GBN University Podcast

In this episode, host Spencer Clouatre sits down with Jim Nittoli, Director of Golf at San Antonio Country Club, for a conversation that goes far beyond the golf shop. Jim shares how his background as an accountant shaped the way he approaches club leadership, from learning to build and defend a budget, to using financial transparency to earn trust with boards, committees, and members. He also opens up about the power of listening when stepping into a new club culture, and how understanding what members truly value is often the difference between a budget increase that sticks and one that stalls. It's a candid look at how the numbers and the member experience are more connected than most people think.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
 00:16 Meet Jim Nittoli and the Nittoli Family
 02:03 Family, Golf, and Being a Good Husband and Father
 05:00 Why Golf: Caddying, Junior Golf, and Early Mentors
 07:00 Choosing the CPA Path Before Choosing Golf
 08:30 Taking a Pay Cut to Become a Golf Professional
 11:00 How Jim Met Kelley, an LPGA Professional
 15:00 Mentorship Under Bill Greenleaf and Dick Harmon
 19:00 Balancing Two PGA Careers as a Family
 24:00 Serving on a Massachusetts Finance Committee and School Board
 30:00 From Longmeadow to San Antonio Country Club
 34:00 Learning a New Club's Culture Before Making Changes
 40:00 Framing Trade-Offs and the Rules of the Game
 45:00 Depreciation, Capital Funds, and the Member Experience
 53:00 Man-Hour-Based Budgeting Explained
 59:00 Managing Uncertainty When Allocating Resources
 1:07:00 Using AI and Information to Reduce "Black Space"
 1:13:00 Asking Committees for Input Before Presenting
 1:21:00 Advice for the Next Generation of Golf Professionals
 1:24:00 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 Taylor Ramiz, merchandiser at Manasquan River Golf Club, sits down with BJ Maloy, founder and CEO of Evolve Golf, to discuss the evolution of custom event gifting in private clubs. Maloy shares Evolve Golf's twenty-year journey from a compostable golf tee maker to a full custom-works studio, offering practical advice on lead times, budget communication, and avoiding common gifting mistakes. The conversation also covers rising member expectations, the shift toward custom hardwood trophies and personalized keepsakes, and what makes a vendor partnership truly successful.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
 00:16 Meet BJ Maloy and Evolve Golf's 20-Year Journey
 03:48 Why Member Gifting Expectations Have Risen
 06:00 Common Mistakes Clubs Make with Tee Gifts
 08:00 Ideal Lead Times and Communication Windows
 13:00 Trends in Custom Tee Gifts and Awards
 17:00 From Tee Gifts to Trophies: Creating Club Heirlooms
 19:00 The Shift from Crystal Trophies to Custom Hardwood Pieces
 21:00 Mixed Materials, Inlays, and Custom Design
 22:00 Alternate Logos and Event-Specific Branding
 23:00 How Early Clubs Should Start Planning Custom Gifting
 27:00 Collecting Personalization Data and On-Site Gifting Experiences
 42:00 Building Strong, Long-Term Vendor Partnerships
 44:00 What Evolve Golf Looks for Beyond Event Details
 49:00 The Value of Communication and Honest Feedback
 51:00 Where Evolve Golf Finds Design Inspiration
 55:00 Company Growth, Acquisition, and Expansion Plans
 59:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Evolve Golf

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.

Host Spencer Clouatre interviews Warren West, Director of Golf at the Country Club of Virginia, about leadership, mentorship, and career development after West’s 35-year rise from assistant pro to director. West recounts choosing economics, entering the golf industry during the early-1990s recession, and his mentor, that shaped his view that golf is ultimately a people business. They discuss building self-awareness, valuing work ethic and initiative, learning from failure with organizational backing, and mentoring staff by helping them find the right career fit. West explains leading across CCV’s two distinct campuses, maintaining consistent communication in a large organization, gathering member feedback, navigating major construction and course renovation pressures, and emphasizing presence, honesty, genuineness, an ownership mindset, and modeling expected behavior.

Show Notes: 

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:01 Warren’s Career Snapshot

03:19 Why Economics

05:10 Recession to CCV Break

07:55 Mentor Paul and PGA Path

09:14 Rising Through CCV Roles

11:09 Two Campuses Two Cultures

14:11 Family Roots and Golf Start

17:56 Early Leadership Lessons

21:25 Self Awareness and Assessments

27:15 Guiding Staff Career Paths

29:29 Basics for Young Pros

30:01 Effort Over Talent

31:23 Mentorship Is Two-Way

33:31 Learning Through Failure

36:36 Keeping Everyone Aligned

40:22 Renovations and Member Friction

43:18 Boards and Strategic Governance

44:59 Planning for Downturns

49:02 Growing Into Bigger Roles

53:20 Leadership Habits That Last

59:04 Final Thanks and Takeaways

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.

