatur (IL), Shoal Creek Golf Course (IL), and Abilene Country Club (TX). Since coming to The Villages in 2016, Tyler has spent time at Havana Country Club for two years, followed by three years at Glenview Champions before getting the opportunity to open Southern Oaks Golf Club. Tyler is happily married to his beautiful wife Jenna, and enjoys spending his free time with his daughters, Sloan and Landry.

 

Jim Mule Golf Staff Supervisor

Hometown: Akron, Ohio  

Prior to retirement, Jim was a Chief Information Officer at one of the GE Capital businesses. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems with a minor in mathematics from State University of New York and a Master of Science in Management of Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University in Georgia. Jim also has a Florida real estate license and an Electrical Contractors license in Georgia. Jim is the author of the book "The Path of Least Resistance" and composer of two piano CDs, "Take My Hand" and "Believe." Jim's spare time outside of work is occupied with writing music, golf and cycling.

Rick Kleindienst Golf Staff Supervisor

Hometown: Stratford, Connecticut

Rick and his wife Priscilla moved to The Villages in January 2010 from Stratford, Connecticut. Prior to moving to The Villages Rick was Manager of Emergency Management for the Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven Connecticut for 8 years. Before that he was the Executive Director of the Southwestern Regional Communications Center for 18 years which provides fire and EMS dispatching to 14 municipalities in southwestern Connecticut. Rick has been an emergency medical technician for 34 years which includes 25 years as an advanced life support technician. He is also an American Heart Association CPR Instructor. He was also the Program Director for the Sumter County Medical Reserve Corps which is sponsored by the Sumter County Health Department.

Rick and Priscilla have four sons and seven grandchildren. They both love to play golf and enjoy outside activities (12 months a year) which was the driving force why they moved to The Villages. Not having to shovel snow or scrape ice also played a big part in their decision process. Rick and Priscilla live in the Village of Hadley with Bandit, their three year old golden retriever.

Ron Conrad Golf Staff Supervisor

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Ron and his wife Jo Ann first attempted retirement after 30 years in Springfield, MO and settled in Sun City-Georgetown, TX. After 8 years and unhappy with our first attempt of "active adult" living we discovered and settled in The Villages. We purchased our first home in 2015 and we are now in home #2 and live in the Village of Chitty Chatty. Prior to retirement Ron was a small business owner and utilized his talents as a water systems engineer developing water system projects for cities, water parks, theme parks, golf courses and more covering the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma territories. Ron is an avid golfer and plays every chance he can. Ron and Jo Ann enjoy traveling and spending time with family.

David EppersonGolf Staff Supervisor

Hometown: Richmond, Kentucky  

David and his wife bought in The Villages in 2010 and became full-time residents November 2015. He worked in education for 34 years, graduating from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors in Music Education. He also earned a Masters of Music Education and Rank I (administrative) certification from Eastern Kentucky University. David and Karen have a son (Christopher) and daughter (Jessica), who both live in the area with their families. David has worked for Villages Golf since January of 2016 and is thrilled to be a member of the Southern Oaks team � stop in and say hello!