Jacob Hill has spent nearly half his life working in the golf business, with a career that has kept him close to the Northwest Florida communities where he grew up.

• Born in Fort Walton Beach and raised in Inlet Beach, Hill started working in golf while still in high school and has built his career by learning nearly every side of the operation.

Today, Hill serves as Golf Course Director for the City of Fort Walton Beach, where no two workdays look quite the same. From checking course conditions and helping run tournaments to managing inventory, merchandising the pro shop and working on reports, he likes being involved in the entire operation.

Along the way, he’s learned the value of taking on responsibility before the next opportunity arrives — even if, looking back, he admits he might have told his younger self to slow down and enjoy the journey a little more.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I was born in Fort Walton Beach at the hospital that borders the golf course and grew up in Inlet Beach. I graduated from South Walton High School and earned my associate degree from Northwest Florida State College. I’ve also lived in Destin and Pensacola, and now live in Crestview, where my wife’s family is from.

I’ve worked in the golf business since high school, so at this point it’s been almost half my life, all here in Northwest Florida.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

Golf Course Director, City of Fort Walton Beach

What’s your morning routine?

It varies from day to day, but it usually starts pretty early, around 4:30 or 5:00. I take the dogs out, feed them, check emails, get ready and head to work. I’ve been trying to do a meal replacement shake for breakfast, but I cheat with Dunkin’ more than I care to admit.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

This is probably the part of my job I love the most, every day is different. I could be working on reports, meeting with sales reps, helping run a golf tournament, checking course conditions, working on inventory or merchandising the pro shop. There’s always something different going on, and I like being involved in all sides of the operation.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

I usually start by checking the course and catching up with maintenance, checking in with the pro shop staff, or getting into the office and working on whatever we have going on that day.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Phone, Microsoft Surface and Outlook calendar.

Apple or Android?

I actually prefer Android, but my work phone is an iPhone and having one of each got annoying, so I finally gave in and switched my personal phone to an iPhone about a year ago.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Black iced Americano with an extra shot of espresso or cold brew.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

I usually don’t venture too far from work for lunch. Clubhouse Grill, Smalls and Chipotle are my usual spots, and every now and then I’ll grab a Publix chicken tender wrap.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

My wife and I really enjoy going downtown Fort Walton Beach. We don’t really have one favorite spot. We like being able to walk around and try different restaurants and places downtown.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t wait for someone to give you the next opportunity. Take on more responsibility, learn as much as you can, and make yourself ready for it when it comes. Everything you go through, good or bad, teaches you something you can use moving forward.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Probably just slow down a little and enjoy where you’re at. I’ve always been focused on what’s next and what I need to do to get there. I’m really happy with where I am today, and I probably didn’t need to be in such a hurry to get here.

How do you unwind after a long day?

Usually just spending time with my wife and our dogs. We like going out to eat, but after a long day I’m usually pretty happy hanging out at home, watching TV or maybe playing a little golf. Every now and then, a good whiskey and a cigar doesn’t hurt either.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Golf is actually kind of a family business for me. My dad has been in the golf business my entire life, and now my younger brother is an assistant golf professional too. My mom is a CPA, which I’d like to think is where I picked up some of the business side of what I do.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

I don’t know that I have one favorite. My wife and I like trying new things and checking out different events around the area whenever we get the chance.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

Probably Florida football right now. I’ve been a Florida fan for a long time, and I’m probably more excited about the program than I’ve been in a while. I really like what Jon Sumrall is doing and how quickly the attitude and culture around the program seem to have changed.

Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird

Most used emoji?

🤣

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Definitely country. Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Ella Langley, Warren Zeiders and Bailey Zimmerman are probably some of the ones I listen to the most right now.

Favorite motivational quote?

“The most important thing when you’re hitting a fade is to make sure you fade it.” – Dustin Johnson

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Be willing to do a little bit of everything and learn from everyone you can. Ask questions, take on more when you get the chance and don’t worry too much about whether something is technically your job. A lot of the things I’ve learned along the way are things I never thought I’d use as much as I do now.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

I try to attend Chamber events when I can, usually with coworkers from the City of Fort Walton Beach. It’s always a good opportunity to meet people and stay connected with what’s going on in the community.