Episodes

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 t...

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 practi...

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...

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 f...

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 ...

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 exa...

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 lo...

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 innovative new ventures, learn how personalized service continues to be the differentiator in a competitive la...

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 Backstreet Boys. Through his determination and innovative approach, Eric is revolutionizing the traditionally fr...

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 community that makes our club shine. Jeff will share personal stories that bring our club's community spirit to...

Explore the innovative world of golf real estate with Jason Becker, CEO of Golf Life Navigators, on our latest episode of Private Club Radio. Jason shares the inside scoop on how their unique platform seamlessly matches golfers with their ideal golf clubs and communities using a sophisticated matchmaking algorithm. Dive into the specialized world of certified real estate agents who leverage their deep knowledge of golf to help clients navigate the complexities of golf community sales. With over ...

Elevate your leadership game as Jay Johnson, the General Manager of Southern Hills Country Club, joins us to unwrap the complexity of career advancement in private club management. With a candid look at his own pathway to success, Jay elaborates on making strategic career moves, the significance of mentorship, and the pivotal decisions that can shape a promising future. Discover the hidden dynamics of succession planning that occur against the backdrop of retiring general managers at esteemed c...

Join Brian Meanley from Nelson Mullins as he delves into the nuances of club law and disciplinary actions. Brian highlights the importance of handling club disputes internally to avoid the public exposure of private matters through court processes. He explains the procedures for managing member infractions, from minor misconduct to more severe violations, and stresses the importance of adhering to the club's governing documents to prevent legal complications. This episode provides essential insi...

Join Melissa Banko for a deep dive into the evolving world of interior design as we explore what’s in and what’s out for 2024. Recorded live at the PGA headquarters, this episode unpacks why cool grays and minimalistic themes are making way for bolder, more saturated colors and detailed maximalist designs. Melissa offers practical advice on updating club and property interiors with an eye for the latest trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio Ins...

Listen in as I, Denny Corby 👋 , walk you through my recap and review of the National Club Association's Annual Conference. Spoiler alert, it was a great time, and I can't wait for NYC in 25! Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio Instagram Private Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin

This episode with chat with James Cronk. Co-founder of Golf Industry Guru (GIG) Leadership is a central theme as we dissect the anatomy of vibrant workplace cultures. Our conversation delves into the nuances of encouragement, creativity, and recognition, illustrating how these elements can breathe life into any team. We share actionable strategies to reignite team members' passion and commitment, acknowledging the diverse motivations that drive individuals within an organization. By embracin...

We welcome back one of our favorite people Paul Dank of Kennis, where he addresses common misconceptions about the simplicity of background checks and delves into the actual difficulties of conducting these investigations in areas with overlapping jurisdictions. This episode covers the financial and legal considerations essential for club managers to know. Listeners will gain practical advice on handling these challenges effectively. To explore these issues further and receive expert advice, we ...

Check out this episode of Board Chats here on Private Club Radio, brought to you by our friends Concert Golf Partners, where Chris Laver shares how his team engaged with Concert Golf to rejuvenate The Club at Pasadera. Learn about the trust placed in Concert Golf Partners to enhance the club's facilities and services without losing its cherished traditions and personality. This episode is a deep dive into the balance of innovation and tradition in club management Click here to learn more about ...

On this episode we celebrate the 10 year mile stone of the CMAA Communications Summit. We chat with Jackie Singleton Director of Member & Community Engagement from TCC (The Country Club of Brookline) as well Victoria Burns and Sean Bleyl from MembersFirst. What started as a modest meet up with 15 clubs, it’s transformed into a dynamic 95 club collaboration. Learn how club communications have evolved from basic admin tasks to the heart of member engagement. We’ll share insights on leveraging data...

Ever pondered the secretive art of club membership vetting? Get ready for an eye-opening journey with our expert guest, a seasoned professional investigator who delves into the world of background checks. Together, we unravel the proactive strategies that top-tier clubs implement to preserve their unique cultures and standards. It's not just about exclusion; it's a nuanced process of ensuring future members’ values and behaviors align with the club, thereby mitigating legal risks and upholding a...

Join us for a fun and enlightening chat with Jay Schwendelson, an email marketing guru and private club aficionado. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the art of crafting catchy email subject lines and the game-changing effects of personalizing your messages. With Jay’s unique insights as both a marketing expert and a club member, he offers valuable tips that will help private clubs not just reach their members, but truly connect with them. Get ready to laugh and learn as we explore the ofte...

In this podcast episode, we dive into Ed Gaskell's remarkable journey of career transformation following Hurricane Katrina. As the General Manager of the Southern Yacht Club, Ed shares his transition from owning a tennis club to leading a historic yacht club under a board of directors. He discusses how the hurricane reshaped his career, pushing him into roles demanding greater collaboration and shared leadership. Join us to learn how Ed navigated from managing a small tennis facility to overs...

Denny Corby chats with Billy Panagiotopoulos, General Manager of the Country Club of Darien, about transforming their employee lounge into a space that creates a community where every staff member feels valued. They discuss the lounge’s role in boosting team morale and member experiences through music, branding, and healthy eating options. The episode shares insights on enhancing workplace culture, balancing professional dedication with family life, and integrating club values into daily operati...

On the latest episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby and David Kent of Crown Colony swing into the $12 million transformation of their 25-year-old golf course. We're dissecting the overhaul process, from the greens to the clubhouse, and sharing how they sold this hefty investment to the members. It's not all about turf talk; we also dish on boosting the member experience with swanky new dining and chill-out zones. Hear firsthand how the club is balancing its golf roots with fresh social enh...