Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Private Club Radio Show

Knowing a member’s drink order is easy. Knowing what they care about, what excites them, and what is happening in their life is what creates a private club experience people never want to leave.

In this solo episode Denny Corby shares a simple member engagement challenge for private club leaders and country club teams: get curious. Learn one new, real thing about the members you serve, then use what you discover to create better conversations, more personal hospitality, and a stronger sense of belonging.

We dive into what genuine curiosity looks like throughout the club, from the dining room and bag room to the first tee. He shares practical ways to help staff learn more about members without making conversations feel awkward, scripted, or like an interrogation.

You will also hear how curiosity can help clubs connect members through shared hobbies, hometowns, professions, charitable interests, and life experiences. These thoughtful introductions can turn a club from a place with great amenities into a genuine community.

The episode also covers how private clubs can capture useful member details in a CRM, create meaningful callbacks, and turn small moments of attention into memorable member experiences.

For club managers, department heads, and hospitality professionals looking to improve member engagement, club culture, staff training, and retention, this episode offers a challenge your entire team can begin using today.

Because the strongest clubs are not always the fanciest. They are the ones where people feel seen, remembered, and connected.

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One nasty DM can feel like a private moment. Until it follows you back into real life.

A viral TikTok sparked this conversation after a creator identified the person behind an abusive message, connected him to his employer and private country club, and contacted both. Suddenly, one person’s online behavior became part of a much larger conversation about reputation, responsibility, and club culture.

Denny sits down with Paul Dank of Kennis MemberVetting to explore what someone’s digital footprint can reveal during the membership process. It is not only what applicants post themselves. Tags, archived pages, comments, reposts, and content shared by other people can create a much bigger picture.

They also discuss how long online information can survive, the rise of “ghost” records, the impact of AI, and whether traditional membership processes are still enough for the world clubs operate in today.

This is not about policing opinions or judging someone based on one bad moment. It is about giving club leaders better information so they can make more informed decisions about character, risk, and cultural fit

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Conflicting leadership advice can make even great private club managers second-guess themselves.

One person says the general manager should always be visible and on the floor. Another says the GM should build a strong team, empower people, and get out of the way.

The truth is, both can be right.

In this episode, Denny explores a better question for private club leaders. Not, “What is the right way to lead?” but, “What is the best way to lead here?”

At this club. With these members. This board. This team. At this particular moment in the club’s history.

A private club going through major change may need a visible, energetic leader who communicates constantly and pushes progress forward. A stable club with an experienced team may need someone who creates clarity, builds trust, and then steps aside.

Same title. Different job.

Denny also digs into what leadership fit really means, why some people interview as the leader they think a club wants instead of the leader they actually are, and what happens when the interviews end and the real pressure begins.

You’ll hear why adaptability does not mean pretending, how difficult boards and divided teams can sharpen your judgment, and why being a strong leader does not mean you are the right leader for every club.

Whether you lead a country club, golf club, yacht club, or another member-owned organization, this episode will help you think differently about leadership style, club culture, career fit, and what your club truly needs from you right now.

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Japan is not just a destination. It is a lesson in how much care can be placed into even the smallest details.

After separate trips to Japan, Denny brings together Joe Smith, General Manager of Countryside Golf and Country Club in Naples, and Matthew Gilbert, Executive Chef at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago.

They did not travel together, and they went for very different reasons, but they both came home with a similar appreciation for the culture, the people, the food, the craftsmanship, and a style of hospitality that seems to anticipate what you need before you ever have to ask.

The conversation goes well beyond travel stories.

Joe and Matthew explore Kaizen and why small, consistent improvement can be more powerful than chasing giant motivational breakthroughs. They discuss the patience behind real mastery, and how ideas like Kintsugi and Wabi Sabi can change the way leaders view mistakes, difficult nights, and the beauty of imperfect human service.

They also dig into Kikubari, the practice of thoughtful, anticipatory care, and the idea that leaders are handing out energy all day, whether they realize it or not.

From hiring for culture and protecting teams from energy vampires, to creating meaningful member experiences and leading with greater awareness, this episode is filled with ideas club professionals can actually bring back to their teams.

It is a longer conversation, but it keeps going somewhere worthwhile.

Because the difference between good hospitality and great hospitality often lives in the little things most people never notice.

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A club can look perfect and still feel off. That’s the problem we tackle with one simple idea: the layers of ambiance. We’re not talking about a pretty lobby or an Instagram moment. We’re talking about how deep the experience really goes, from the driveway and parking lot to the bathrooms, locker rooms, signage, music, lighting, and the energy your team brings into every interaction.

We unpack why “premium” is a promise that starts the second a member arrives. That promise creates expectations before anyone says hello, and the expectation gap can show up in surprising ways: a lingering smell, a dingy entry, mismatched design cues, or a space that feels great up front but neglected in the corners. Ambiance is bigger than candles and playlists. It’s a full emotional environment built from sound, scent, temperature, cleanliness, pace, and flow. When those layers align, members feel comfort, trust, and belonging.