Retired Colonel Spencer Clouatre hosts the GBN University Podcast with guest Tyler Gosselin, Director of Golf at Greensboro Country Club in North Carolina, who discusses his Vermont roots and hospitality upbringing in a family bed-and-breakfast. Gosselin outlines his career path, emphasizing making people feel welcome and mentoring staff to deliver consistent member experiences. He highlights visibility and responsiveness, using AI tools like ChatGPT for mock interviews, and maintaining work-life rhythm through intentional calendaring and prioritizing family.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:45 GBN Roots and Career Path

02:42 Golf Exchange in Wales

03:19 Ben and Jerry's Beginnings

05:33 Service First Philosophy

06:59 Growing Up in a BnB

09:08 Skiing Outdoors and Family

11:22 Choosing Clemson PGM

13:57 Mentorship at a Big Club

17:33 Culture Visibility and Trust

21:35 Feedback and Early Fixes

26:37 Preparing for Big Events

27:15 Tournament Checklists

28:35 Clear Expectations Culture

30:39 Turnover And Knowledge

32:45 Debriefs And Traditions

35:13 Values Over Opinions

37:43 Emotional Intelligence Skills

42:33 Making People Feel Welcome

47:03 Future Hospitality Community

51:56 Visibility To Responsiveness

58:01 Advice For Young Pros

58:43 AI As Practice Partner

01:04:59 Work Life Rhythm

01:12:02 Final Takeaways

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.

CONTACT GBN: https://golfbusinessnetwork.com/contact-us-form/

Taylor Ramiz interviews Charles Beurmann, Director of Golf at the Cullasaja Club, about his career path through private clubs and his focus on merchandising. Beurmann describes how club retail has evolved toward dedicated merchandisers as shopping habits changed, and emphasizes relationship-based selling and knowing member demographics, tastes, and sizes. He shares tactics including member surveys and ongoing feedback, buying mostly proven sellers with limited risk, training staff through wearing and learning product, and using employees as “mannequins.” He outlines visual merchandising tips (themes, props, crisp folding, hiding tags), rotating displays by shop zones every 1–2 weeks, reacting quickly to slow movers, leveraging tournaments/tee gifts and member-only items to introduce brands, and managing seasonal inventory and deliveries.

Show Notes:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:26 Career Journey in Golf

02:39 Why Merchandising Matters

03:59 Rise of the Merchandiser Role

08:55 Mentors and Buying Lessons

10:56 Shop Differences by Market

12:44 Selling Through Inventory

14:59 Member Feedback and Surveys

21:43 Staff as Walking Mannequins

24:49 Training the Retail Team

30:15 Visual Merchandising Displays

33:07 Seasonal Theme Displays

34:08 Sell the Why

35:30 Staff Engagement Tips

37:30 Rotate Zones Weekly

41:47 Fix Slow Sellers Fast

43:17 Events and Tee Gifts

49:14 Member Only Promotions

52:32 Seasonal Closeout Plan

55:23 Know Your Buyers

59:18 Stock Fill Repeat

01:00:32 Final Advice and Wrap

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.

Live from the PGA Show, Spencer Clouatre interviews PGA professional Hill Herrick, longtime director of golf at The Greenbrier, about his career path and decades-long tenure there, plus his lifelong passion for playing French horn. Herrick contrasts the old, travel-heavy PGA training and pre-computer operations with today’s technology-driven education, instruction, tournaments, and booming retail. They also discuss The Greenbrier’s history, its Cold War congressional bunker, and relationships with figures like Sam Snead and Tom Watson. Herrick highlights challenges including declining service, high turnover, and whether simulators and entertainment golf will pull players away from outdoor golf, urging professionals to keep the human element, keep learning, and take accountability.

00:00 Live at PGA Show

01:09 Music and French Horn

03:01 Life at Greenbrier

04:07 Golf Beginnings

06:44 PGA Membership Path

08:19 Pre Internet Golf Ops

10:10 Mentors and Early Jobs

10:49 Work Ethic Roots

12:03 Why Stay at Greenbrier

15:08 Greenbrier History

19:02 Cold War Bunker Story

23:56 Golf Industry Changes

26:34 Ryder Cup Evolution

29:12 Next Gen Golf Pros

34:03 Trends and Tech Ahead

35:20 PGA Show Growth

35:34 Cart Tech Upgrades

35:52 Associations And Education

37:21 Tech Versus Service

39:33 Turnover And Burnout

41:31 Service Standards Culture

44:23 Simulators Threat Or Gateway

46:09 Too Much Lesson Data

54:02 Advice For New Pros

01:00:37 Mission Standards And Training

01:03:43 Human Element Finale

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 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

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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.