Episodes
April 7, 2024
338: The Staircase of Escalation w/ Josh Paris, CCM, CCE
Ever wondered how club managers navigate the choppy waters of significant renovations while keeping their cool? That's exactly what we uncover with Josh Paris, whose recent triumph in a club overhaul is nothing short of a masterclass in leadership. I may have lost to Josh in our poker game at the CMA conference, but I won valuable insights into the complex art of club renovations, learning how to juggle historical preservation with modern enhancements. From addressing supply chain headaches to e...
April 3, 2024
337: Behind the Scenes with Golf's Culinary Visionary Diana DeLucia
Embark on a culinary journey with us as we sit down with Diana DeLucia, the gastronomic innovator behind Golf Kitchen, and unravel the tapestry of gourmet dining within the world of golf clubs. We're not just talking about your average clubhouse fare; this is about the transformation of the golf course gastronomy scene, where kitchens become as prestigious as the greens they overlook. Witness the story of Golf Kitchen's inception, from Diana's shift away from the hustle of New York's food scene ...
April 1, 2024
336: Community Building & Managing 2 CMAA Chapters w/ Kathy Collins
When Kathy first stepped into the bustling lobby of her New York internship, she couldn't have known it would be the launchpad for her illustrious career in club management. Now, with years of experience under her belt, she joins us to share her extraordinary journey—it's a tale rich with the wisdom of mentorship, the juggling act of work-life balance, and the strategic finesse required to lead not just one, but two vibrant club chapters. Kathy's candid narrative offers a roadmap for navigati...
March 24, 2024
335: From Ledgers to Leadership: Breaking Barriers in The Club World with Grit and Grace w/ Nardimar Koch
Join us as Nardimar Koch, GM of Glen Oak Country Club, shares her inspiring journey from the Puerto Rican mountains to the heights of finance and club management in Northeastern Pennsylvania. From Glenmaura, Ohoopee Match Club, to now Glen Oak Country Club. Discover how mentorship, resilience, and embracing her cultural identity played pivotal roles in her ascent. Get an insider's look into the exclusive world of private clubs and the challenges of leading with integrity and innovation in a trad...
March 22, 2024
334: CMAA 2024 World Conference Recap & Review
Join me for a personal recap of the CMAA World Conference in Vegas! T hrough my eyes, explore the essential takeaways on hospitality, leadership, and the latest industry trends. I found this event to be a treasure trove of learning and networking opportunities. It's not just about the sessions; it's about the personal connections and insights that can shape our careers. Let me guide you through my experiences, highlighting the moments and knowledge that stood out. Follow us on the socials Priv...
March 18, 2024
333: Serving Success in Tennis Leadership w/ Ed Shanaphy
This epiosde Ed Shanaphy from Beyond the Baselines Consulting and Management Group, dives into the tennis club outsourcing world. We're going to talk about how hiring experts can make clubs run better and give members a great time. Ed, who has worked in New York and Europe, will share his thoughts on managing clubs differently in these places. In this episode, we explore how private clubs in the US and UK balance old traditions and new ideas. We'll discuss how American clubs are doing great by ...
March 10, 2024
332: The Unwritten Melody of Club Culture w/ Ira Berkowitz
From strumming the sax to steering a country club, my guest Ira Berkowitz plays the melody of an unconventional career shift that'll tune your interest to the harmonies of club management. Together, we chat through the corridors of Springford Country Club, bouncing from laughter to lessons learned, revealing an industry that harmonizes tradition with innovation. Our conversation waltzes through the evolving fairways of golf club culture, where the character of clubs like Meadowlands and Springf...
March 6, 2024
331: Joe Trauger NCA Update March 2024
Unlock the secrets behind the private club industry's immense contribution to economic vitality as I, Denny Corby, host an intriguing session with Joe Trauger, the mastermind at the helm of the NCA. Together, we'll venture through the findings of a pivotal economic impact study that casts a spotlight on how golf, city, yacht, athletic, and military clubs are not merely leisure spots but significant players in bolstering local economies. Expect to gain unique insights from industry heavyweight...
