In this episode, Colin Burns shares his behind-the-scenes journey of organizing the U.S. Open and what it takes to lead through high-pressure situations. He dives into the power of club retreats for building stronger teams, creating collaboration, and solving big challenges. Colin also highlights the incredible work of the Metropolitan Club Foundation, raising millions to support education and club employees in need. Plus, you’ll hear about his passion for the Gladney Cup, a charity event supporting adoption, and the life-changing stories behind it. Packed with leadership insights and inspiring moments, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the private club world!

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Learn how Kevin Daniel Lelumiere, the GM and COO of the Country Club of New Canaan masterfully balances talent acquisition and mentorship to build resilient, high-performing teams. 
Discover the profound impact of understanding employees' personal lives and engaging with their families to create a supportive and cohesive work environment. Kevin sheds light on the critical aspects of hiring and letting go of staff, emphasizing the "hire slow, fire fast" mentality to maintain a healthy team culture. 

Kevin also shares his personal journey with mentorship, revealing how the balance of listening and speaking can make or break a mentoring relationship. Gain insights into the informal yet impactful mentorship program at the Country Club, which meets every two weeks to groom future leaders. Learn the essential qualities of a good mentor, such as self-deprecation, consistency, and tenacity, and explore strategies for building resilient teams through personal connections and consistent check-ins. This episode promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster a strong, supportive team environment.

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Ever wondered how to create captivating content that keeps your private golf and country club members engaged? Join us as we speak with Shanna Bright from Private Clubs Online, who unveils her secrets on developing dynamic content pillars. Shanna shares her wealth of experience in crafting a balanced mix of educational, entertaining, and storytelling content that genuinely resonates with both current and prospective members. Discover how capturing magical moments, celebrating unique holidays, and leveraging social media can transform your club's communication strategy.

Shanna and I discuss the intricacies of community engagement and strategic communication essential for successful event planning. From obtaining permits and coordinating with local authorities to fostering strong neighborly relations through inclusive events, this episode dives deep into the nuts and bolts of effective event management. We also touch upon the importance of varied content, offering stellar examples like event promotion, member stories, and renovation updates to keep your club's social media lively and engaging.

In an era where personalized communication is king, we explore strategies for a significant membership push—aiming to boost membership at the City Club by 300 in a year! Shanna emphasizes the importance of tailored communication efforts, such as personalized phone calls and emails, to keep members active and invested. Get ready to hear amazing personal anecdotes that highlight the evolution of member relations and the cultural context of engaging with your community. Plus, we offer practical tips for planning your club’s communication for the next year, including a strategic content package complete with holidays and hashtag events like "International Talk Like a Pirate Day." This episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your club’s member interactions and overall experience.

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How does a strong organizational culture shape the success of a private club? 
Join us as we uncover the secrets of thriving club management with Casey Smith, General Manager and PGA Professional of the Year at Chenal Country Club. 

Casey takes us through his journey to receiving this prestigious award and shares invaluable insights from the Golf Professional of the Year conference at Bandon Dunes. We explore the critical aspects of adaptability, leadership trust, and the creation of a cohesive team culture, comparing the dynamics of privately owned versus member-owned clubs. Casey’s experiences and wisdom highlight the importance of continuous learning and relationship-building for sustained success.

Discover the transformative power of selfless leadership and the role of culture in driving long-term excellence. We reflect on the journey at Chenal and the importance of team involvement and overcoming staff resistance. Drawing inspiration from John Gordon’s "You Win in the Locker Room First," we emphasize that what is celebrated and tolerated defines an organization’s culture. Personal stories, including an inspiring encounter with Coach Bowden at Florida State, illustrate the profound impact of leaders who prioritize their people. This episode promises a treasure trove of lessons for anyone committed to fostering a culture of excellence in any organization.

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Wondering how a passion for pastry and a chance encounter can lead to a thriving career in the private club industry? Join us as we sit down with Anna Robleski, the assistant manager at Round Hill Club in Connecticut, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her transformative experience at the Augusta National Masters Tournament to her creative endeavors with Chobani Yogurt, Anna unveils the many layers of her professional path. She shares how a pivotal connection at Johnson & Wales University steered her toward Ballantyne Country Club, where she refined her event management skills. Listen as she draws fascinating parallels between scuba diving and club management, and underscores the value of scholarships for young professionals breaking into the industry.

