In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, host Spencer Clouatre interviews Alex Hoyos, the head golf professional at Essex County Club. Alex shares his unconventional path from being a music major at Florida Atlantic University to becoming a respected figure in the golf industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the value of networking, and the lessons learned from his experiences at top clubs like Trump International Golf Club, Deepdale, and East Hampton. Alex also delves into how he balances personal and professional life, highlighting the support from his wife Haley, and provides valuable advice for aspiring golf professionals.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:50 Alex's Early Career and Achievements

02:48 Alex's Background and Passion for Golf

04:15 Transition from Baseball to Golf

06:25 Musical Influence on Golf

09:07 Mentorship and Career Growth

15:59 Networking and Creating Opportunities

27:45 The Importance of Trust and Performance

29:04 Navigating Career Opportunities and Transitions

31:24 Choosing the Northeast: A Personal and Professional Journey

33:08 Meeting Haley: A Life-Changing Encounter

38:12 Building a Strong Team Culture

49:33 Advice for the Next Generation of Professionals

49:59 The Power of Networking and Mentorship

56:00 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, new guest host Taylor Ramiz, the golf shop manager at Manasqua River, introduces a new segment focusing on all aspects of merchandising. Taylor highlights her untraditional journey into the golf industry and the importance of relationships and timing in her career. She then welcomes Emily Gifford, the Director of Retail at Boca West Country Club, who shares her extensive experience and insights into the world of golf retail. Emily discusses her background, marketing strategies, adjusting to different club environments, and the importance of understanding member profiles. The episode also touches on merchandise selection, consulting in the golf industry, and the rise of pickleball. Emily provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals, emphasizing problem anticipation and member engagement.

00:00 Introduction to the GBN University Podcast

00:35 Taylor Ramiz's Journey into the Golf Industry

02:24 From Membership Services to Golf Enthusiast

04:25 Welcoming Emily Gifford: Director of Retail at Boca West

04:46 Emily Gifford's Path to Retail Management

07:32 Transitioning from Traditional to Modern Golf Shops

12:37 Managing Multiple Retail Outlets at Boca West

15:57 The Rise of Pickleball and Its Impact on Retail

20:54 Adapting to Seasonal Buying Patterns

26:00 Gathering Member Feedback

28:23 VIP Member Program

30:37 Consulting in the Golf Industry

32:30 Handling Sales Reps and Vendor Relationships

42:38 Exploring New Brands and Merchandise

49:13 Final Thoughts and Advice

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, guest host Steve Scott sits down with Jim Smith Jr., Director of Golf and COO of the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Smith discusses his career journey, leadership philosophy, and experiences in hosting major golf events, sharing insights on the importance of being a straight shooter, the value of mentoring, and the significance of work-life balance for his staff. Known for his innovative approach to staffing, such as implementing a four-day work week, Jim's focus remains on making his team happy to enhance overall productivity. He also reflects on his contributions to the Philadelphia PGA section and offers advice to aspiring golf professionals.

Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:16 Meet Jim Smith Jr.

00:58 Jim's Straight-Shooting Mentality

02:22 12 Rounds of Golf in 12 Hours

03:48 Jim's Upbringing and Influences

04:51 Career Beginnings and Mentorship

09:45 Hosting Major Golf Events

14:14 The Benefits of Hosting Major Events

16:32 Roles and Responsibilities During Events

18:25 The Importance of Professional Growth

18:32 Managing Golf Course Operations During Events

19:13 Volunteerism and Reciprocity in Golf Clubs

20:30 Award-Winning Leadership and Staff Management

21:03 Implementing a Four-Day Work Week

21:48 The Philosophy of Happy Employees

27:08 Creating a Positive Impression

31:53 Mentorship and Career Development

36:25 Traits of Successful Golf Professionals

41:16 Leadership Beyond the Club

45:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, guest host Steve Scott speaks with Chris Dymek, the head golf professional at Manasquan River Golf Club. They discuss a wide range of topics, including building a family-first team culture, enhancing member experiences, and innovative tournament operations. Chris shares his journey into the golf business, his leadership and mentorship philosophy, and how he creates engaging and memorable experiences for club members. They also explore strategies for building strong member relationships, handling challenging situations, and fostering an effective and cohesive team environment.

