Meet The Staff

Bob Witek | Owner

The sole owner of Marengo Ridge since 1980, Bob has been involved at Marengo Ridge since its inception almost 50 years ago.  He helped his father and brother develop the original 9-hole golf course as a young man while completing his education.

"I’ve been with Marengo Ridge almost 50 years.  I started out as a chief cook, bottle washer, jack-of-all-trades and master of none. I progressed to spreading sand in traps and installing irrigation pipes.  Finally they gave me a broom, figuring it was something I could handle."

After finishing graduate school, Bob spent ten years teaching school in his spare time away from the golf course.  As the business grew, he needed to make a choice between the classroom and the wide open spaces of the golf course.  He could not resist the lure of blue skies, green grass, sand and water.  Since that time, a second nine was added along with a new clubhouse.

"My time here has been very enjoyable.  The keystone that makes all of this fun and worthwhile is the people I’ve met.  It has been a pleasure meeting these people and having the opportunity to serve them.  A great support staff makes getting up each morning a pleasure.  To all of you who have played Marengo Ridge Golf Club, we say thank you.  To those golfers who have not, please let us welcome you, serve you, and show you what a great experience playing Marengo Ridge can be."
 

Jim Robinson | Head Golf Professional

After careers in retail and the trades, Jim entered the golf business in 2002.  After a year of working at Nippersink Golf Resort he received a teaching certificate through the United States Schools of Golf and taught golf schools the next season.  Accepting a position as the Assistant Golf Professional at Timber Ridge Golf Club in Minoqua, WI., Jim continued his career that included assistant positions at Bittersweet Golf Club in Gurnee, IL. and Glen Erin Golf Club in Janesville, WI.  Jim came to Marengo Ridge in spring of 2009 as the Head Golf Professional.

"It became clear to me early in my golf career that the job was less about how well you played the game and more about how you treated people.  How well our customers enjoy the total golf experience, from the time they call to make a tee time until the time they are headed home, dictates how well I did my job."

In 2011, Jim completed the PGA Management Program and was elected to membership in the PGA.

Janet Witek | Food and Beverage Manager

Janet, a graduate of the University of St. LaSalle with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing, joined the Marengo Ridge team in the summer of 2006. Raised in a small town in her native Philippines, Janet brought her small town values and work ethics to her position as the Food and Beverage Manager. These traits are especially useful in her demanding position.

"I’m very passionate when it comes to my job.  I look forward to it everyday.  Seeing people having a good time, enjoying their day at the golf course, and interacting with them is the best part of my day.  I love it!  Our team always wants to make sure that we give quality service to our customers and that they enjoy their experience at Marengo Ridge."

While food and beverage is Janet’s main responsibility, she is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and help out in the other areas when needed.

Laurie Cisneros | Administrative Assistant / Banquet Coordinator

Laurie has been a part of the Marengo Ridge family for many years.  Starting as a waitress right after graduating high school, Laurie has worked her way through the ranks and is currently the Banquet Coordinator/Administrative Assistant to Bob Witek the owner of Marengo Ridge.

"I guess one could say I worked my way through the ranks, from waitress/cook, to bartender, to Food and Beverage manager.  I have worn many hats at Marengo Ridge and truly believe it has made me a better employee as well as a dependable "go to person" for customers.  I pride myself in getting to know customers and listening to their needs and then do everything I can to meet those needs."
Affectionately known as "Radar", Laurie has become the person many go to when seeking answers.  In the future, Laurie would like to work the beverage cart, pick the range and mow a fairway in order to feel like she has done it all at Marengo Ridge.

Luke Roth | Superintendent

Luke started learning the lay of the land at Marengo Ridge in high school as a member of the golf team and also working for the Witek family on the maintenance crew throughout high school.  After high school, Luke followed his interests and spent three year pursuing a career as a marine mechanic.  However, three years later, when asked to return to Marengo Ridge, he jumped at the chance.  As the Assistant Superintendent/Head Mechanic, Luke studied and learned his craft from Ray Kearney, the long time superintendent at Marengo Ridge, whose knowledge about golf course maintenance was invaluable.  Upon Ray’s sudden and tragic passing, Luke took over the position as superintendent at Marengo Ridge and has maintained the high standards that our golfers have come to expect.

"It was an honor to take the position of leading a great grounds crew and always striving for perfection.  Nothing but the best for Marengo Ridge, our customers, and the owner Bob Witek."