Ever wondered how to transform your golf or country club's online presence from dated and drab to sleek and sophisticated? Join us as we sit down with Danielle Chavez, founder of Club Design Studio, to uncover the secrets of modernizing graphic design for elite private clubs. Say goodbye to the clip art of yesteryear and embrace contemporary aesthetics with actionable tips for redesigning websites, landing pages, and digital assets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in upscale club branding and digital communication.

Discover the latest design trends that luxury clubs are adopting, emphasizing minimalist and elegant aesthetics. Danielle shares her expertise on the power of white space and concise content, offering strategies for achieving a high-end, polished look. Plus, we highlight indispensable digital tools that can revolutionize club operations and communication. 
Elevate your productivity and streamline processes with insights from this comprehensive guide to enhancing both the appearance and efficiency of your club.

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Ever wondered what it takes to orchestrate a seamless experience at one of the most iconic magic clubs in the world? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey  Hervé Lévy, CCM, CCE, the mastermind behind the operations of the Magic Castle. From his beginnings at the Griffin Club, where he led a $25 million renovation, to his current role as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at the Academy of Magical Arts, Irv shares the secrets and strategies that keep the magic alive for 550 nightly guests. Learn how he navigates the unique challenges of managing 200 employees in a meticulously programmed environment and the innovative solutions he implemented to enhance internal communication and staff relations.

In this captivating episode, we dive into the daily intricacies and unexpected surprises of running a prestigious and busy magic club. Hervé reflects on his extensive career transformation, offering insights into his transition from hotels and restaurants to the world of private clubs. Discover the importance of detailed planning, the orchestration needed for smooth guest experiences, and the pivotal role of an HR department in maintaining operational harmony. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes magic of club operations and the leadership genius who has revolutionized every club he has touched.

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We then dive into an engaging conversation with Joe Trauger from the National Club Association (NCA) to explore the invaluable role the NCA plays in advocating for private clubs through top-notch education and governance practices. 

Excited to hear some surprising stories from Joe Trauger about his deep connection with Green Day? You're in for a treat! Joe reminisces about how Green Day once rocked his college basement in Mankato and shares memorable anecdotes about Billy Joe Armstrong's close ties to the local community. We chat about the electrifying live shows of Green Day and Foo Fighters, emphasizing their exceptional fan interactions and the joy they bring to audiences.

Switching gears, we tackle the serious business of current legislative activities in Congress, focusing on appropriations and the Department of Homeland Security's H2B visa policy. 
We discuss the efforts to secure more supplemental visas for seasonal employers and the competitive nature of this process. Additionally, we navigate through the latest regulatory changes, including new overtime rules, upcoming regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the complexities of club membership fees. Stay tuned for updates on the private club industry and exciting upcoming events from the NCA.

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Ever wondered how private clubs can uphold rigorous member vetting standards without falling into the trap of discrimination lawsuits? We promise you'll walk away with actionable insights on maintaining transparency and fairness in your membership process after hearing from our guest, Paul Dank of Kenniscom. Listen as we dissect the balance between detailed vetting and legal compliance, ensuring your club treats all applicants equally and objectively. Learn why the real threat isn't stringent vetting but actual discrimination, and how fact-based processes can safeguard your club from legal risks.

Join us as we clear the air on common misconceptions about discrimination lawsuits tied to member vetting. Paul Dank shares expert advice on why objective standards and consistent practices are your club’s best defense against claims of unfair treatment. Discover Kenniscom’s advanced strategies for refining vetting procedures and gain practical tips to elevate your club's membership standards. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone involved in private club management—don't miss out on these essential insights!

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Ever wondered what it takes to manage a prestigious private club? 
Join us as we spotlight Kane Pappas from Fairleigh Dickinson University, who opens up about the unique educational journeys available in club management. 
Kane shares how hands-on experiences and visits to elite clubs, supported by the Club Foundation and the New Jersey Club Managers Association, are integrated into the hospitality program to give students a taste of real-world operations. You'll gain insights into how these practical learning opportunities are shaping future leaders in the industry.

The episode doesn't just stop at academic experiences; it also highlights Kane’s fascinating 20-year career path rooted in hospitality and education. From discovering the vibrant field of hospitality and tourism management in 2004 to working at iconic venues like Giant Stadium and Meadowlands Racetrack with Aramark, Kane’s journey is a testament to the importance of hard work and authentic connections. Now, as an educator, Kane is passionate about mentoring students, helping them navigate their own professional journeys with invaluable industry insights.

We also tackle the evolving landscape of higher education in the wake of COVID-19. Hear firsthand how students and faculty adapted to online and hybrid learning models, overcoming initial struggles to find innovative solutions. And for a personal twist, discover Kane’s fervent love for classic cars. We explore her involvement with the Rad Collection car dealership and how she blends her automotive passion with her professional life. This episode is packed with stories and lessons that are sure to inspire both current students and seasoned industry veterans.

