Welcome to the Private Club Radio Show, the industry's weekly source for education, news, trends, and other current developments in the world of private clubs. Hosted by the talented entertainer and industry expert, Denny Corby, the podcast offers a unique perspective on the private club industry, featuring expert guests, product spotlights, predictions, and more. Whether you're involved in a golf club management, yacht clubs, athletic clubs, or business clubs, the Private Club Radio Show is ...
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443: The Golf Cart Whisperer: Adventures in Extraordinary Member Service w/ Jeff Wilson
40:49
40:49
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40:49Jeff Wilson, veteran club pro and longtime GM, shares insights from decades in club leadership including extraordinary service moments, cultural development, and strategies for successful interim management. • Once jumped into a pond to retrieve a member's submerged golf cart and purse • Cleanliness is the first thing to check when walking into a n…
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442: Bourbon & Leadership: Lessons From A Chef Turned GM w/ Kevin Rice
34:24
34:24
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34:24What do bourbon, mentorship, and kitchen chaos have in common? Kevin Rice. In this episode, we chat with Kevin Rice— ormer chef, current GM of Lexington Country Club, and certified executive bourbon steward—to talk about leading with flavor. They dive into what it takes to train young staff (even when they can’t legally taste the wine), how bourbon…
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You probably don’t plan for a fire in the supply closet. Heather Korte didn’t either. But when three stories of her clubhouse got soaked, smoked out, and stripped to the studs, she got to work. No panic. No pity. Just bold moves, creative thinking, and a serious amount of member love. Heather is the GM at Oakley Country Club, and this episode is a …
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440: What Every GM Needs to Hear About Family, Culture & Empowerment w/ Desi Speh
36:05
36:05
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36:05In this episode, we chat with Desi Speh, COO at Desert Highlands in Arizona. A guy who’s quietly redefining what club leadership can look like. Desi’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his impact is undeniable. From turning valet service into a culture-defining moment (ice cream cooler included 🍦) to mentoring staff into leaders, his philosoph…
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439: Horsepower and Hospitality-Building a Country Club on a Racetrack w/ Ionel Porumb
46:29
46:29
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46:29Forget everything you think you know about private clubs. At Monticello Motor Club, the luxury isn’t just on the track, it’s in every detail, every experience, every smile. And leading the charge is Ionel Porumb, a hospitality powerhouse whose journey from Romania to the C-suite is as inspiring as it gets. After working his way from cruise ship cre…
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438: Your Club's Digital Footprint-The Importance of Knowing What Members and Prospects See Online
13:58
13:58
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13:58In this episode of the Private Club Radio Show, we roll up our sleeves and shine a spotlight on something most clubs think they’ve got handled—but probably don’t: what shows up when someone Googles your club. We walk you through a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to auditing your club’s online presence. From Google to TikTok, Yelp to AI tools, we co…
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437: Coaching, Consulting, and the Club Life in Between w/ Kevin Ehlert
46:45
46:45
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46:45Kevin Ehlert shares his journey from dishwasher to GM to consultant and certified coach, bringing a refreshing perspective on what leadership really looks like when you strip away the title, pressure, and 'always on' mentality that many GMs feel they must maintain. • Starting as a dishwasher and working his way up through various city clubs • The d…
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436: What Great GMs Understand About Their Numbers w/ Samantha Sheffield CFO & AGM
33:32
33:32
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33:32Samantha Sheffield is not your average CFO. She’s also the Assistant GM at Bay Colony Golf Club—and the rare finance leader who’s just as comfortable talking about spreadsheets as she is member experience and strategic vision. In this episode, Samantha shares her winding career path—from biology major and calculus tutor to senior finance roles in r…
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435: Creating Content that Connects- When Videos Become More Than Marketing w/ Joe Smith
31:23
31:23
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31:23Joe Smith Is Back And He’s Still Setting the Bar for Club Communication Joe’s not just a friend of the show he’s one of the most forward-thinking GMs out there when it comes to content, connection, and culture. In this episode, Joe Smith of Countryside Golf & Country Club joins us again to share how his weekly club update videos have become more th…
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434: PGA to GM/COO: Rick Schultz's Leadership Insights
47:27
47:27
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47:27Golf pro. Road warrior. Culture shifter. GM. Rick Schultz has worn a lot of hats—and in this episode, he brings them all to the table. We explore Rick’s evolution from a 22-year-old tour hopeful to a private club GM overseeing a sprawling Oregon property with 27 holes, indoor tennis, pickleball, mini golf, and more. But his real focus? People and p…
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433: The Legacy Builder: Second Generation Club Management Wisdom w/ Eric Bischofberger, CCM
39:03
39:03
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39:03From wiping down ballroom walls as a kid to leading a thriving club community in the Lowcountry—Eric Bischofberger’s journey has come full circle. In this episode, I sat down with Eric Bischofberger, CCM, General Manager & COO at Hampton Hall Club, to talk about what it’s really like to grow up around the private club world… and then choose to buil…
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432: Making Every Touchpoint Count w/ Melissa Hansen
46:21
46:21
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46:21When it comes to club communication, consistency, clarity, and connection aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of everything. In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Hansen, Director of Membership & Marketing at The Club at Olde Cypress in Naples, FL. With a background in marketing, design consulting, and over a decade of experience in priva…
