Private Club Radio Show – Details, episodes & analysis

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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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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Learn how Kevin Daniel Lelumiere, the GM and COO of the Country Club of New Canaan masterfully balances talent acquisition and mentorship to build resilient, high-performing teams. 
Discover the profound impact of understanding employees' personal lives and engaging with their families to create a supportive and cohesive work environment. Kevin sheds light on the critical aspects of hiring and letting go of staff, emphasizing the "hire slow, fire fast" mentality to maintain a healthy team culture. 

Kevin also shares his personal journey with mentorship, revealing how the balance of listening and speaking can make or break a mentoring relationship. Gain insights into the informal yet impactful mentorship program at the Country Club, which meets every two weeks to groom future leaders. Learn the essential qualities of a good mentor, such as self-deprecation, consistency, and tenacity, and explore strategies for building resilient teams through personal connections and consistent check-ins. This episode promises valuable takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster a strong, supportive team environment.

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Ever wondered how to create captivating content that keeps your private golf and country club members engaged? Join us as we speak with Shanna Bright from Private Clubs Online, who unveils her secrets on developing dynamic content pillars. Shanna shares her wealth of experience in crafting a balanced mix of educational, entertaining, and storytelling content that genuinely resonates with both current and prospective members. Discover how capturing magical moments, celebrating unique holidays, and leveraging social media can transform your club's communication strategy.

Shanna and I discuss the intricacies of community engagement and strategic communication essential for successful event planning. From obtaining permits and coordinating with local authorities to fostering strong neighborly relations through inclusive events, this episode dives deep into the nuts and bolts of effective event management. We also touch upon the importance of varied content, offering stellar examples like event promotion, member stories, and renovation updates to keep your club's social media lively and engaging.

In an era where personalized communication is king, we explore strategies for a significant membership push—aiming to boost membership at the City Club by 300 in a year! Shanna emphasizes the importance of tailored communication efforts, such as personalized phone calls and emails, to keep members active and invested. Get ready to hear amazing personal anecdotes that highlight the evolution of member relations and the cultural context of engaging with your community. Plus, we offer practical tips for planning your club’s communication for the next year, including a strategic content package complete with holidays and hashtag events like "International Talk Like a Pirate Day." This episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your club’s member interactions and overall experience.

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How does a strong organizational culture shape the success of a private club? 
Join us as we uncover the secrets of thriving club management with Casey Smith, General Manager and PGA Professional of the Year at Chenal Country Club. 

Casey takes us through his journey to receiving this prestigious award and shares invaluable insights from the Golf Professional of the Year conference at Bandon Dunes. We explore the critical aspects of adaptability, leadership trust, and the creation of a cohesive team culture, comparing the dynamics of privately owned versus member-owned clubs. Casey’s experiences and wisdom highlight the importance of continuous learning and relationship-building for sustained success.

Discover the transformative power of selfless leadership and the role of culture in driving long-term excellence. We reflect on the journey at Chenal and the importance of team involvement and overcoming staff resistance. Drawing inspiration from John Gordon’s "You Win in the Locker Room First," we emphasize that what is celebrated and tolerated defines an organization’s culture. Personal stories, including an inspiring encounter with Coach Bowden at Florida State, illustrate the profound impact of leaders who prioritize their people. This episode promises a treasure trove of lessons for anyone committed to fostering a culture of excellence in any organization.

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Wondering how a passion for pastry and a chance encounter can lead to a thriving career in the private club industry? Join us as we sit down with Anna Robleski, the assistant manager at Round Hill Club in Connecticut, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From her transformative experience at the Augusta National Masters Tournament to her creative endeavors with Chobani Yogurt, Anna unveils the many layers of her professional path. She shares how a pivotal connection at Johnson & Wales University steered her toward Ballantyne Country Club, where she refined her event management skills. Listen as she draws fascinating parallels between scuba diving and club management, and underscores the value of scholarships for young professionals breaking into the industry.

As private clubs evolve to cater to entire families rather than just individual members, modernizing member vetting processes becomes crucial. We explore this dynamic with Kennis, who emphasizes the importance of comprehensive information gathering to make well-informed decisions. Learn about the innovative efforts in places like Greenwich, Connecticut, where creative summits and scholarship opportunities are paving the way for a more inclusive and engaging club experience. We also discuss the challenges and triumphs of convincing club boards to embrace progressive initiatives and the role of family-friendly activities in attracting and retaining members. Don't miss our heartfelt thank you message and a gentle nudge to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with our podcast!

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Our conversation with Matt Campagne, Director of Food and Beverage at Tchefuncta Country Club in Louisiana. Matt's journey starting as a busboy and climbing the ranks to become a key figure in the club industry. 
You'll learn how Matt expertly balances member preferences with club needs, and why adaptability and solid communication are critical in hospitality.

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of transitioning through various management roles, distinguishing between titles like food and beverage manager and director. Matt recounts his rewarding experience of turning around member satisfaction at Tchefuncta Country Club and underscores the importance of building a cohesive team, including hiring an executive chef. 

As we talk about elevating food quality and managing events, Matt offers practical tips on sourcing high-quality ingredients and the joy of organizing memorable private events. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone keen on enhancing member experiences and making a mark in club management.

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Imagine turning a whimsical idea from a casual lunch meeting into a record-breaking, impactful community project. Join us as we chat with Bill Horton, the mastermind behind the world's largest gingerbread house, who shares his incredible journey from conception to completion. 
You'll hear firsthand how Bill and his team at Traditions Country Club back in 2013 in Bryan Texas, overcame logistical challenges and rallied an entire community to build a massive gingerbread house that not only broke records but also raised over $200,000 for a local trauma center back in 2013. 

Discover the fascinating media frenzy that captured the world's attention with coverage from major outlets like CNN and Fox News, and learn about the ingenious solutions and partnerships that made this dream a reality. From repurposing materials with Habitat for Humanity to navigating unexpected challenges like a bee invasion, Bill's story is a testament to creativity, determination, and the remarkable power of community collaboration. This episode celebrates the joy and recognition received by everyone involved, including the special Guinness World Records certificates.  

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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 about the evolution of club management from the 1980s to today, including how work-life balance expectations have changed for younger generations. LuAnn also opens up about her passion for drag racing, drawing parallels between racing and making fast, confident decisions in leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned club professional or new to the field, LuAnn’s insights on authenticity, mentorship, and handling boardroom dynamics are invaluable.

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