Jeff Wilson, veteran club pro and longtime GM, shares insights from decades in club leadership including extraordinary service moments, cultural development, and strategies for successful interim management.

• Once jumped into a pond to retrieve a member's submerged golf cart and purse 
• Cleanliness is the first thing to check when walking into a new club – vents, picture frames, light bulbs
• Member expectations have risen as clubs are now viewed as second homes
• Boards must clearly define "who you want to be and what you want to be" before setting strategy
• Avoid agenda-driven board members focused on personal projects rather than strategic initiatives
• Involve team members in decision-making processes to gain better ideas and stronger buy-in
• Watch your language – eliminate negative phrases like "no," "can't," "don't" from communications
• Successful future clubs will create exceptional experiences for both members and employees
• Creative staff housing solutions help address ongoing hospitality workforce challenges

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What do bourbon, mentorship, and kitchen chaos have in common? Kevin Rice.

In this episode, we chat with Kevin Rice— ormer chef, current GM of Lexington Country Club, and certified executive bourbon steward—to talk about leading with flavor. They dive into what it takes to train young staff (even when they can’t legally taste the wine), how bourbon tastings became a secret weapon for member engagement, and why the best leaders don’t bark orders—they teach.

From redesigning kitchens to managing multi-million-dollar capital projects, Kevin blends people-first leadership with straight-up bourbon wisdom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to run a private club like a Michelin-starred operation—with a little Kentucky charm—this one’s for you.

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You probably don’t plan for a fire in the supply closet.
Heather Korte didn’t either.

But when three stories of her clubhouse got soaked, smoked out, 
and stripped to the studs, she got to work.

No panic. No pity.
Just bold moves, creative thinking, and a serious amount of member love.

Heather is the GM at Oakley Country Club, and this episode is a 
behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to lead through crisis 
and come out better on the other side.

👇 Here's some of what we get into
🌎 Why her CMAA network saved the season (and her sanity)
💡 Creative pivots: from cantinas to pop-up flower markets
🙌 Keeping your team engaged without a building, a kitchen, or a clear timeline
🍷 What a $4K bottle of wine and a kicked trash can taught her about service
🏊 Why the pool deck became the new hub of club life
🧘 Yoga in borrowed studios, Easter by the pool, and the world’s scrappiest gala
🔥 And how to keep your team calm, creative, and moving when everything else is literally falling apart

If you’ve ever had to lead through the unexpected, this one hits home.
If you haven’t yet…take notes.

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In this episode, we chat with Desi Speh, COO  at Desert Highlands in Arizona. 

A guy who’s quietly redefining what club leadership can look like.

Desi’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his impact is undeniable. 

From turning valet service into a culture-defining moment                              (ice cream cooler included 🍦) to mentoring staff into leaders, his philosophy is simple: lead from the heart, empower your people, and always keep perspective.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why empowerment beats micromanagement (every time)
• How to build a culture where even the dishwasher feels ownership
• How Desi’s failed marriage made him a better GM, dad, and husband
• The one piece of advice that changed his leadership forever
• And why sometimes, the best ideas come from valet

Whether you're managing a club or leading a team, this one’s packed with real-life takeaways you’ll want to implement immediately.

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Forget everything you think you know about private clubs.

At Monticello Motor Club, the luxury isn’t just on the track, it’s in every detail, every experience, every smile.

And leading the charge is Ionel Porumb, a hospitality powerhouse whose journey from Romania to the C-suite is as inspiring as it gets.

After working his way from cruise ship crew utility to management roles at Mar-A-Lago and Woodway Country Club, Ionel now serves as General Manager and COO of MMC, helping transform it into a full-scale resort destination for racing enthusiast. 

In this episode, we explore:

The bold vision behind Monticello Motor Club’s future growth.

How Ionel builds staff culture by combining empathy, excellence, and high expectations.

The real meaning of attention to detail — from landscaping the grounds to designing member experiences.

His incredible path from immigrant to leader, and what chasing the American Dream really looks like.

Plus, what it takes to keep both members and million-dollar race cars safe — without sacrificing fun.

Ionel’s story is a testament to grit, gratitude, and big dreams.
If you’re passionate about leadership, culture, hospitality, or just want to hear from someone who lives and breathes excellence — this is your episode.