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Club leadership can feel like constant problem-solving, but what if the real work is learning how your mind and body react under pressure? Denny sits down with Crystal Thomas, a Master Club Manager and educator with a master’s degree in spiritual psychology, to unpack a grounded approach to staying calm, clear, and effective when members, boards, and staff hit your nervous system at full speed. Crystal explains spirituality as separate from religion and frames inner peace as our natural baseline, with daily disruptions revealing what we still need to heal, practice, and lead through.

We dig into Viktor Frankl’s idea that between what happens and what happens next sits a moment of choice, and Crystal lands one of the sharpest leadership lines you’ll hear: the issue is never the issue, it’s how we deal with the issue. From member complaints to staff conflict, we talk about separating operational systems from the human side of reaction, triggers, and limiting beliefs so you can respond with intention instead of reflex. You’ll also hear how questions about “highest potential” can reshape how you coach your team and how you see yourself as a leader.

Crystal shares real stories from the club world, including how she supported her chapter team through COVID by creating stability first, then building a stronger plan from that safe foundation. We also get practical on the difference between management and leadership, why culture forms whether you design it or not, and the hidden burnout trap of having responsibility without authority. If you want stronger club culture, better member experience, and steadier leadership presence, you’ll leave with tools you can use the next time a tough conversation walks into your office. Subscribe, share this with a fellow club leader, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re going to try this week.

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500 episodes doesn’t happen by accident, and it definitely doesn’t happen by playing it safe. For this milestone, we flip the format and let marketing powerhouse Jay Schwedelson (host of Do This Not That and author of Stupider People Have Done It) interview Denny Corby about the path from Scranton to performing at hundreds of private golf and country clubs, and why Private Club Radio became a home for club stories that usually stay behind the curtain.

We get into the unsexy truth behind a “fun” career: the follow-ups, the relationship-building, and the daily business habits that create bookings months later. Denny shares his approach to owning a room with a simple framework that applies to any club leader, speaker, or presenter: intention, surprise, and connection. The pre-show matters, whether you’re greeting members before a big event night or hopping on a Zoom early to make people feel seen.

Then we go where most people won’t: the bomb. Denny tells the fresh story of losing the room while giving a talk about control, complete with tech chaos, spilled water on note cards, anxiety spirals, and a full on-stage restart. The surprising takeaway isn’t embarrassment, it’s what happens next: deeper conversations, more honest leadership, and connection that polished perfection rarely earns.

We also talk pandemic pivots, virtual events for clubs, staying in your lane versus taking every gig, and why being content with the audience you serve can be the real definition of success. If you lead at a private club, plan member experiences, or care about club culture and communication, hit play and take notes. Subscribe, share this with a club pro who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest lesson from the episode.

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Your club can spend $10M, $15M, even $20M on a renovation and still leave members with a first impression that feels stuck in the early 2000s. That disconnect is exactly what we tackle with Sean Bleyl from MembersFirst. Sean’s a former club pro who now helps private golf and country clubs improve marketing, communications, and digital presence, and he brings a rare perspective that blends real operations experience with modern website and content strategy.

We talk about the timing trap clubs fall into: waiting until the end of a renovation to think about a website redesign, new photography, video, and the full communications plan. Sean breaks down why quality club web design is not a “build it in a day” project, how long it realistically takes when your team still has to run the club, and why photographers and content creators book out months in advance. We also get into what the best-run clubs do differently, including pulling marketing into renovation planning meetings early so member updates stay clear, consistent, and stress-reducing when parking lots change, routes shift, and timelines move.

The conversation expands into conferences and education, too. We share why the real magic is often in the hallways, buses, and quick chats between sessions, and how being present in the room makes connections easier and more authentic. Sean also shares a practical way to take notes with intention so you leave any CMAA event with a handful of ideas you will actually implement at your club.

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A cockroach in a hotel shower is not the opening scene I planned, but it turned into one of the clearest lessons I’ve ever learned about private club leadership. After flying in day-of to emcee the CMAA Golden State Chapter Spring Conference, I’m stressed, underprepared, and trying to keep my head on straight. Then the bathroom turns into enemy territory, and the story becomes the perfect reminder that real hospitality isn’t about looking polished. It’s about how the room feels when real life shows up.

From there, I unpack the simple framework I rely on when I’m hosting a conference, performing at a club, or helping leaders think about member experience and staff culture: intention, surprise, and connection. Intention is the deliberate design behind warmth, welcome, and participation. Surprise is the pattern-breaker that pulls people out of autopilot without needing a huge budget. Connection is the point of it all, because clubs are not just in golf, food, fitness, or events. We’re in the feeling business, and feelings are what members talk about and remember.

You’ll also hear my favorite “magic trick” of the week, and it wasn’t mine. It was a quiet, professional move that tightened the room, protected the energy, and improved the entire experience without drawing attention. If you lead a team, plan events, work with a board, or care about member engagement, this is a practical listen with a story you won’t forget. Subscribe, share this with a club leader who needs it, and leave a review with the quiet move you think matters most.

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Renovations can upgrade a golf course, but they can also wreck trust if you miss the human side. I sit down with my friend Brian Tulk, a former club caddie who worked his way up to General Manager, to talk about what it really takes to deliver major private club improvements while members still expect everything to feel effortless.