As private clubs evolve to cater to entire families rather than just individual members, modernizing member vetting processes becomes crucial. We explore this dynamic with Kennis, who emphasizes the importance of comprehensive information gathering to make well-informed decisions. Learn about the innovative efforts in places like Greenwich, Connecticut, where creative summits and scholarship opportunities are paving the way for a more inclusive and engaging club experience. We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of convincing club boards to embrace progressive initiatives and the role of family-friendly activities in attracting and retaining members. Don't miss our heartfelt thank you message and a gentle nudge to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with our podcast!

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Our conversation with Matt Campagne, Director of Food and Beverage at Tchefuncta Country Club in Louisiana. Matt's journey starting as a busboy and climbing the ranks to become a key figure in the club industry. 
You'll learn how Matt expertly balances member preferences with club needs, and why adaptability and solid communication are critical in hospitality.

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of transitioning through various management roles, distinguishing between titles like food and beverage manager and director. Matt recounts his rewarding experience of turning around member satisfaction at Tchefuncta Country Club and underscores the importance of building a cohesive team, including hiring an executive chef. 

As we talk about elevating food quality and managing events, Matt offers practical tips on sourcing high-quality ingredients and the joy of organizing memorable private events. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone keen on enhancing member experiences and making a mark in club management.

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Imagine turning a whimsical idea from a casual lunch meeting into a record-breaking, impactful community project. Join us as we chat with Bill Horton, the mastermind behind the world's largest gingerbread house, who shares his incredible journey from conception to completion. 
You'll hear firsthand how Bill and his team at Traditions Country Club back in 2013 in Bryan Texas, overcame logistical challenges and rallied an entire community to build a massive gingerbread house that not only broke records but also raised over $200,000 for a local trauma center back in 2013. 

Discover the fascinating media frenzy that captured the world's attention with coverage from major outlets like CNN and Fox News, and learn about the ingenious solutions and partnerships that made this dream a reality. From repurposing materials with Habitat for Humanity to navigating unexpected challenges like a bee invasion, Bill's story is a testament to creativity, determination, and the remarkable power of community collaboration. This episode celebrates the joy and recognition received by everyone involved, including the special Guinness World Records certificates.  

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In this episode, we sit down with LuAnn Giovannelli CCM CAM, CMAA Fellow & GM/COO Bay Colony Community Association.  a trailblazer in the private club industry and one of the first female General Managers in the country. 
With over 30 years of experience, LuAnn reflects on her rise in a male-dominated field, sharing how she broke barriers while staying true to herself. Her guiding principle? “There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.” This mantra has not only shaped her leadership style but has also helped her mentor young professionals in the club industry.

You will learn about the evolution of club management from the 1980s to today, including how work-life balance expectations have changed for younger generations. LuAnn also opens up about her passion for drag racing, drawing parallels between racing and making fast, confident decisions in leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned club professional or new to the field, LuAnn’s insights on authenticity, mentorship, and handling boardroom dynamics are invaluable.

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Ready to elevate your club’s next tennis retreat to the next level? Expert Scott Colebourne from Tennis Resorts Online joins us to share his wealth of knowledge on crafting the ultimate tennis getaway for your members. With over 25,000 user reviews backing his expertise, Scott provides practical, actionable advice on selecting top-rated tennis resorts and tailoring experiences to fit the unique needs of your club. Discover his four essential tips that can help you curate an unforgettable tennis vacation that will leave your members raving.

We’re diving deep into the essentials of customizing on-court experiences, from coordinating with resort staff to ensuring your group's skill levels are matched perfectly. Learn the secrets to effective planning and communication that can transform a good trip into a phenomenal one. Plus, Scott highlights the perks of direct resort communication for better rates and personalized arrangements, alongside the option of private home stays to enhance your club's getaway experience. 

This episode is filled with expert insight to ensure your next tennis retreat is nothing short of spectacular for your members!

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