SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Tom Walsh is not a shy person.
The former Burger King franchisee magnate has taken lessons learned in the competitive food service industry and brought them to golf and exercise.
He's also not afraid to express himself.
In an interview from Los Angeles scouting yet another golf course, Walsh spoke this morning to KELO.com News news director Todd Epp and It's Your Business's Bill Zortman. Click above to listen.
Walsh's GreatLife was one of the four bidders that did not win--or seemingly win--the contract to manage the City's three golf courses. Landscapes Unlimited of Lincoln, Nebraska was the top pick, with current vendor Dakota Golf Management to assist LU in the day to day operation of the courses.
Tom Walsh, says the deal the City cut with out of state company LU, makes no business sense.
"They're looking at spending $375,000 a year in leasing of equipment, besides what they do up front," Walsh said. "It's not right for our taxpayers. If I were a taxpayer that didn't play golf, I'd really be upset."
It was Walsh who suggested to the Council that his competitor and current concessionaire, Dakota Golf, get another year. He's now amended that to say they should get even more time--three years--before there's another request for proposal. However, he is cagey in his reasoning.
"They've lost a lot of money," Walsh said referring to Dakota Golf's recent track record. "And now you're going to give away another $75,000 plus (to LU) to somebody that doesn't have any roots in the community? It makes no sense at all."
After last night's Council meeting where the body deferred the matter, the City is at a standstill with the process.
When asked if he thought it should be so difficult to get information about the winning bid from the City and LU, Walsh was blunt.
"Hell no," he said. "Absolutely not."
The City Council is supposed to take up the golf course matter at a special meeting Tuesday, the day after Christmas, Dec. 26.