We get into the nuts and bolts of golf course renovation planning at a member-owned club: phased projects, a successful assessment vote, bunker work, irrigation uncertainty, and the constant pressure to protect weddings, dining, and day-to-day operations. Brian shares how the first domino drops in the boardroom, why committees can actually help when they are set up well, and how transparent member communication keeps expectations realistic without killing excitement.

Then we shift to one of the most overlooked engines of club culture: the caddie program. Brian explains what makes a great program work, how to earn real member buy-in, and why the Evans Scholars connection turns caddying into a pipeline for opportunity and leadership. We also look ahead at the future of private clubs, from legacy membership programs to robotic mowers and precision turf technology.

If you care about private club management, member experience, golf operations, and building a club culture that lasts, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a club leader, and leave a review with your biggest renovation or caddie-program question.

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Your club can feel lively before a member even pulls into the parking lot, but only if your communication actually sounds like your culture. We’re joined by Hannah White, Membership Experience and Communications Director at Sugar Creek Country Club, to talk about what it takes to create country club marketing and member communications that feel human, fun, and worth paying attention to.

Hannah shares her unexpected career pivot from pre-dental biology to event planning, member relations, and social media, including what it’s like to walk into a role with no training and limited funds. We dig into the “limitations force creativity” mindset, how she learned to price events and build basic P&Ls, and why earning trust lets you later say, “Hear me out,” when you want to level up an experience.

Then we get tactical: what makes a great event recap video, how to plan five must-have shots, why an intro clip matters, and how keeping edits to 60 to 90 seconds boosts watch time. Hannah swears you can do it with just your phone and CapCut, plus a smart archive of old footage for the weeks you need content fast. We also talk hospitality “niceys” like welcome drinks, finding ideas on TikTok, and using ChatGPT for brainstorming without losing your club’s voice.

If you care about member engagement, club culture, and modern private club communications, hit play, then subscribe, share with a club leader, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

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In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby welcomes back Joe Smith of Countryside Golf and Country Club for a conversation about creating exclusive member experiences through better communication.

Joe shares how Countryside has turned communication into part of the member experience, not just a way to send updates. From weekly videos and member stories to transparency, consistency, and better internal communication with employees, Joe explains how clubs can build trust, create anticipation, and help members feel more connected to the life of the club.

Denny and Joe also talk about hiring a communications director, handling member feedback, fighting the rumor mill, using video to tell the club’s story, and why the best communication is not just informative, it is engaging.

If your club is still relying on basic newsletters, scattered email blasts, and hoping members “just know” what is happening, this episode will make you rethink what communication can really do for member engagement, culture, and connection.

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The fastest way to make a member loyal isn’t a new simulator or a renovated clubhouse. It’s a moment where we prove we were paying attention. I learned that on stage as a magician through a tool called the “callback” a reference to something earlier that lands because it feels real, shared, and unscripted. 

We translate that idea into private club hospitality and country club member experience, where callbacks look like remembering a drink order, a kid’s tournament, a recent retirement, or even the hole that got away last weekend. We dig into the psychology behind it: people are always scanning for belonging, safety, and whether their presence registers. Then we connect it to the peak end rule from behavioral science, showing why members remember emotional peaks and strong endings far more than perfect consistency. 

From there, we get practical about club operations and leadership. We talk about building continuity across departments so golf, dining, events, and membership feel like one ongoing story, not a reset every time a member changes rooms. We also make the case that scripted warmth fails because members can feel “performance” instantly. The real play is hiring and modelling genuine curiosity, supporting it with simple systems like pre-shift relational notes and shared milestone awareness. If this sparks ideas, subscribe, share with a club leader, and leave a review so more teams can build the kind of culture members feel within 30 seconds.

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A chef can nail a service and still lose the month on payroll, ordering, and waste. That’s the gap we get into with Chef Eduardo Castillo, whose career took him from a marketing role at Texaco in Venezuela to building high-performing culinary teams inside private golf and country clubs in the United States.

We walk through Eduardo’s path into the club world, the mentors who challenged him with tough budget questions, and the real mechanics behind kitchen leadership: payroll control, sales mix, food cost, inventory management, and the small habits that quietly wreck a labor budget. Eduardo also shares why formal education is powerful but often out of reach for sous chefs, and how he’s created creative development opportunities by sending team members to learn inside other top clubs.

The conversation leads to Eduardo’s Sous Chef Summit at San Antonio Country Club, a hands-on training experience built for working sous chefs and emerging leaders. He breaks down what attendees will practice, from protein breakdown and menu costing to ordering math for large events, backup plans when demand swings, HR documentation, and leadership coaching that helps chefs get more done through people without burning out.

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Member vetting is not just a background check.

It is governance.
It is culture protection.
It is risk management.

In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, Dan Klimek of Kennis Member Vetting returns to talk about what private clubs should be thinking about in 2026 when it comes to their membership vetting procedures, systems, and overall approval process. Because clubs can’t afford to rely on vibes, handshakes, referral letters, and the classic “he seems like a good guy” strategy anymore. That is how things get… spicy. And not the fun kind. 

Dan breaks down why modern member vetting should be treated as a complete process, not just a quick background check. That means reviewing membership applications, tightening up language, involving legal and board leadership when needed, and making sure every applicant goes through the same consistent process.

