So you want those letters after your name—CCM, CCE, 
maybe even MCM—but you’re not sure where to start, how long it takes, 
or if it’s even worth it? 

This episode answers all your certification questions.

This week on The Private Club Radio Show, we sit down with 
Brian Watkins, Director of Certification & Education at the 
Club Management Association of America (CMAA). 

If you’ve ever registered for a BMI, counted your CECs, or prepped for the CCM exam, you’ve already felt Brian’s impact.

In this episode, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at:

*What it really takes to earn your Certified Club Manager (CCM)
*How to track and use your Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
*The step-by-step journey to Honor Society, Certified Chief Executive (CCE), and the elite Master Club Manager (MCM) designation
*What role BMI programs play in the process—and how to get the most out of them
*Why CMAA’s certification path is evolving to support the next generation of club professionals
*Common pitfalls, myths, and game-changing tips for every manager on the path to professional growth

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We break down why a short, friendly, and current voicemail can shape first impressions and speed up callbacks, especially in the club world where every touchpoint matters. Practical tips help you record a clear greeting, set expectations, and add just enough personality.

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From bussing tables at Circus Pizza to leading top private clubs, 
Bridget Eckert, CCM has lived every side of hospitality. 

In this episode, she and Denny Corby dive into what it takes to build a career you’re proud of — one rooted in curiosity, connection, and purpose. They talk messy résumés that actually make sense, teaching the next generation of club pros, and why pride still matters in this business. 

Funny, real, and full of takeaways for anyone who loves hospitality.

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Ever watch the room drift during a seven-minute bio read? 
We’ve all been there, so we/me (host Denny Corby)  built a reliable way to introduce speakers that actually lifts the energy, respects the audience, and makes your guest feel like a headliner.
 
In this fast, focused walkthrough, we share the exact 
60-second structure we use onstage: 
gather attention with a clean opening line, deliver a sharp hook, 
explain why this person matters to this audience right now, 
hit two or three punchy highlights (save the best for last), 
then pause and say the name, clear and strong.

We dig into the vibe check that shapes tone and pacing, 
from playful member nights to heartfelt legacy awards to post-dinner experts who need polish without stand-up flair. 

You’ll hear practical note-taking methods, short phrases, generous spacing, top-right placement, so you can glance down and pop back up without losing your place. 
We talk rehearsal the right way,  practice out loud, in the actual room if possible, mic in hand, so the mechanics are muscle memory and your presence feels calm and ready.

Then we get real about the don’ts.  
no LinkedIn bios, no podium walls, and never skip the microphone in a chatty room. Plus, a few pre-stage rituals to steady your energy. 
smile before you step up, shake out the nerves, and embrace that brief quiet while the audience settles. 
If you’re tempted to use AI for phrasing, we show how to treat it as a brainstorming partner without losing your voice. By the end, you’ll have a simple, repeatable intro formula that respects time, builds anticipation, and sets your speaker, and your event, up to win.

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Seasonal staffing doesn’t have to be a yearly crisis. In this episode, 
we sit down with Carly Eglin (CEO of Seasonal Connect) and 
Keith Pabian (Founding Partner of Pabian Law) to break down how private clubs can finally get it right—from H-2B visa strategies to housing solutions, team culture, and compliance nightmares.

Whether you’re a general manager, HR director, or just tired of last-minute staffing chaos, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you attract, retain, and support seasonal workers the right way.

🔑 Topics covered:

• The 3 things seasonal workers care about most (and what clubs often miss)
• How to build housing partnerships with other clubs
• What clubs get wrong about H-2B visa planning (and how to avoid costly mistakes)
• Real talk on wages, culture, and the “break room test”
• How to legally protect your club as immigration enforcement ramps up
• The surprising ROI of treating seasonal staff like humans

Plus: The difference between clubs seasonal workers fight to return to… and the ones they run from.

If your club hires seasonal workers, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.

🎧 Listen now and take your staffing strategy from reactive to rock-solid.

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What happens when you throw over 30 club professionals into BMW M cars and let them rip around a professional racetrack? Pure magic—and unexpected leadership lessons that no conference room could ever provide.

Management in Motion 2025 began as a casual conversation with the GM of Monticello Motor Club during a podcast interview. What started as a simple track visit evolved into a full-blown event combining adrenaline, education, and authentic connection among club leaders who share a passion for high-performance experiences.

