Private Club Radio Show

Discover how to transform your leadership approach and create a positive work culture with insights from Maggie Berrigan, the dynamic Beach Club Manager at Westchester Country Club. Maggie dives into her fascinating career journey, sharing stories from her early days in restaurants and private clubs to her time at Augusta National Golf Club during the iconic Masters Tournament.  You'll learn...

Gain exclusive insight into how thorough background checks prevent problematic individuals from infiltrating elite circles with Dan Klemek, Director of Operations at Kennis / Membervetting Dan shares his journey from aspiring federal agent to spearheading comprehensive investigations that safeguard club communities and reputations. Brace yourself for some astonishing revelations as we dive into th...

A behind the sceens look at achieving the prestigious Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation with insights from industry professionals Stephanie Peters, James Creamer, and Corey Melroy. Their stories of dedication, perseverance, and collaboration offer valuable lessons for anyone aiming to advance their career in the private golf and country club sector. They recount their journey, including the...

In our latest episode with Sarah Mueller, an emotional intelligence expert, trainer, and coach, reveals her own transformative journey from burnout to balance. Learn how emotional intelligence can be a game-changer, helping you address emotional baggage, live authentically, and challenge those deep-seated beliefs that lead to overworking and neglecting self-care. We also tackle the prevalent issue...

What if starting as a 15-year-old valet without a driver’s license could lead to becoming the General Manager of a prestigious golf and country club?  Join us as we unravel the incredible journey of Joe Smith on the Private Club Radio Show.  Joe's story is a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and the value of continuous learning. We'll also hear from Joe Smith, whose rapid ascent f...

Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the high-octane world of hospitality while battling personal demons? Joe Mendez, CMAA chair, joins us to share his raw, unfiltered journey through addiction and sobriety within the hospitality industry.  Joe gives a candid account of his experiences and the urgent need for open conversations and support networks. Joe's path to becoming a renowned...

Ever wondered how private clubs maintain their exclusivity and reputation? This episode promises to uncover the secrets behind effective member vetting practices with UK investigative journalist Seth Thevoz and member vetting expert Paul Dank. We kick off by contrasting club management practices between the US and Europe, focusing on the invaluable role of thorough background checks and the influe...

Ever wondered how to effectively manage a board that frequently changes members? This episode takes you through tried-and-true methods for building robust relationships with board members, featuringRyan Doerr, President of Strategic Club Solutions.  Ryan brings his expertise to our discussion, sharing practical strategies for thorough preparation, managing up, and engaging key stakeholders like th...

Starting his career as a busboy and climbing to become a key leader in the private club industry, Jay Hingsbergen, the General Manager of the University Club of Cincinnati, shares his incredible journey and the invaluable lessons he has learned along the way.  We dive into the resurgence of city clubs and the intricate art of creating successful programming that captivates members, emphasizing the...

Discover how a groundbreaking algorithm is transforming the world of private golf clubs! Jason Becker joins us to reveal how Golf Life Navigators is revolutionizing membership matchmaking by aligning clubs with members who share similar preferences and needs.  Inspired by the success of dating algorithms, GLN's tool enhances club culture and reduces attrition rates, providing unparalleled exp...

Crafting a leadership brand is more than just a buzzword—it's about executive presence, storytelling, and ethical clarity. Ever wondered how to stand out in the competitive world of hospitality, particularly in the exclusive private club sector?  This episode promises to unlock the secrets of personal branding with insights from Tom Wallace from KKW.  We dive into the essence of what makes pr...

Join us as we sit down with Paul Dank from MemberVetting.com to uncover the crucial balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members. We'll demystify common fears surrounding stringent vetting practices and clarify how transparency and fairness can help clubs avoid potential legal issues while fostering a secure community. Paul Dank sh...

This episode is a doosey and we have the wonderful Alfredo Hildebrandt, General Manager and COO of Lakewood Country Club.  Discover how honesty, a fun yet productive work atmosphere, and choosing the right boss can transform your career. Alfredo's inspiring journey from the hotel industry to a leading role in private clubs is packed with valuable insights and practical advice, emphasizing the...

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 web...

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 Ac...

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...

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...

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 j...

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&apos...

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...

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...

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...

Join me, Denny Corby, as I sit down with Josiah McKenzie, host of the Hospitality Daily Show podcast, to uncover the secrets of elevating hospitality through empathy, adaptability, and exceptional service. We discuss the critical need to reconnect with the core mission of hospitality and how listening to guests' evolving expectations can set businesses apart. From legacy hotel groups to innov...

Ever wondered how golf can be a game-changer for nonprofits? Join us and Eric Sedransk shares his journey from Wall Street to creating Member for a Day ,  a groundbreaking platform transforming charity golf auctions.  Eric opens up about raising over $7 million by offering unique golf experiences, collaborating with celebrities like Ken Griffey Jr., Bill Murray, and Brian Littrell of the Backstree...

Step into an exclusive journey with Denny Corby and General Manager Jeffrey Savage at the picturesque North Sound Golf Club in Grand Cayman. As we stroll through the vibrant greens, we'll dive into the heart of managing a private golf club, where every swing and smile is part of our diverse global family. Join us as we chat about the unique blend of UK golf pros and the colorful expat communi...