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How do golf clubs in the UK and the US stack up against each other? 
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Leighton Walker, General Manager of Cirencester Golf Club in England and co-host of Golf Talk UK, as he shares his expert insights on the contrasting landscapes of golf club experiences on both sides of the pond. 
We'll uncover why UK clubs often boast lower membership fees and joining costs, making golf more accessible to a broader audience, including youngsters. 
Meanwhile, in the US, the bar is set high with premium service quality expectations. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the cultural and operational differences defining the private golf and country club scene.

The value of career diversity takes center stage as we discuss the unique growth paths within the golf club management industry. From small clubs in Australia to member-owned clubs in the UK, gaining experience across diverse roles can significantly enhance one's adaptability and expertise. 
Leighton shares his personal journey, transitioning from part-time management to growing a successful podcast brand, and highlights the critical importance of mentoring and training in shaping a fulfilling career. We also demystify the role of a Secretary Manager and its varying responsibilities across different countries, providing a comprehensive view of this pivotal position.

Inclusivity and modern trends in golf club management are also key topics in this episode. Leighton talks about innovative ideas to boost member engagement, such as offering free lessons by PGA professionals, and emphasizes the significance of incremental improvements in club services. Learn about the challenges of measuring these initiatives' impact and how they can lead to greater member satisfaction and retention. Finally, we delve into the evolution of our own golf industry podcast, a valuable platform for learning and networking, with exciting plans to expand into live discussions and interactive formats. Don't miss out on these insights and more in our latest episode!

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Salzman, GM and COO of the Club of Carlton Woods, as we uncover his methodologies for transforming the club’s food and beverage offerings. 
By hiring a CEC certified executive chef, Steve has introduced unparalleled quality and service, fostering an environment where member pride and satisfaction soar. 
Learn how the thoughtful care of members' guests translates into a rewarding atmosphere for everyone involved, making the private club industry a fulfilling field for professionals.

Discover the secrets behind creating memorable club member experiences as we dive into the importance of empowering team members. 
We'll share riveting anecdotes about the magic that happens when employees are freed to make member-centric decisions. Listen as we discuss the journey of building a world-class culinary team at Carlton Woods, featuring insights from certified master chef Russell Scott. With stories of mentorship and leadership, this episode emphasizes the importance of nurturing personal connections and maintaining high standards to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Don’t miss out on these transformative strategies that can set your club apart.

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We sit down with Ralph Edmonds from Evansville Country Club. Ralph’s journey from sous chef to general manager is a masterclass in flexibility and adaptability. 
Discover how he’s handled unexpected challenges and hear his invaluable advice on member relations while keeping up with industry trends.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of Ralph's remarkable career path, starting from his early days at Pine Hollow Country Club in 1998. We traverse his experiences across prestigious hotels like the St. Regis and Sheridan Park Avenue, and his pivotal move into country club management. Influenced by his Italian upbringing and his mother’s work in diners, Ralph’s story is a testament to how passion and dedication can lead to a fulfilling career in general management.

From the evolution of club management careers to the unique hurdles faced in smaller cities, Ralph shares his firsthand experiences and insights. Learn how technological advancements have reshaped operational dynamics and member expectations over the past two decades. Don’t miss the engaging conversation on the logistical challenges and labor pool limitations, 

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In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of ghost accounts with Paul Dank from Kennis / MemberVetting. Ghost accounts are anonymous social media profiles that allow individuals to engage in behaviors they wouldn't normally display under their real names. Paul explains how the anonymity of these accounts can lead to negative and harmful behaviors, such as hate speech and inappropriate content, which can severely impact the reputation and harmony of private clubs.

Paul shares real-life examples of how these ghost accounts have been used to spread negativity and how Kennis has successfully identified them. From a police chief spreading disinformation to individuals posting inflammatory content, the episode highlights the varied and sometimes shocking nature of these anonymous profiles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clubs being aware of these accounts, as potential members may hide behind them, presenting a polished image while engaging in damaging activities online.

To safeguard the integrity of their communities, private clubs must prioritize fact-based member vetting. Kennis offers specialized services to uncover these ghost accounts, ensuring that clubs can make informed decisions about their memberships. For more information and to learn how Kennis can help protect your club, visit Membervetting.com.

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What does it take to manage a golf club through economic highs and lows, and how do you keep the greens vibrant despite unpredictable challenges? Join us for a captivating chat with Mark Iwinski, General Manager and COO of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, as he walks us through his remarkable journey since the club’s construction in 2005. From the economic downturn that struck shortly after its opening to the influx of new members who saw opportunity amidst adversity, Mark's insights provide a unique look at the resilience needed in the golf club industry.

Mark peels back the curtain on the staffing issues, operational hurdles, and surprising setbacks—like the mysterious halt in greens growth last year. Despite consulting with experts, the cause remained elusive, yet the club's strategic choices and resilience led to a full recovery. Mark's stories underline the importance of adaptability and determination in overcoming the unpredictable nature of the business.

We also explore the fascinating evolution of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, from its origins to its current hybrid model, balancing a small membership with public access. Mark shares his personal philosophy and joy in the semi-private club environment. 

This episode offers a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of private golf club membership and management, enriched by Mark's nearly two-decade tenure at Old Corkscrew.

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