March 4, 2024
330: Educating & Entertaining w/ NCA's John Good
Ever had the pleasure of attending an event that felt like it was curated just for you? Join us as we sit down with John C. Good, the brain behind the National Club Association's (NCA) bespoke events and member engagement. John opens up about the upcoming NCA conference, which is set to redefine networking for private club leaders through intimate, meaningful interactions. The discussion traverses his intriguing history in music management and how those rhythms play into crafting community-focus...
Feb. 28, 2024
329: Board Chats: The Business of Bunkers w/ Chris Coen, Glen Oaks Country Club
In this episode, of Board Chats, presented by our friends Concert Golf Partners. We dive into the world of golf management with insights from Chris Cohen, Director of Agronomy at Glen Oaks Country Club. We explore the staffing challenges unique to the golf industry and share effective strategies for attracting and retaining dedicated employees. Highlighting the positive impact of ownership changes, we discuss how Concert Golf Partners supports career development across its network of clubs. List...
Feb. 26, 2024
328: Heroes, Biographies, and the Irish Experience w/ John McCormack CCM
This episode brings us right into the heart of club life, from an eye-opening encounter with a mafia incident to the magic of transforming club events with humor and illusion. We're joined by industry expert John McCormack, CCM from Club Benchmarking EMEA, who sheds light on how the best clubs innovate while honoring their traditions and fostering a sense of belonging among members. Dive into stories of serendipity and inspiration, from a life-changing job offer in the Caribbean to the insights...
Feb. 19, 2024
327: A Story of Service, Strategy, & Success w/ Randy St. John CCM, CCE
Catch our talk with Randy St John, GM/COO of the Tuxedo Club, as he shares insights from his journey in hospitality, from nearly selling cars to leading one of the top clubs. He highlights the importance of treating staff well and how it boosts member satisfaction. We'll cover: Tackling the pandemic at the Tuxedo Club, including creative solutions like a youth camp and expanding racquet sports. Balancing the club's history with modern updates, like adding electric car chargers. Leadership str...
Feb. 14, 2024
326: Board Chats - Crafting The Perfect Survey w/ Gary Eversole
In this episode of Board Chats, brought to us by our friends Concert Golf Partners. Join us as we talk with Gary Eversole, a pro in club management with 30 years of experience, about making your club the best place for members. Gary shares how important it is to listen to what members say through surveys, especially when clubs are trying to keep up with changes in what people want and need. Learn about the big role member feedback plays in making a club successful. Gary tells us with real stor...
Feb. 12, 2024
325: Mentorship, Resilience, and Purpose - Digging in w/ Passion Graham, CCM
Imagine starting your career at McDonald's and ending up as the Director of Clubhouse Operations at the prestigious Governors Club. That's the journey Passion Graham, CCM, takes us on, revealing the layers of mentorship, resilience, and the vibrant dance of balancing innovation with tradition. Passion's own ascent underscores the undeniable impact of nurturing guidance and ambition, as we unravel her electrifying narrative and uncover the profound influence a mentor can have on one's professi...
Feb. 5, 2024
324: From Serving Aces to Serving Guests in Puerto Rico w/ Juancarlo Vasquez
A psychology graduate who volleyed his way into the realm of five-star service, he shares his personal narrative of ascension from a tennis pro in DC Maryland to the prestigious role of Director of Operations at the Vanderbilt, a historic Caribbean gem. His tale brims with anecdotes on managing the delicate dance of guest contentment, the intricacies of overseeing a property with multiple dining options, and the adrenaline rush of opening a hotel. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio In...
Jan. 29, 2024
323: Swinging Through The PGA Show 2024
Step behind the velvet rope with me, Denny Corby, and the Club Grub app's Spencer Potter, as we take you through the electric avenues of the PGA show. It's the insider's guide to navigating the hustle and bustle of one of golf's biggest events, and we're spilling the beans on everything from the standout booths to the genius of Tee Commerce's LinkedIn play. And if you're curious about the practical magic of Demo Day, we've got the scoop on swinging the latest clubs and gadgets that have...