The two-day adventure featured everything from drag racing in BMW M2s, M3s, and M5s to navigating the infamous skid pad (imagine a wet Costco floor with rear-wheel drive cars and all safety features disabled). We mixed in peer-to-peer leadership talks from established club GMs who connected their motorsport experiences directly to club management principles. Rather than generic professional speakers, we deliberately created space for club leaders to share their authentic insights with peers who truly understand the unique challenges of our industry.

Among the ten key lessons I took away: everything costs more and takes longer than you think; your vibe truly attracts your tribe; people don't need to participate in everything to find value; the quietest attendees often have the most powerful reactions; and unique experiences always beat generic ones. Perhaps most humbling was realizing that some people attended simply because my name was attached to the event—a level of trust that carries tremendous responsibility.

The event wouldn't have been possible without incredible sponsors who embraced the vision immediately, including Monticello Motor Club, Kennis Member Vetting, GSI, Members First, and Northstar. Their support even extended to funding scholarships for Club Management Association students to attend and network with established professionals.

For clubs looking to create similar magic, the formula is surprisingly simple: niche down to create specialized experiences, be the glue that connects people with shared interests, and don't be afraid to try something completely different. The most powerful moments often happened without words—just a smile, a head shake, or a high-five that communicated more than any conversation could.

If you missed Management in Motion this year, don't worry—we're already planning for 2026, and it will be bigger, faster, and even more impactful. Ready to swap your boardroom for a racetrack and discover leadership lessons at 100 MPH?

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Ever feel like you are not good enough, even when you are?

In this episode, GM Kent Johnson opens up about his personal experience with imposter syndrome as a leader in the private club world. We talk honestly about the voice of self-doubt that can show up even after years of success, and what it really takes to lead with vulnerability, clarity and confidence.

Kent shares how imposter syndrome shows up at the GM level, why it often goes unspoken, and how he works through it without letting it take over. We also discuss personal growth, leadership style, and learning to stop chasing perfection.

If you have ever questioned your own success or felt like a fraud in your role, this episode will remind you that you are not alone.

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How do you go from college intern to banquet manager before 30 — and actually lead with confidence?

In this episode of Private Club Radio, we’re joined by Mikayla Luby, a rising star in the private club industry, who shares her journey from hospitality student to full-time banquet manager at a major country club.

We explore what it’s like to grow your career inside a private club — navigating early leadership challenges, earning respect from older team members, communicating under pressure, and managing large-scale events. Mikayla offers relatable, honest insight into the real-life tradeoffs of club life — from working weekends while friends are out, to the responsibility of managing peers and building trust fast.

Whether you're a young professional starting out in private clubs, a club executive mentoring next-gen leaders, or someone exploring a career in country clubs, this episode offers powerful lessons in growth, grit, and professional development.

Tune in and hear what it really takes to rise quickly in the country club world — and why Mikayla believes more young professionals should give this industry a closer look.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to run a private club that functions more like a municipality than a clubhouse?

In this episode, GM Joe Smith takes us deep into the world of Florida HOAs  where leadership isn’t just about member experience… it’s about navigating state law, statutes, and real legal accountability.

You’ll hear how HOA-run clubs operate under public scrutiny, manage board meetings where anyone can speak, respond to official record requests, and even enforce rules about house colors and driveway parking. Joe breaks down the legal landscape, the operational headaches, and the leadership strategies it takes to succeed in this unique model.

If you’ve ever stepped into an HOA-run club, thought about taking a GM role in one, or just want to know what it’s like to run a club where members have rights protected by law this episode is essential listening.

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What happens when chandeliers, mahogany bars, and 150 years of tradition collide with TikTok and influencers? That’s the story unfolding at The Austin Club under the leadership of Paul Kornfeind, MCM, CCE.

In this episode of Private Club Radio, Paul explains how he’s reimagining a historic city club for Gen Z and Millennials, while still honoring its rich legacy. From “Bingo After Dark” and “Gourmet Dinners Under the Stars” to collaborating with Austin’s top food and lifestyle influencers, The Austin Club is proving that private clubs can be both relevant and timeless.

We dig into the details: why influencer partnerships work, how flexible membership tiers attract young professionals, and what every GM should consider when blending history with modern content strategies.

If you’re wondering how to make your club attractive to the next generation without losing its soul, this conversation delivers the blueprint.

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