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:34 Sponsorship Message

01:15 Chris Dymek's Early Life and Career Beginnings

03:14 Transition to Manasquan River

05:07 Leadership and Member Relations

08:36 Playing the Game and Professional Development

17:01 Travel Experiences and Member Engagement

21:33 Merchandising and Business Strategies

23:53 Handling Difficult Situations with Members

26:44 The Importance of Giving Back

29:25 Encouraging Staff Involvement

32:01 Innovative Tournament Operations

36:53 Maximizing Event Participation

39:30 Building a Family Environment with Staff

46:44 Key Leadership Traits for Golf Professionals

48:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of the GBN University Podcast is brought to you by Land and Links.

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GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, host Spencer Clouatre welcomes Casey Brozek, the Director of Golf at Medinah Country Club. They discuss Casey's impressive career journey, which spans from being a junior golf champion to his current role overseeing major renovations and preparing for the President's Cup. Key themes include leadership presence, the importance of effective communication, managing large events, nurturing young golf professionals, and maintaining work-life balance. Casey shares insights from his experiences at various prestigious golf clubs and emphasizes the significance of mentorship, team-building, and giving back to the profession.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

02:06 Casey's Early Career and Education

04:14 Transition to Professional Golf

06:20 Teaching and Mentorship

08:29 Leadership and Professional Growth

19:53 Medina Country Club and Major Events

32:02 Reflecting on the Ryder Cup and Team Dynamics

32:49 Challenges of International Team Events

34:27 Crowd Control and Sportsmanship in Golf

37:58 Mentorship and Leadership in Golf

45:15 Handling Failure and Learning from Mistakes

50:53 Building a Strong Team and Recruitment

59:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life

01:04:30 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this special episode of GBN University podcast, host Spencer Clouatre interviews his close friend Doug Bell, a PGA professional and general manager at American Dunes Golf Club. They discuss Doug's career journey in the golf industry, his role at American Dunes, and the touching connections through Folds of Honor that have impacted their lives. This episode is rich with stories of dedication, moral integrity, and the importance of doing the right thing.

Learn more about Folds of Honor and American Dunes Golf Club at the links below.

Folds of Honor: https://foldsofhonor.org/

American Dunes: https://americandunesgolfclub.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Doug Bell's Background and Achievements

03:22 The Story of Jeff Davis

05:44 Hannah Davis and Folds of Honor

16:40 Doug Bell's Journey to American Dunes

28:37 The Emotional Impact of American Dunes

42:06 The Intersection of Preparation and Opportunity

42:47 Navigating the Golf Industry's Labor Market

46:32 The Importance of Social Skills in the Golf Industry

48:59 The Value of Personal Connections and Mentorship

50:31 A Memorable Golf Trip with Blake

52:34 Lessons from Shoal Creek

01:03:26 Transitioning from PGA Pro to General Manager

01:12:13 The Role of Trust and Relationships in the Golf Industry

01:14:29 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University podcast, guest host Steve Scott interviews Greg Bisconti, the head professional at the St. Andrews Golf Club. Greg shares his extensive experience as a PGA professional, discussing his career beginnings, notable achievements, and the importance of balancing playing skills with professional responsibilities. The conversation also delves into Greg’s strategies for maintaining a competitive edge, his insights on effective practice routines, and the significance of aligning goals with club culture.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

01:30 Guest Introduction and Club History

03:24 Record-Breaking Round at St. Andrews

04:54 Importance of Playing as a Golf Professional

06:00 Early Golf Career and Influences

13:48 Transition to Club Professional

17:48 Balancing Professional Duties and Personal Game

26:38 Morning Routine and Golf Practice

27:19 Challenges of Being a PGA Professional

29:36 Memorable Competitions and Achievements

38:21 The Apple Tree Performance Center

40:06 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments

45:44 Advice for Aspiring Golf Professionals

48:52 Reflecting on Career and Future Goals

Learn more about Golf Business Network >>> https://golfbusinessnetwork.com/contact-us-form/

