Episodes

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 a...

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 ...

Want a packed room and zero complaints after comedy night? Learn how to: Book talent your members actually loveAvoid the AV pitfalls that kill energySet expectations that save your inboxBudget for the headline act, not just the dinner Comedy night should be a club highlight, not a source of member complaints. In this episode, entertainer, club favorite, and PCR host Denny Corby breaks down exactly how to host a packed, laughter-filled comedy night that delights members and drives real ...

Who's really trying to join your club? What secrets lie beneath that polished application and those glowing references? Dan Klimek from Kennis Member Vetting pulls back the curtain on what truly comprehensive member screening can reveal and the results might shock you. Traditional background checks barely scratch the surface. Regulated by employment laws, they're limited in scope and depth. But when vetting potential club members, these restrictions don't apply, allowing for investigation...

Buckle up for the most exhilarating professional development experience ever created for private club leaders! Management in Motion isn't your typical leadership seminar - it's what happens when you combine high-performance driving with transformative leadership insights at one of America's premier private racetracks. Picture yourself behind the wheel of a BMW M-series vehicle, mastering drag racing, precision driving challenges, and even drifting on the professional track at Monticello Motor C...

In this episode of Private Club Radio, we chat with Rollie Carlson, Managing Director of the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter and a longtime leader in the private club industry. With a career spanning from senior-level retail marketing to general management at top clubs, Rollie brings a rare mix of operational insight, people-first leadership, and a deep passion for mentorship. We talk what makes a great club professional, not just in skills, but in mindset. Rollie shares lessons from his time with...

Nicole Wasserman isn't your typical club professional. At an age when most are still figuring out career basics, she's already compiled a resume that reads like a hospitality industry scavenger hunt—Augusta National, the Governor's Mansion, Hershey, Roaring Gap, wedding planner, and more. Now serving as Food and Beverage Manager at Daniel Island Club, Nicole brings a refreshingly grounded perspective on what it means to build a meaningful career in the private club world. Our conversation ex...

What if your club could serve as more than just a dining and recreation venue for aging members, but become a true lifeline of purpose and connection? Clubhouse Manager Kaitlyn Allen, CCM takes us on a fascinating journey through how her background in gerontology transformed her approach to hospitality at Long Cove Club. Starting with her teenage job at a retirement community, Kaitlyn discovered both the beauty of serving older adults and the ugly reality of elder abuse, initially setting her o...

The ground is shifting beneath private golf clubs, and not everyone sees it coming. In this eye-opening conversation with Jason Becker, founder of Golf Life Navigators, we peel back the curtain on dramatic changes reshaping the private club landscape across the Sunbelt and beyond. Remember those endless waitlists and lightning-fast home sales in golf communities? That reality is fading fast. Home prices have dropped 10-15% in many golf communities while inventory has doubled or even tripled. Bu...

David Sweet’s journey from the luxury hotel world to the private club space is anything but typical—but his impact at Boca Woods shows what’s possible when a leader aligns people, purpose, and values. In this episode, David shares how Boca Woods has evolved by investing deeply in culture, communication, and brand—from the inside out. From forming a marketing dream team to reshaping how members engage with the club, this is a masterclass in modern leadership. We cover: How Boca Woods earned a ...

Ever wondered why your club's racket department seems financially constrained? In this eye-opening episode, consultant and racket management expert Ed Shanaphy lifts the curtain on the numbers rarely discussed in polite club company. The financial anatomy of a racket department is more complex than most realize. Shanaphy reveals that nationally, racket departments typically receive just 3% of a club's overall revenue – translating to about $300,000 for a club generating $10 million. More cri...

What do private clubs and political campaigns have in common? Turns out… a lot more than you think. In this episode, Denny sits down with Charles “Chuck” Merriman, CCM. TRhe politically wired, quick-witted COO of San Diego Country Club whose journey from congressional campaign manager to club executive is anything but ordinary. Chuck shares how his deep roots in politics shaped his leadership style, how civic involvement helped reopen his club during COVID, and why every club lead...

Work Hard, Be Kind, Pour the Wine. Today’s guest is Velecia Luckenbill and trust me, you’re gonna love her. She’s the Director of Food & Beverage at Colonial Country Club, a certified sommelier, and one of the most vibrant, driven, and straight-up joyful humans in the private club world. But her journey? It’s anything but typical. Velecia came to the U.S. from Jamaica through an H-2B government work program. She left behind her young son, drove from Miami to Michigan, and landed in the middle...

