In this episode, we sit down with LuAnn Giovannelli CCM CAM, CMAA Fellow & GM/COO Bay Colony Community Association.  a trailblazer in the private club industry and one of the first female General Managers in the country.  With over 30 years of experience, LuAnn reflects on her rise in a male-dominated field, sharing how she broke barriers while staying true to herself. Her guiding principle? “There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.” This mantra has not only shaped her leadership style but has also helped her mentor young professionals in the club industry. You will learn abou ..read more

Ready to elevate your club’s next tennis retreat to the next level? Expert Scott Colebourne from Tennis Resorts Online joins us to share his wealth of knowledge on crafting the ultimate tennis getaway for your members. With over 25,000 user reviews backing his expertise, Scott provides practical, actionable advice on selecting top-rated tennis resorts and tailoring experiences to fit the unique needs of your club. Discover his four essential tips that can help you curate an unforgettable tennis vacation that will leave your members raving. We’re diving deep into the essentials of customizing ..read more

How important is club culture and social interaction to private club members today? Join us on the Private Club Radio Show as we sit down with Eric Bray from GGA Partners to uncover the findings of an extensive study on member perspectives and preferences. We reveal how younger members' emotional bond with their clubs often outweighs considerations of cost, and why amenities and top-notch service levels are more critical than ever. Discover how the integration of technology is helping clubs strike the perfect balance between high-touch personal interactions and high-tech convenience.  In ..read more

What can the Country Club of Detroit's historical journey teach us about blending tradition with modernity? Join us as we sit down with Craig Cutler, the club's General Manager, to uncover the club's fascinating transformation from its 1897 inception to its recent renovations. Craig offers a captivating look at how the club has managed to preserve its rich heritage while integrating contemporary amenities, ensuring a balanced experience for both long-time members and newcomers. His insights into fostering strong relationships within the club make this episode a must-listen for anyone intereste ..read more

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 ..read more

Food and beverage success insights from Nicholas Gora, General Manager of Indian Hills Country Club in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  Join us as we dive into Nicholas's journey of overcoming the challenge of finding the right chef, a quest that saw him navigating through four chefs in six years. Discover how the perfect culinary leader led to a remarkable 40% increase in business, all through a blend of culinary prowess and the ability to connect with club members while understanding the business side of operations. Get ready to learn about the essential qualities that make a chef indispensable in ..read more

Meet Audra Lucas, the general manager of Shelter Harbor Golf Club, whose unique career was inspired by her grandfather, a long-standing PGA member. Audra shares her compelling journey, from her initial passion for baking to becoming a key leader in the private club industry. She delves into her leadership style, influenced by her family's legacy, emphasizing coaching, mentoring, and creating a performance-driven culture. Audra's experiences offer invaluable insights for anyone interested in the intricacies of private club management, employment culture, and capital improvement trends. Learn h ..read more

Ever think 80s pop culture could level up your club? We’re diving into it with Chris Clews.  From leadership to member engagement, Chris shows how iconic 80s elements can inject fresh energy into your club, making it more vibrant and successful. Get ready to see how characters like Spicoli from Fast Times and Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything can inspire a more fun, inclusive atmosphere at your club. It’s all about turning everyday interactions into unforgettable moments. And when things get tough? We’re taking a page from John Bender’s playbook in The Breakfast Club to tackle stress ..read more

Join us as Anthony Billwin, a seasoned hospitality professional, shares his compelling journey from managing prestigious hotels and country clubs, to becoming an innovator at von Stiehl Winery in Wisconsin. Anthony navigates us through his career shift just before the COVID-19 pandemic and the transformative developments at the winery, including the introduction of a distillery and a cidery, reflecting his unyielding passion for quality and creativity in the wine and spirits industry. In this episode, we uncover the impressive evolution of von Stiehl, spotlighting its shift from sweet wines t ..read more

In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Miller, PGA, CCM, General Manager at Sonnenalp Club, who takes us on a journey through his remarkable career in the private golf and country club industry. From his early days as a back waiter to his current role as a leading club manager, Jim’s story is a testament to the power of varied experiences and the invaluable role of mentorship. His unique career path, which includes roles as a line cook and head golf professional, has equipped him with a diverse skill set that’s crucial for maintaining smooth operations and fostering effective communication acros ..read more