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of GBN University's podcast, host Spencer Clouatre welcomes Brendan Walsh, the Director of Golf at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. They discuss Brendan's extensive career in the golf industry, his mentorship of rising golf professionals, and the future of the golf industry. Brendan shares insights from his journey, including the importance of defining expectations, providing feedback, and developing leadership skills. He also touches on his transition to an ambassadorial role and his vision for the future of the golf industry. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on perseverance, mentorship, and maintaining a positive attitude in their careers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 Brendan Walsh's Background and Career

02:58 The Legacy of The Country Club

09:44 Personal Reflections and Family Influence

15:40 Journey into Golf and Early Career

25:32 Mentorship and Leadership in Golf

30:37 Exceeding Expectations and Building Culture

31:30 Honest Conversations and Career Transitions

33:23 The Importance of Gathering Information

35:38 Mentoring Genuine Leadership Styles

36:12 Balancing Membership and Staff Relations

41:39 Perseverance and Preparation in Career Growth

45:28 Challenges and Rewards of Mentorship

53:58 Future Opportunities in the Golf Industry

58:16 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of GBN University's podcast, host Spencer Clouatre welcomes Eric Schultz, Director of Golf at Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina. Eric shares his journey through the golf industry, discussing the importance of mentorship, leadership, and emotional intelligence. He emphasizes the value of building and nurturing relationships, both with colleagues and members, and discusses his unique approach to balancing professional obligations with personal and family life. 

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:18 Meet Eric Schultz: A Leader in Golf

05:07 Eric's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Golf Professional

07:42 The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth

17:14 Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences

27:26 The Importance of Networking and Industry Support

34:08 Navigating Professional Relationships in Golf

35:08 The Gray Areas of Career Transitions

35:55 Mentorship and Open Communication

39:29 Understanding and Connecting with Members

47:55 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

51:47 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

57:31 The Impact of AI on the Golf Industry

01:01:17 Work-Life Harmony and Family Support

01:05:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections

A special thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Golf Genius. Golf Genius delivers innovative software to over 10,000 clubs, courses, and tours in 60+ countries, including the USGA and DP World Tour. GBN Members get waived setup fees on Golf Genius products like Tournament Management, Golf Shop, CoachNow Academy, and Operation 36.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of The GBN University podcast, host Spencer Clouatre interviews Sara Dickson, Director of Golf at Wilderness Country Club, and Sarah Bejgrowicz-Lewallen, Head Golf Professional at the Governors Club. The conversation delves into their career paths, the importance of team culture, challenges in the golf industry, and the evolving membership experience. The discussion highlights effective strategies for managing conflicts, emphasizing the role of time and attention in building trust and improving club dynamics.

Episode Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:08 Meet Sara Dickson: Career Journey and Insights

05:47 Meet Sarah Bejgrowicz-Lewallen: Career Journey and Insights

13:41 Challenges in the Golf Industry

29:54 Membership Experience and Team Culture

33:56 Building Culture Through Daily Interactions

34:16 Addressing Conflict as a Speed Bump

36:16 Onboarding New Team Members

37:53 Peer-to-Peer Corrections and Leadership

39:12 Building Trust Through Actions

41:01 Aligning Policy with Reality

47:14 Conflict Resolution Strategies

49:03 The Importance of Time in Leadership

01:00:08 Data-Driven Decision Making

01:05:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

A special thank you to this episode's sponsor, Tee Commerce. Tee Commerce provides golf clubs with a way to enhance their retail operations without inventory risk by utilizing a seamlessly-integrated online ordering platform. New GBN member accounts get 10% off an annual shop subscription, and existing members receive one month free on their annual subscription with Tee Commerce. Learn more about Tee Commerce >> https://www.teecommerce.shop/

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.