This one’s got heart, hustle, and some serious longevity. I’m joined by Salil Bokil—GM of Hollywood Golf Club down the Jersey Shore. He’s been there 18 years, and somehow built a team where no one leaves. I’m talking a chef who’s been there 17 years… a controller who’s clocked in for over 36. It’s wild—but once you hear how he leads, it all makes sense. Salil walks us through his journey from India to the U.S., landing here just two weeks before 9/11, and how that moment shaped everything tha...

Jeff Wilson, veteran club pro and longtime GM, shares insights from decades in club leadership including extraordinary service moments, cultural development, and strategies for successful interim management. • Once jumped into a pond to retrieve a member's submerged golf cart and purse • Cleanliness is the first thing to check when walking into a new club – vents, picture frames, light bulbs • Member expectations have risen as clubs are now viewed as second homes • Boards must clearly define "w...

What do bourbon, mentorship, and kitchen chaos have in common? Kevin Rice. In this episode, we chat with Kevin Rice— ormer chef, current GM of Lexington Country Club, and certified executive bourbon steward—to talk about leading with flavor. They dive into what it takes to train young staff (even when they can’t legally taste the wine), how bourbon tastings became a secret weapon for member engagement, and why the best leaders don’t bark orders—they teach. From redesigning kitchens to managin...

You probably don’t plan for a fire in the supply closet. Heather Korte didn’t either. But when three stories of her clubhouse got soaked, smoked out, and stripped to the studs, she got to work. No panic. No pity. Just bold moves, creative thinking, and a serious amount of member love. Heather is the GM at Oakley Country Club, and this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to lead through crisis and come out better on the other side. 👇 Here's some ...

In this episode, we chat with Desi Speh, COO at Desert Highlands in Arizona. A guy who’s quietly redefining what club leadership can look like. Desi’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his impact is undeniable. From turning valet service into a culture-defining moment (ice cream cooler included 🍦) to mentoring staff into leaders, his philosophy is simple: lead from the heart, empower your people, and always keep perspective. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why empowerment beats micr...

Forget everything you think you know about private clubs. At Monticello Motor Club, the luxury isn’t just on the track, it’s in every detail, every experience, every smile. And leading the charge is Ionel Porumb, a hospitality powerhouse whose journey from Romania to the C-suite is as inspiring as it gets. After working his way from cruise ship crew utility to management roles at Mar-A-Lago and Woodway Country Club, Ionel now serves as General Manager and COO of MMC, helping transform it in...

In this episode of the Private Club Radio Show, we roll up our sleeves and shine a spotlight on something most clubs think they’ve got handled—but probably don’t: what shows up when someone Googles your club. We walk you through a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to auditing your club’s online presence. From Google to TikTok, Yelp to AI tools, we cover the platforms your prospective members, employees, and even the media are using to check you out—before they ever set foot on property. Here's w...

Kevin Ehlert shares his journey from dishwasher to GM to consultant and certified coach, bringing a refreshing perspective on what leadership really looks like when you strip away the title, pressure, and 'always on' mentality that many GMs feel they must maintain. • Starting as a dishwasher and working his way up through various city clubs • The distinct differences between mentoring, coaching, and consulting • Why leaders often feel isolated and unable to show vulnerability • How curiosity ma...

Samantha Sheffield is not your average CFO. She’s also the Assistant GM at Bay Colony Golf Club—and the rare finance leader who’s just as comfortable talking about spreadsheets as she is member experience and strategic vision. In this episode, Samantha shares her winding career path—from biology major and calculus tutor to senior finance roles in real estate, global operations, and eventually private clubs. Along the way, she’s learned how to turn financials into a tool for leadership, not just...

Joe Smith Is Back And He’s Still Setting the Bar for Club Communication Joe’s not just a friend of the show he’s one of the most forward-thinking GMs out there when it comes to content, connection, and culture. In this episode, Joe Smith of Countryside Golf & Country Club joins us again to share how his weekly club update videos have become more than just informative they’ve become a part of the club’s identity. What started as a workaround to a $10K drone quote has evolved into a...

Golf pro. Road warrior. Culture shifter. GM. Rick Schultz has worn a lot of hats—and in this episode, he brings them all to the table. We explore Rick’s evolution from a 22-year-old tour hopeful to a private club GM overseeing a sprawling Oregon property with 27 holes, indoor tennis, pickleball, mini golf, and more. But his real focus? People and purpose. In this episode, we cover: – What makes the leap from pro shop to GM actually work – How a club re-centered its strategy around members—no...