The conversation also digs into why spouses matter, why waitlists should not be ignored, and why some of the most useful information is not always criminal. HOA complaints, neighbor disputes, police calls, lawsuits, online reviews, and other patterns of behavior can reveal a lot about whether someone is going to be a great fit for the club community.

But this episode is not just about finding red flags. Dan also explains how good vetting can uncover the green flags — the quiet philanthropists, community leaders, generous families, and future members who may be even better than they look on paper.

For general managers, membership directors, boards, and membership committees, this episode is a timely reminder that protecting club culture starts long before someone gets approved, gets a locker, and starts leaving one-star reviews about the soup.

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What would an entertainer who's performed at 400+ private clubs actually do if he became a GM? In this episode, Denny Corby breaks down the five things he'd tackle in his first 30 days as new club leadership — no management degree, no BMI, just a raw outside perspective built from years on stage inside these clubs.

From a full top-to-bottom cleanliness overhaul to getting a real pulse on disengaged members, Denny covers what he'd prioritize, why, and how his unique background shapes every call. He also gets into staff culture in member spaces, rethinking your events calendar, and the one unconventional move that gets a new leader genuinely connected to their membership fast.

If you're a GM, department head, or aspiring club leader, this one's worth a listen — even if you disagree with everything he says.

Topics covered: new GM strategy, member engagement, club culture, private club leadership, onboarding, event programming, staff management

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Your first year as a country club GM can feel like you’re flying the plane while rebuilding the runway. I’m joined by Jordan Mezzerole, General Manager of Doylestown Country Club, for a candid year-in-review that starts with an unconventional career path and ends with the kind of real-world leadership moments you never forget.

Jordan didn’t come up through a traditional hospitality track. He moves from journalism and TV into marketing communications, then lands in private club management as a membership and marketing director. We talk about the choices that turned that “side quest” into a serious GM runway.  Finding mentors, getting involved with the board, learning club governance, and saying yes to the hard work that builds trust over time.

We also dig into the tactical stuff that helps clubs thrive. Jordan shares how an $11 million renovation becomes a leadership accelerator, why clear member communication matters during construction, and how his weekly Hard Hat Minute videos improve transparency and member engagement. From there, we get into operations, including stepping up to run pool season to sharpen food and beverage management skills.

Then it gets real: emergency calls, AED readiness, safety training, and three pipe bursts in six weeks. Jordan breaks down what surprised him most about the GM role, how coaching becomes a daily requirement, and why prioritising a few critical systems beats trying to prove everything in the first six months. If you care about private club leadership, member experience, and what the GM job actually demands, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a club leader, and leave a review with the biggest lesson you’re taking from Jordan’s story.

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You can love private club work and still be running on fumes. I’m sharing a straightforward reminder for golf and country club professionals: reward the effort, protect your energy, and make time to be fully present somewhere outside the club. 

We talk about what real recovery looks like for hospitality leaders and club managers, especially after holiday stretches and nonstop seasons. Sometimes that means friends and family. Sometimes it means doing something solo. The goal is the same: pick activities that bring you joy, spark creativity, and get your brain out of the constant loop of payroll, debriefs, and member issues. I also dig into why certain hobbies and endurance-style challenges work so well because they demand total focus, the kind that quiets everything else and leaves you feeling reset. 

Then I share a “treat yourself” option that blends adrenaline with professional development: 

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If you've worked in private clubs long enough, you know this moment. The RSVPs slow down, the numbers look lighter than you hoped, and suddenly the question on the table is: do we pull it or push through?

In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby shares a real situation — a club, a soft turnout, and a decision that reveals something most club leaders never talk about out loud. Because when a club keeps canceling events due to low attendance, they think they're protecting the budget. What they're actually doing is training their members not to show up.

30 people is not a failure. 30 people laughing, having dinner, leaving saying "that was amazing" — that matters. That's belonging. And belonging doesn't only get built in packed rooms.

Denny breaks down why low turnout is rarely the real problem, what canceling events is quietly teaching your membership, why the worst thing you can do for turnout is cancel because of turnout, and what it actually means to show up for the members who said yes.

If you've ever stared down a soft RSVP list and wondered what the right call is — this one's for you.

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Mini golf is not just windmills, clown heads, and beach town nostalgia.

In this episode, Denny talks with Katie and Sal Conaboy of Harris Golf about how modern mini golf can become a real amenity for clubs, resorts, and golf properties. They get into how premium custom courses can create more family engagement, give clubs fresh programming ideas, and turn underused space into something fun, beautiful, and genuinely useful.

They also talk about why clubs need to get more creative, how mini golf can work for camps, family nights, tournaments, and events, and why putting style courses are becoming part of the conversation too. Plus, Katie and Sal share what stood out from the PGA Show and what they are seeing as golf properties continue to evolve.

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In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby breaks down why anticipation, excitement, and staff energy play such a huge role in the private club member experience.

After performing back to back shows at clubs across the country, Denny shares what he sees again and again, the clubs with the best events do not just put something on the calendar. They create emotional momentum around it. From the front desk to the bar staff to department heads and club leadership, when the team is genuinely excited, members feel it.

This episode explores how great club managers and club professionals build buzz before an event, why personal invites and internal promotion matter, how staff buy in impacts turnout and engagement, and why fun is not fluff, it is a strategic part of club culture. Denny also shares practical ways private clubs can improve event promotion, member engagement, club energy, and overall experience without needing a massive budget.

