When it comes to club communication, consistency, clarity, and connection aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of everything.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Hansen, Director of Membership & Marketing at The Club at Olde Cypress in Naples, FL. With a background in marketing, design consulting, and over a decade of experience in private clubs, Melissa knows how to build communication strategies that actually move the needle.

We dive into:

• How to create messaging that reflects your club’s personality
• The role of automation (done right) in saving time without losing the human touch
• Aligning operations and communications so the member experience feels seamless
• And why internal storytelling is just as important as what members see on the outside

Melissa brings a smart, thoughtful approach to every part of the member journey—and this episode is packed with ideas that club leaders and communicators can start using right away.

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his one’s a blast.

Jenna Jardin is the kind of leader who’s juggling everything—membership, events, communications, and full-tilt programming—at one of the most active and unique private clubs in the country: Beacon Hill Club.

There’s no golf and no downtime.
 Just a massive outdoor rink, hundreds hockey players, an iconic winter recital, curling nights, teen trips, family dinners, a beautiful club house and a member experience that runs year-round.

Jenna joined the club in the middle of the pandemic, coming straight from the world of NYC hotel sales—and has since helped shape Beacon Hill into a place where members aren’t just participating... they’re showing up, staying late, and asking what’s next.

In this episode, we dig into:

• How to run a high-energy club without relying on golf or courts
• The importance of smart programming and even smarter communication
• Jenna’s transition from hard sales to community-building
• What it takes to design events people actually want to attend
• And how Beacon Hill’s team culture helps them pull it all off

This isn’t your traditional club model. And that’s what makes it so good.

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What happens when the turnout is low, the plan isn’t working, and canceling the event feels like the easiest option?

If you’re Chef Andrew Haapala, you pivot. You turn the dining room into a chef’s table. You bring the members into the kitchen. And you make it an experience they’ll never forget.

In this episode, Andrew, Executive Chef at The Country Club of Virginia, shares how one slow night became an unexpected win—not just for the members, but for his team.

We talk about:

• How creative thinking turns a problem into an opportunity
• Why showing up for the few can mean more than serving the many
• The importance of having a team that’s ready to adapt on the fly
• What leadership looks like behind the line—especially when plans change

Andrew’s leadership style is thoughtful, real, and rooted in trust. This episode is a great listen for chefs, F&B pros, and any club leader who knows that the best experiences sometimes come from the least expected moments.

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Most club professionals come from hospitality, golf, or business. Greg Surine’s path? A little more… creative.

From radio host to live performer to working at Conan O’Brien, Greg has spent his entire career mastering the art of storytelling and audience engagement. 

Now, as Communications & Engagement Director at Shelter Harbor Golf Club, he’s bringing that same creative energy to private clubs helping shape brand identity, member engagement, and the overall club experience.

In this episode, we dive into:
🎤 What radio taught him about club communication and branding.
📊 How Shelter Harbor Golf Club achieved a 73 Net Promoter Score and what that actually means.
📰 Launching a club magazine from scratch and why it’s a game changer for member engagement.
📣 How private clubs can use storytelling to build stronger relationships with members.
🎭 Behind-the-scenes lessons from working at Conan O’Brien and how they apply to private clubs.

Greg brings humor, insight, and a completely fresh approach to club communications. This episode is packed with ideas on how to engage members in a way that actually works.

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Some clubs operate year-round. Others? 

They pack a full year’s worth of hospitality into just six months—and that’s exactly what happens at Cedar Creek Club, where Hannah Bradford helps lead the charge.

Hannah didn’t take the traditional path into private clubs. With a background in sports science and hospitality, she found herself in membership services before taking a leap to join one of the most fast-paced, seasonal clubs in the industry. Cedar Creek isn’t just a club—it’s a tight-knit, summer camp-style community where members return year after year, expecting nothing less than perfection.

We dive into:

*How she transitioned into private clubs and what drew her to Cedar Creek.
*The unique challenges of running a seasonal club with a short, high-energy window.
*Keeping members engaged even when the club is closed for half the year.
*Why Cedar Creek feels more like “adult summer camp” than a traditional private club.
*What she’s learned about leadership, team culture, and making every moment count.