Jan. 21, 2024
322: Shaping the Future of Women's Golf Equipment w/ Katie Calderon
We delve into the journey of Katie Calderon, from her early days as a golf-loving child to her successful career as a women's golf club designing expert. Raised with a love for golf, Katie's passion transformed over the years, evolving from a hobby into a successful career in golf club design. We'll be discussing her education in detail, from her schooling where she honed her skills in product design to her later years where she focused on the niche of golf club design. Katie is a testament to...
Jan. 14, 2024
321: Teeing Up Workforce Compliance for Club Operators
Ever wondered how to navigate the maze of employee vs. independent contractor classification at your club? Our latest episode is your golden ticket to understanding the Department of Labor's recent revival of the economic realities test. Host Denny Corby breaks down the six key questions that could reshape your club's workforce, affecting everything from payroll to perks. This isn't just legalese—it's a critical pivot point for club management and the staff that keeps your greens pristine and yo...
Jan. 13, 2024
320: A Year in Review - 1 Year of Hosting Private Club Radio
Reflecting on a year filled with invaluable lessons and enriching connections, it's clear to me that the essence of the private club industry is its warm community spirit. As I've navigated my journey as the host of Private Club Radio, I've had the privilege of engaging with the brightest minds in club hospitality and management. This episode is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the incredible individuals I've met along the way, from professionals to members who embody the welcoming natu...
Jan. 12, 2024
319: Harmony in the Hustle w/ Bria Argrett, CCM
Walking down memory lane has never been as insightful as it was with Bria, the club professional powerhouse from Statesville Country Club, who joined me for a heartfelt conversation on Private Club Radio. We reminisced about our first encounter and marveled at her journey to achieving her Certified Club Manager designation. It's not every day you meet someone who can eloquently navigate the balance between a demanding career and a fulfilling family life, all while dedicating themselves to the pu...
Jan. 11, 2024
318: Mentoring Tomorrow's Hospitality Leaders w/ Jeff Isbell & Matthew Samel
Ever wondered how a finely tailored suit can transform not just your look, but your entire career trajectory? Join us as Matthew Sammel and Jeff Isbell join me, Denny Corby, to unravel the fabric of the club industry, discussing everything from the confidence boost of professional attire to the ripple effect of mentorship on careers. We take a deep dive into the complexities of private clubs, where evolving dress codes and storytelling become tools not just for setting the table but for setting ...
Jan. 10, 2024
317: Elevating Health and Community in Private Athletic Clubs w/ Rob Barr & Aaron James
Embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of private athletic clubs with me, Denny Corby, and my esteemed guests Aaron James and Rob Barr. Discover how the Detroit Athletic Club is revolutionizing the fitness experience with AI-powered machines and why creating spaces that foster social connections can be a game-changer for member retention. From the substantial investments in club renovations to the integration of state-of-the-art technology, this episode is a deep dive into the strate...
Jan. 9, 2024
316: Authentically You - Personally & Professionally w/ Shanna Bright
When authenticity in storytelling intertwines with the vibrant pulse of the club industry, something magical happens. Shana Bright from Private Clubs Online joins me for a heart-to-heart on just that—how genuine narratives shape membership experiences and the secrets behind engaging content. Our conversation, filled with laughter and revelations, journeys into the South Park studios for a slice of creative genius and back out to the club world, where we're prepping for 2024 with tools that promi...
Jan. 8, 2024
315: Board Chats - A Balancing Act of Priorities w/ Mac Niven
Ever wondered what it takes to keep the elite world of private clubs spinning? Step into the fascinating sphere of club management with our special guest, master club professional McDonald (Mac) Niven . We navigate the hidden complexities behind the scenes. Armed with anecdotes and insights, Mac unveils the challenges of a job where relationship-building eclipses all and how the bond between General Managers and club directors can mean the difference between a fleeting presence and a lasting leg...