If you want better events, stronger club culture, and members who feel more connected to your club, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Private Club Radio, we shares a man on the street montage from conference, where we asked club pros and club leaders one question, what is the hardest part about your job that nobody sees.

You will hear real answers about the invisible load behind private golf and country clubs, emotional labor, constant feedback from members, time management, staffing challenges, curveballs that test leadership, and the pressure to keep the club experience smooth on the surface.

This episode is for general managers, department heads, golf professionals, and anyone in club management or hospitality leadership who wants an honest look at what great teams carry quietly, and how to lead with consistency, empathy, and culture, without burning out.

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We recap the 2026 CMAA World Conference in Anaheim through the lens of this year’s theme, Plant Seeds for Success.

After tons of conversations and quick expo hall interviews, one idea kept repeating, connection, but the real difference maker is connecting people, not just meeting them.

This quick episode is a practical follow up kick in the pants for club leaders and vendors, with a simple challenge to turn conference energy into real momentum back at your club in the next 24, 48, 72 hours.

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CMAA World Conference is the Olympics of human behavior, the lobby is a safari, the bar is a documentary, and the expo hall is a very polite casino. In this quick Private Club Radio episode, Denny Corby shares simple, real world body language tips to help club professionals read people and read the room fast, so you can join the right conversations, help your friends join the right conversations, and escape the long ones without faking a phone call. You will learn how to gauge the vibe and energy before approaching a group, why feet and hips reveal engagement and exit signals, how to use eye contact and micro cues to know when it’s a good time to enter, and the classic tell, “when the lips disappear, trouble may be near,” plus how to pivot the conversation to avoid the pothole. Denny also shares why your circle matters, and how to use these skills to help friends who are stuck or trying to dip out. Bonus, visit Denny at Club Data Services Booth 403 on Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM to noon to answer “5 Questions in 60 Seconds” for Private Club Radio content and get entered to win a pair of Ray Ban Meta glasses that Denny is giving away personally.

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CMAA World Conference is like the Super Bowl for club professionals, positions get earned and lost, deals get made and quietly die, and reputations get built in hallways and at dinner, not just in ballrooms. In this quick episode, We share four simple goal buckets to help you stop gliding through conference and start coming home with real, tangible wins you can use right away. You will learn how to set friend goals, professional friend goals, club goals, and vendor and expo goals, plus smart questions to ask, how to take notes in the moment, and why one hallway conversation can save months of trial and error.

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Booking entertainment for a private club should not feel like a gamble.

In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby breaks down the exact questions club leaders should ask before booking a band, DJ, comedian, magician, speaker, or specialty act, so your club events run smoothly, match the membership vibe, and feel worth the spend. You’ll learn how to vet for fit and professionalism, not just talent, how to build a clean run of show around food service and energy flow, and what to confirm ahead of time for sound, setup, stage, timing, and room logistics.

Denny also covers content boundaries, handling hecklers, what to ask for in references and video clips, and the must know basics around contracts, cancellations, insurance, and safety. The goal is simple, fewer surprises, less stress, and more events your members rave about.

Want help dialing in your entertainment plan, or need a trusted recommendation? Connect with Denny Corby, the club entertainment expert who has performed for 350 plus private clubs, at dennycorby.com or on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny sits down with Jeff Thomas from Corning Country Club to talk growth, culture, and what it really takes to move a club forward in a smaller market. Jeff shares the wild moment that kicked off his tenure, yes, a major flood on day one, then breaks down how he aligned departments, rebuilt momentum, and brought in 100 members in 100 days.

They also get into Corning’s master planning journey, including how member surveying shaped the priorities (casual dining and patio, a resort style pool, and year round activities like simulators), what it looks like to keep the board, members, and staff aligned, and why starting with the pool became the smart first move. Jeff explains how Corning partners with the local community through charities, schools, and tournaments, plus the little details that helped revive an 85 year old invitational into a sellout event with a waitlist.

Finally, Jeff opens up about working with a coach, what that accountability looks like, and how it’s strengthened his leadership, confidence, and boardroom approach.

Topics include private club leadership, membership growth, master planning, capital planning, board alignment, member onboarding, club culture, staff retention, community partnerships, and leadership coaching.

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In this solo episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby shares a personal list of books that changed how he shows up as a leader and decision maker, with practical takeaways for private club professionals who want to lead better, communicate better, and stay sharp under pressure. Denny breaks down lessons on creating access when the standard route is blocked, pushing through resistance, recognizing how leadership issues become behavioral as you rise, protecting your edge, focusing on effort as the one controllable lever, and staying open when life gets unpredictable. Books covered include The Third Door, The War of Art, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, How to Win at the Sport of Business, The Surrender Experiment, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go.

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In this episode of Private Club Radio, we're joined by John Good and Joe Trauger from the National Club Association to preview the 2026 National Club Conference at Ocean Reef Club in Florida, happening April 19 through 21.

We get into what makes this conference different, why it’s designed for both club leadership and boards, and how NCA is building a shared learning experience around their core pillars, governance, insight, and advocacy.