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431: Building a Club Around Community, Not a Course w/ Jenna Jardin
37:50
37:50
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37:50his one’s a blast. Jenna Jardin is the kind of leader who’s juggling everything—membership, events, communications, and full-tilt programming—at one of the most active and unique private clubs in the country: Beacon Hill Club. There’s no golf and no downtime. Just a massive outdoor rink, hundreds hockey players, an iconic winter recital, curling ni…
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430: Turning Low Attendance into High Impact Experiences w/ Chef Andrew Haapala
17:59
17:59
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17:59What happens when the turnout is low, the plan isn’t working, and canceling the event feels like the easiest option? If you’re Chef Andrew Haapala, you pivot. You turn the dining room into a chef’s table. You bring the members into the kitchen. And you make it an experience they’ll never forget. In this episode, Andrew, Executive Chef at The Countr…
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429: Storytelling Meets Club Culture w/ Greg Surine
47:08
47:08
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47:08Most club professionals come from hospitality, golf, or business. Greg Surine’s path? A little more… creative. From radio host to live performer to working at Conan O’Brien, Greg has spent his entire career mastering the art of storytelling and audience engagement. Now, as Communications & Engagement Director at Shelter Harbor Golf Club, he’s bring…
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428: Building Year-Round Engagement in Seasonal Clubs w/ Hannah Bradford Cedar Creek Club
36:31
36:31
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36:31Some clubs operate year-round. Others? They pack a full year’s worth of hospitality into just six months—and that’s exactly what happens at Cedar Creek Club, where Hannah Bradford helps lead the charge. Hannah didn’t take the traditional path into private clubs. With a background in sports science and hospitality, she found herself in membership se…
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427: Connecting with Members Beyond the Clubhouse w/ Rachel Brown Evansville Country Club
39:10
39:10
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39:10When Rachel Brown stepped into her role as Membership & Marketing Director at Evansville Country Club, she was ready to hit the ground running. What she didn’t expect? The world shutting down two weeks later. Instead of waiting it out, Rachel and her team got creative—launching weekly videos, virtual content, and new ways to engage members even whe…
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426: Crafting Exceptional Club Dining Experiences w/ Chef Matthew Gilbert - Medinah Country Club
44:17
44:17
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44:17Some people are great chefs. Some are great leaders. Matt Gilbert is both. As the Executive Chef at Medinah Country Club, Matt isn’t just running one of the most well-known kitchens in private clubs—he’s leading a team, creating unforgettable dining experiences, and setting a new standard for club cuisine. But beyond the accolades, the high-pressur…
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425: Building Successful Clubs Through Emotional Intelligence w/ Geoff Piva, CCM
58:16
58:16
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58:16This episode focuses on how emotional intelligence can redefine leadership within club management. Geoff Piva shares his personal journey and insights on navigating crises, the importance of mentorship, maintaining work-life balance, and leading with empathy. • Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in club management • Lessons learned during…
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424: Modernizing Legacy Clubs with Andrew Stress
49:09
49:09
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49:09Andrew Streffs shares his journey from restaurants to private clubs and emphasizes the importance of personalization in enhancing member experiences. He discusses the balance between tradition and innovation in club management while providing insights on building a strong culture and engaging members during renovations. • Discussing Andrew's journe…
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423: From Theater to Fine Dining: Sam Ohnesorge on Crafting Memorable Club Experiences
42:34
42:34
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42:34This episode explores the inspiring journey of Sam Ohnesorge , the Director of Food and Beverage at Erin Hills, who transitioned from a musical theater major to a leading figure in the golf hospitality scene. We delve into Erin Hills' unique "member for a day" experience, the importance of personalized service, and the preparations for hosting pres…
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422: CMAA World Conference Day 3 Expo Day
10:04
10:04
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10:04Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio Instagram Private Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby LinkedinBy Denny Corby
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This episode highlights key insights from the CMA World Conference, emphasizing the importance of member experiences, safety protocols, and innovative management solutions. Attendees shared valuable knowledge about enhancing club operations through networking and creative perspectives. • Key takeaways from Marcom session on branding • Importance of…
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420: Inside the CMAA World Conference: Community, Camaraderie, and Club Connections
13:06
13:06
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13:06What happens when 3,000 industry professionals gather to share laughs, knowledge, and a hearty meal? Experience the infectious energy and camaraderie of the CMAA World Conference in Tampa with me, Denny Corby. From an impromptu dinner with 19 club managers to insightful sessions packed with strategies for navigating identity and mental health, this…
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419: Elevating Golf & Agronomy Careers w/ Tyler Bloom
58:54
58:54
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58:54The episode features Tyler Bloom, from Bloom Consulting Partners, a leader in golf course management and consulting, discussing how he is reshaping workforce development in private golf clubs. With a focus on mentorship and youth apprenticeship programs, he highlights innovative strategies to attract and retain talent in the industry. • Tyler’s jou…
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