Hannah brings enthusiasm, adaptability, and a true passion for hospitality, and this conversation is full of insights on seasonal operations, member engagement, and career growth in private clubs.

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When Rachel Brown stepped into her role as Membership & Marketing Director at Evansville Country Club, she was ready to hit the ground running. What she didn’t expect? The world shutting down two weeks later.

Instead of waiting it out, Rachel and her team got creative—launching weekly videos, virtual content, and new ways to engage members even when they couldn’t be at the club. Fast forward to today, and she’s transformed how Evansville CC connects with its members, blending storytelling, digital engagement, and old-school hospitality into a modern membership experience.

In this episode, we dive into:

Her transition from Disney Cruises to private clubs—and what she brought with her.
The power of video and digital content in keeping members engaged.
How Evansville CC handled a multi-million dollar renovation while growing a younger demographic.
Why storytelling is the most underrated tool in club marketing.
Her approach to making club communication more fun, engaging, and personal.

Rachel is a master at making members feel connected, and her insights on marketing, branding, and hospitality are a must-hear for anyone looking to bring fresh energy to their club.

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Some people are great chefs. Some are great leaders. Matt Gilbert is both.

As the Executive Chef at Medinah Country Club, Matt isn’t just running one of the most well-known kitchens in private clubs—he’s leading a team, creating unforgettable dining experiences, and setting a new standard for club cuisine.

But beyond the accolades, the high-pressure events, and the five-star menus, Matt is just a genuinely great person. He leads with humility, passion, and a deep respect for his team, knowing that the best food comes from a kitchen where people feel valued.

In this episode, we talk about:

*How he went from fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants to private clubs.
*What it really takes to run a high-volume, high-expectation club kitchen.
*The biggest lessons he’s learned about leadership, teamwork, and keeping a cool head under pressure.
*How Medinah balances tradition with innovation in its food & beverage program.

Matt is the kind of leader who gives credit before he takes it and builds people up while delivering world-class experiences. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run an elite club kitchen—or just want to hear from one of the best in the business—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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This episode focuses on how emotional intelligence can redefine leadership within club management. Geoff Piva shares his personal journey and insights on navigating crises, the importance of mentorship, maintaining work-life balance, and leading with empathy. 

• Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in club management 
• Lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis 
• Transforming Needham Golf Club through innovation and member engagement 
• The impact of mentorship on professional growth 
• Finding work-life balance in a demanding environment 
• Emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication in leadership 
• Adopting stoicism to guide leadership practices 

Geoff Piva encourages listeners to strive for 1% improvement every day in their personal and professional lives.

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Andrew Streffs shares his journey from restaurants to private clubs and emphasizes the importance of personalization in enhancing member experiences. He discusses the balance between tradition and innovation in club management while providing insights on building a strong culture and engaging members during renovations. 

• Discussing Andrew's journey in hospitality 
• Importance of personalized service in clubs 
• Emphasizing relationship building with members 
• Navigating challenges of club management 
• Balancing tradition and renovations in a historic club 
• Engaging members in decision-making processes 
• The role of trust and communication in club culture 
• Creating a strong team dynamic among staff 
• Advice for transitioning to club management

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This episode explores the inspiring journey of Sam Ohnesorge , the Director of Food and Beverage at Erin Hills, who transitioned from a musical theater major to a leading figure in the golf hospitality scene. We delve into Erin Hills' unique "member for a day" experience, the importance of personalized service, and the preparations for hosting prestigious events like the US Women’s Open.

• Sam shares his path from theater to food & beverage 
• Insights into the "member for a day" concept 
• Importance of mentorship in career development 
• Discussion on operational challenges at Aaron Hills 
• Preparing for the US Women's Open event 
• Emphasis on high-quality, personalized service 
• The role of a sommelier in enhancing dining experiences 
• Building lasting relationships with guests 
• The growth and recognition of women in sports 
• Future plans for enhancing the guest experience at Erin Hills

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