We also talk speaker highlights including Steve Sands (Golf Channel and NBC Sports), economist Chad Moutray from the National Restaurant Association,  and Dr. Jessica Kriegel on culture and workforce trends.

Plus, the fun stuff, the Excellence in Club Management Awards dinner and gala, networking events, a chairs reception at Key Largo Anglers Club, and yes, a rum tasting that somehow became educational (do not ask questions you are not prepared to enjoy the answer to 😉).

Registration details, the conference site is nationalclubconference.org, and presale pricing runs through February 16. Non members can attend, members get discounted rates.

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To kick off 2026, Denny’s handing you a power list — the must-have relationships every club pro should be building now. Not just your board, not your team — we’re talking about your go-to people behind the scenes: your construction guy, your media contact, your legal lifeline, your “am I crazy or is this nuts?” text thread crew.

These aren’t vendors. They’re not consultants. They’re your professional brain trust — people you can count on for honest advice, better decision-making, and fewer messes down the line. From real estate to marketing to first responders, this episode is your relationship checklist (without feeling like homework).

Whether you’re a GM, AGM, event lead, or just someone who wants to grow in this business — this is your guide to leveling up in 2026.

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This isn't just a recap — it's a rapid-fire rewind of some of the biggest club leadership takeaways, off-the-wall moments, and most replayed quotes from the Private Club Radio Show in 2025.

Denny Corby brings you back through ten standout clips featuring conversations with private club professionals, GMs, consultants, and leaders who dropped gold on everything from imposter syndrome to budgeting red flags to branding with bourbon.

You’ll hear about:
 • Why ghost members and shady data could put your club at risk
 • What bourbon barrels and club culture have in common
 • How to build a personal brand (and an exit plan) before you need it
 • The balance between tradition and change in member expectations
 • How hospitality and aging intersect in a meaningful way
 • Marketing wins that started with golf carts in lakes
 • And financial blind spots every GM should avoid

Featuring clips from:
 Kaitlyn Allen, Kent Johnson, Dan Klimek, David Sweet, Jeff Wilson, Kevin Rice, Samantha Sheffield, Desi Speh, Ionel Porumb, and Ed Chapman.

Whether you're a GM, department head, or just love the behind-the-scenes stories that make this industry tick, this one’s packed with moments you’ll want to rewind.

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In this quick solo episode, Denny Corby shares his not-so-secret secret weapon: Schedule Send (or Send Later for iPhone users). It’s one of the most underrated tools in your personal and professional communication toolbox.

Whether you’re checking in with a member, sending birthday wishes, or following up like a boss — this feature lets you send emails or texts exactly when they need to land, without relying on your memory or mood. It's not just a productivity hack — it's a trust-builder and relationship-booster, especially in the club world.

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Want to get your club featured on the local news? Start here.

In this episode, Denny sits down with media pro and strategic communication consultant Julie Kraft, who spent two decades helping TV stations, newsrooms, and networks craft messages that connect. She now coaches leaders, brands, and businesses on how to tell their stories — and how to own the moment when the camera starts rolling.

Whether you’re a GM, a club marketer, a chef, or just someone with a story to share, Julie breaks down how clubs can:

• Pitch stories that get picked up by the media
• Look and sound confident during TV interviews
• Avoid the common mistakes clubs make on air
• Use local coverage to drive visibility, engagement, and excitement

If your club is doing something amazing — don’t keep it a secret. Learn how to land your segment, tell a better story, and turn 3 minutes of airtime into serious member buzz

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Holiday season at the club means packed banquet sheets, nonstop member events, and inboxes that will not quit, so let us turn that boring out of office reply into a tiny hospitality win. In this episode, I walk you through a simple way to turn your autoresponder from a dead end into a warm, useful touchpoint that actually drives engagement. You will hear a real world example from my buddy and fellow club pro, Sean Bleyl, whose OOO emails use playful subject lines, personal details, and smart links to feel human and helpful.

We talk through easy plug and play ideas for every role at the club. Chefs can drop a seasonal recipe or tease the New Years Eve menu, golf pros can link a winter warm up or holiday scramble registration, and events teams can push a wine dinner or family night with direct RSVP links. Underneath it all is a simple idea, hospitality lives in the little moments. Update that one tiny setting in your inbox and you will set better expectations, get more smiles, and quietly nudge members toward the next best thing at your club.

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Curtis Garner is running a 27 million dollar renovation at Shoal Creek,
 working out of a cottage office while the clubhouse comes down around him,
 and still finding ways to keep members happy and staff engaged.

In this episode, Curtis, Assistant GM and Director of Operations at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, walks through his path from mechanical engineering student, to hotel bar manager, to cross country move to Idaho, to coming home to Alabama in a senior leadership role.

We talk about what it is really like to lead a full property renovation while staying visible and calm, why clubs are a better long game than hotels if you want a life outside work, and how smaller teams can actually accelerate your growth if you are willing to wear a lot of hats.

Curtis also shares his work rebuilding the Alabama CMAA chapter and launching student chapters at schools like North Alabama and Auburn, plus his take on why private clubs are a perfect fit for curious, high energy, slightly shiny object brains.

If you are in the middle of a project, questioning your next career move, or trying to rebuild community in your chapter, this one will hit home.

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What if the most impactful thing your club could do this season… didn’t cost a dime?