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In this episode of the Private Club Radio Show, we roll up our sleeves and shine a spotlight on something most clubs think they’ve got handled—but probably don’t: what shows up when someone Googles your club.

We walk you through a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to auditing your club’s online presence. From Google to TikTok, Yelp to AI tools, we cover the platforms your prospective members, employees, and even the media are using to check you out—before they ever set foot on property.

Here's what we get into:

• Why incognito mode (and calling in a favor from your cousin in another state) matters
• What to search for besides just your club name—and why those extra keywords matter
• How to spot outdated or questionable content floating around out there
• The magic of Google Alerts for staying ahead of the buzz
• Why human, thoughtful responses to reviews (even the spicy ones) are key

This isn’t just about damage control—it’s about owning your narrative, showing up the way you want to be seen, and maybe even spotting some hidden marketing gold along the way.

🎧 Give it a listen, then go Google your club. What you find might surprise you.

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Kevin Ehlert shares his journey from dishwasher to GM to consultant and certified coach, bringing a refreshing perspective on what leadership really looks like when you strip away the title, pressure, and 'always on' mentality that many GMs feel they must maintain.

• Starting as a dishwasher and working his way up through various city clubs
• The distinct differences between mentoring, coaching, and consulting 
• Why leaders often feel isolated and unable to show vulnerability
• How curiosity may be the most important leadership trait
• The value of continuous learning through books and shared experiences
• Finding ways to create safe spaces for leaders to be authentic
• Why we should celebrate milestones along our leadership journey
• Approaching leadership like orienteering - having a map but being flexible with the route

If you're enjoying the content, a like, share, subscribe costs nothing and does so much for the channel.

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Samantha Sheffield is not your average CFO. She’s also the Assistant GM at Bay Colony Golf Club—and the rare finance leader who’s just as comfortable talking about spreadsheets as she is member experience and strategic vision.

In this episode, Samantha shares her winding career path—from biology major and calculus tutor to senior finance roles in real estate, global operations, and eventually private clubs. Along the way, she’s learned how to turn financials into a tool for leadership, not just reporting.

We dive into: – Why CFOs and GMs should function as true strategy partners
 – What “healthy” club financials actually look like (hint: it’s not just about the income statement)
– The operational red flags that often go unnoticed until it’s too late
– The balance between financial discipline and protecting the member experience
– How clubs can avoid the most common financial mistakes before they become big problems

Samantha brings perspective, humor, and sharp insights to every part of this conversation—and leaves club leaders at all levels with tools they can start using right away.

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Joe Smith Is Back And He’s Still Setting the Bar for Club Communication

Joe’s not just a friend of the show he’s one of the most forward-thinking GMs out there when it comes to content, connection, and culture.

In this episode, Joe Smith of Countryside Golf & Country Club joins us again to share how his weekly club update videos have become more than just informative they’ve become a part of the club’s identity. 

What started as a workaround to a $10K drone quote has evolved into a creative engine that entertains, informs, and brings the whole community closer together.

We talk about:

• Why consistency matters more than polish
• How Joe’s Monday videos are helping him manage the rumor mill better than ever
• The behind-the-scenes process (and why it only takes about 3 hours a week)
• “One-bite reviews,” board member spotlights, and other fun formats that get members talking
• How this approach strengthens off-season engagement and boosts staff morale
• And what’s next: a club podcast that blends connection, marketing, and creativity

This episode is part case study, part playbook, and part reminder that a little personality goes a long way.

If you're looking to rethink your club's communication strategy—or just need a spark to try something new—this one’s worth your time.

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Golf pro. Road warrior. Culture shifter. GM.

Rick Schultz has worn a lot of hats—and in this episode, he brings them all to the table.

We explore Rick’s evolution from a 22-year-old tour hopeful to a private club GM overseeing a sprawling Oregon property with 27 holes, indoor tennis, pickleball, mini golf, and more. But his real focus? People and purpose.

In this episode, we cover:

– What makes the leap from pro shop to GM actually work
– How a club re-centered its strategy around members—not luxury
– Spotting toxic board culture before it wrecks your team
– Why member guests raving about your club is the highest form of success
– And how Rick pulled off a 250-person candlelit dinner during a blackout

Rick’s down-to-earth leadership style is a masterclass in knowing your market, honoring your mission, and building a team that makes the whole thing run better.

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