In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, host Denny Corby shares two powerful — and surprisingly simple — ways club leaders can make meaningful connections with members during the holidays.

It’s not about big budgets or fancy activations. It’s about human moments. Gratitude. Intentional outreach. And yes — asking your staff to take the photo.

Inside, you’ll hear:

• Why Thanksgiving is the perfect time to re-engage quiet or “missing” members
• A small hospitality habit that creates big emotional ROI
• “Miss You Week” — a low-effort, high-impact campaign you can run right now
• How dessert and check-in calls could turn into your club’s most-loved traditions
• Why member memories matter more than your club newsletter ever will

Whether you're a GM, department head, or hospitality pro, this episode is a warm reminder that the smallest gestures often go the furthest — especially when paired with purpose.

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Ever wondered what it’s like to run a private club inside one of the most iconic hospitality brands in the world?

In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, we go behind the scenes with Kevin O’Brien, General Manager of Hershey Country Club, to explore what it takes to lead a club that sits at the intersection of tradition, luxury, and the sweetest brand in America.

With over 13 years at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Kevin brings a rare perspective on:

• Leading a private club within a corporate hospitality structure
• Building a culture of internal growth and leadership development
• Balancing guest experience across resort and member expectations
• Managing multiple outlets, teams, and operations under one vision
• What makes the Hershey model unique — and what other clubs can learn from it

From food and beverage to full club operations, Kevin’s journey is a masterclass in consistency, adaptability, and sweet leadership. 

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She started as a server. Now she’s the General Manager.

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Felegy, CCM, General Manager of Lehigh Country Club, to explore what it really takes to build a club career from the ground up.

Over her 25+ years in private clubs, Jen has done it all — membership, HR, events, operations, even teaching hospitality students. Her story is one of grit, loyalty, and long-game leadership.

We talk about:

• What it’s like to rise through the ranks at the same club
• How to lead a team that’s watched you grow up
• Building culture, retaining staff, and adapting to change post-COVID
• What young professionals and future GMs really need to hear
• And the leadership lessons you won’t find in a textbook

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This episode is a beginner friendly kit for anyone speaking in front of people, clubs, teams, boards, or conferences. You will learn a simple structure that uses fifteens and tens, how to build clean chunks, one idea, one story, one tool, how to use WIIFM so people lean in, and how to finish on time. We cover pre show nerves, mix and mingle to make friends, the smile on purpose trick, confidence monitors for secret notes, slide do’s, crowd control, and the silent vibrate alarm so you can pivot without staring at your watch. Short, sweet, on time, and packed with practical moves you can use this week.

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So you want those letters after your name—CCM, CCE, 
maybe even MCM—but you’re not sure where to start, how long it takes, 
or if it’s even worth it? 

This episode answers all your certification questions.

This week on The Private Club Radio Show, we sit down with 
Brian Watkins, Director of Certification & Education at the 
Club Management Association of America (CMAA). 

If you’ve ever registered for a BMI, counted your CECs, or prepped for the CCM exam, you’ve already felt Brian’s impact.

In this episode, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at:

*What it really takes to earn your Certified Club Manager (CCM)
*How to track and use your Continuing Education Credits (CECs)
*The step-by-step journey to Honor Society, Certified Chief Executive (CCE), and the elite Master Club Manager (MCM) designation
*What role BMI programs play in the process—and how to get the most out of them
*Why CMAA’s certification path is evolving to support the next generation of club professionals
*Common pitfalls, myths, and game-changing tips for every manager on the path to professional growth

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We break down why a short, friendly, and current voicemail can shape first impressions and speed up callbacks, especially in the club world where every touchpoint matters. Practical tips help you record a clear greeting, set expectations, and add just enough personality.

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From bussing tables at Circus Pizza to leading top private clubs, 
Bridget Eckert, CCM has lived every side of hospitality. 

In this episode, she and Denny Corby dive into what it takes to build a career you’re proud of — one rooted in curiosity, connection, and purpose. They talk messy résumés that actually make sense, teaching the next generation of club pros, and why pride still matters in this business. 

Funny, real, and full of takeaways for anyone who loves hospitality.

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Ever watch the room drift during a seven-minute bio read? 
We’ve all been there, so we/me (host Denny Corby)  built a reliable way to introduce speakers that actually lifts the energy, respects the audience, and makes your guest feel like a headliner.
 
In this fast, focused walkthrough, we share the exact 
60-second structure we use onstage: 
gather attention with a clean opening line, deliver a sharp hook, 
explain why this person matters to this audience right now, 
hit two or three punchy highlights (save the best for last), 
then pause and say the name, clear and strong.

We dig into the vibe check that shapes tone and pacing, 
from playful member nights to heartfelt legacy awards to post-dinner experts who need polish without stand-up flair. 

You’ll hear practical note-taking methods, short phrases, generous spacing, top-right placement, so you can glance down and pop back up without losing your place. 
We talk rehearsal the right way,  practice out loud, in the actual room if possible, mic in hand, so the mechanics are muscle memory and your presence feels calm and ready.

Then we get real about the don’ts.  
no LinkedIn bios, no podium walls, and never skip the microphone in a chatty room. Plus, a few pre-stage rituals to steady your energy. 
smile before you step up, shake out the nerves, and embrace that brief quiet while the audience settles. 
If you’re tempted to use AI for phrasing, we show how to treat it as a brainstorming partner without losing your voice. By the end, you’ll have a simple, repeatable intro formula that respects time, builds anticipation, and sets your speaker, and your event, up to win.

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Seasonal staffing doesn’t have to be a yearly crisis. In this episode, 
we sit down with Carly Eglin (CEO of Seasonal Connect) and 
Keith Pabian (Founding Partner of Pabian Law) to break down how private clubs can finally get it right—from H-2B visa strategies to housing solutions, team culture, and compliance nightmares.

Whether you’re a general manager, HR director, or just tired of last-minute staffing chaos, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you attract, retain, and support seasonal workers the right way.

🔑 Topics covered:

• The 3 things seasonal workers care about most (and what clubs often miss)
• How to build housing partnerships with other clubs
• What clubs get wrong about H-2B visa planning (and how to avoid costly mistakes)
• Real talk on wages, culture, and the “break room test”
• How to legally protect your club as immigration enforcement ramps up
• The surprising ROI of treating seasonal staff like humans

Plus: The difference between clubs seasonal workers fight to return to… and the ones they run from.

If your club hires seasonal workers, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.

🎧 Listen now and take your staffing strategy from reactive to rock-solid.

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What happens when you throw over 30 club professionals into BMW M cars and let them rip around a professional racetrack? Pure magic—and unexpected leadership lessons that no conference room could ever provide.

Management in Motion 2025 began as a casual conversation with the GM of Monticello Motor Club during a podcast interview. What started as a simple track visit evolved into a full-blown event combining adrenaline, education, and authentic connection among club leaders who share a passion for high-performance experiences.

The two-day adventure featured everything from drag racing in BMW M2s, M3s, and M5s to navigating the infamous skid pad (imagine a wet Costco floor with rear-wheel drive cars and all safety features disabled). We mixed in peer-to-peer leadership talks from established club GMs who connected their motorsport experiences directly to club management principles. Rather than generic professional speakers, we deliberately created space for club leaders to share their authentic insights with peers who truly understand the unique challenges of our industry.

Among the ten key lessons I took away: everything costs more and takes longer than you think; your vibe truly attracts your tribe; people don't need to participate in everything to find value; the quietest attendees often have the most powerful reactions; and unique experiences always beat generic ones. Perhaps most humbling was realizing that some people attended simply because my name was attached to the event—a level of trust that carries tremendous responsibility.

The event wouldn't have been possible without incredible sponsors who embraced the vision immediately, including Monticello Motor Club, Kennis Member Vetting, GSI, Members First, and Northstar. Their support even extended to funding scholarships for Club Management Association students to attend and network with established professionals.

For clubs looking to create similar magic, the formula is surprisingly simple: niche down to create specialized experiences, be the glue that connects people with shared interests, and don't be afraid to try something completely different. The most powerful moments often happened without words—just a smile, a head shake, or a high-five that communicated more than any conversation could.

If you missed Management in Motion this year, don't worry—we're already planning for 2026, and it will be bigger, faster, and even more impactful. Ready to swap your boardroom for a racetrack and discover leadership lessons at 100 MPH?

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Ever feel like you are not good enough, even when you are?

In this episode, GM Kent Johnson opens up about his personal experience with imposter syndrome as a leader in the private club world. We talk honestly about the voice of self-doubt that can show up even after years of success, and what it really takes to lead with vulnerability, clarity and confidence.

Kent shares how imposter syndrome shows up at the GM level, why it often goes unspoken, and how he works through it without letting it take over. We also discuss personal growth, leadership style, and learning to stop chasing perfection.

If you have ever questioned your own success or felt like a fraud in your role, this episode will remind you that you are not alone.

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How do you go from college intern to banquet manager before 30 — and actually lead with confidence?

In this episode of Private Club Radio, we’re joined by Mikayla Luby, a rising star in the private club industry, who shares her journey from hospitality student to full-time banquet manager at a major country club.

We explore what it’s like to grow your career inside a private club — navigating early leadership challenges, earning respect from older team members, communicating under pressure, and managing large-scale events. Mikayla offers relatable, honest insight into the real-life tradeoffs of club life — from working weekends while friends are out, to the responsibility of managing peers and building trust fast.

Whether you're a young professional starting out in private clubs, a club executive mentoring next-gen leaders, or someone exploring a career in country clubs, this episode offers powerful lessons in growth, grit, and professional development.

Tune in and hear what it really takes to rise quickly in the country club world — and why Mikayla believes more young professionals should give this industry a closer look.

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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 and driveway parking. Joe breaks down the legal landscape, the operational headaches, and the leadership strategies it takes to succeed in this unique model.

If you’ve ever stepped into an HOA-run club, thought about taking a GM role in one, or just want to know what it’s like to run a club where members have rights protected by law this episode is essential listening.

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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 Austin Club is proving that private clubs can be both relevant and timeless.

We dig into the details: why influencer partnerships work, how flexible membership tiers attract young professionals, and what every GM should consider when blending history with modern content strategies.

If you’re wondering how to make your club attractive to the next generation without losing its soul, this conversation delivers the blueprint.

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