We're wrapping up the month of September (a little late) with a review and highlight of our Leadership/Legislative Conference! We're joined by CMAA President and CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE as he shares some highlights from his State of the Association address, as well as Chris Clews - 80s Pop Culture aficionado and the featured leadership speaker from LLC. 

Listen to find out our favorite 80s movies (we can't pick just one) and enter the content to win a copy of Chris's latest book. Send us your favorite 80s movie quote, tell us how it can be applied to club management, and you could win!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 62 - Insights from LLC

We were so thrilled to sit down with Three Carpenter, CCM and Jackie Carpenter, CCM to discuss their new book People First: The 5 Steps to Pure Human Connection and a Thriving Organization. In this conversation, Three and Jackie talk to us about the key takeaways from their book and why putting people first and leading with care can help you create a positive, effective, and enjoyable work culture. You can find People First anywhere books are sold!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 63: The Art of Human Connection

“Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day” 2022 was celebrated on September 13, and in this episode, we are thrilled to feature the team at Indian Valley Country Club in Telford, PA, to talk turf and more: 
Michael Giuffre, Golf Course Superintendent, and Eric Beck, CCM, General Manager. We hope you will join us in encouraging all golf lovers to thank their course’s superintendent for the valuable role they play.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 80 - Thank a Superintendent! - 9:17:22, 12.32 PM

We’re back for round two with our friends from Pulsar Security, a CMAA Education Partner. We’re joined again on the podcast by Patrick Hynds and Duane Laflotte for the second part of our conversation on Cyber Security. In this episode we cover how clubs and companies in the hospitality space can be hacked, have important customer and staff information stolen, and see ransom demands. Duane and Patrick are the experts to help assuage your fears. 

As always, please remember, you can find us on iTunes and Spotify! Please be sure to rate, review, and subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 81 - Demystifying Cyber Security Pt. 2

On this episode, we are talking metrics and CMAA’s recently released Universal Key Club Performance Indicators white paper. Specifically, the six Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that encapsulate a high-level picture of financial health, including the major components of a club. This white paper is the result of the Universal Key Club Performance Indicators Task Force which was formed in March 2020. We’re joined on this episode by the Co-Chairs of the Task Force, Julie Brown, CCM, CPA, CMA, CSCA, and Michael Wheeler, MCM, CCE.

The White Paper is accompanied by an extensive Case Study that exemplifies how these KPIs can and should be applied at a club. This case study is available exclusively to CMAA members. Visit https://www.cmaa.org/club-operations/research/industry-reports-and-white-papers/

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 82 - Understanding Your Club's Financial Story

On this episode of the podcast, we break down a few regulatory updates. Our resident political expert (Melissa) answers questions from our resident political nerd (Kyle) about H-2B visas and the latest update from the Dept. of Labor regarding the definition of “Independent Contractor”. It’s riveting content, to be sure – and will hopefully answer some lingering questions you might have about how these updates will impact your club. As mentioned, you can read more about legislative and regulatory updates in the Legislative Blog: https://connect.cmaa.org/browse/leg-blog.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 83 - What's Up in Washington

The end of the year is here and finding your next job may be on the top of your 2023 to do list. In today’s job seekers’ market, how can you best prepare? On this episode, we are talking about what you should be looking for in your next job, team, and club with the experts at KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. KK&W is a leading club industry recruiting and consulting firm and a long-time CMAA Education Partner. We are thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, KK&W Principals Kurt Kuebler, CCM, and Tom Wallace, CCM, CCE, ECM.

You can listen and subscribe to the KK&W podcast here: https://kkandw.com/podcasts/

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 84 - What You Should Be Looking For in Your Next Team, Job, and Club

On this episode, we are thrilled to be talking to the 2022 Club Executive of the Year, Brett Morris. In November, Club Management magazine named Brett Morris, the 2022 Club Executive of the Year. A 22-year member of CMAA, he currently serves as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of The Club at Admirals Cove in Jupiter, FL. Morris has more than 32 years of experience in the club industry in a variety of roles. If you’re not familiar with the award, visit cmaa.org/news/award-programs/club-executive-of-the-year/ to learn more.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 85 - A Conversation with the 2022 Club Executive of the Year

It’s our last episode of the year and we thought it would be fun to spend some time reflecting on what made 2022 a great one. We are joined by CMAA’s President and CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE; CMAA’s Chairman Mitchell Platt, MCM, CCE; CMAA’s Sr. Director of Member and Chapter Relations, Erica Benjamin, and one of CMAA’s newest Certified Club Managers, Lori LeBard, CCM. Each of our guests shares some of their highlights from the year and even some of what they are looking forward to in 2023. 

We’ll see you in 2023!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 86 - The Best of 2022

Happy 2023! CMAA’s World Conference and Club Business Expo is just around the corner and in this episode we’re previewing some of the sessions that you’ll have the opportunity to attend in you’re joining us in Orlando, FL. We chat with Conference Speaker Sarah Noll Wilson is an Executive Coach, an in-demand Keynote Speaker, Researcher, Contributor to Harvard Business Review, and the Bestselling Author of “Don’t Feed the Elephants”. She helps leaders close the gap between what they intend to do and the actual impact they make – and we got to chat with her about both of the sessions she’ll be presenting at World Conference. 

Learn more about Conference education at https://www.cmaa.org/learn/meetings-and-events/conference/education/.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 87 - The Power of Curiosity

Continuing our tradition of talking wellness at the beginning of the year, we’re joined in this episode by our colleague Katherine Lord and Lynn Hearn, CPT, PRINCIPAL PARTNER with Club Wellness Evolutions and Founding President of the Club Spa and Fitness Association (CSFA). We cover a lot of ground, including the launch of CMAA’s special interest communities, the transition of CSFA to the Club Wellness Community, and current and future wellness trends. Most importantly, we talk about putting people first—and how that philosophy can shape a vibrant, holistic, and successful wellness program at your club.

Learn more about CMAA’s communities here: https://www.cmaa.org/membership/communities/

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 88 - People Before Buildings

After a brief post-World Conference hiatus, we're back! On this episode of the podcast, we're sharing CMAA CEO Jeff Morgan's State of the Association speech from the 2023 World Conference and Club Business Expo. This speech offers a snapshot of where CMAA is now, how the last year has gone, and what we're looking to in the future. Jeff mentions the 2022 Annual Report, which you can access here: https://www.cmaa.org/about-cmaa/who-we-are/#news

Register for upcoming events:
-	Club Leadership Summits - https://www.cmaa.org/learn/meetings-and-events/club-leadership-summits-2023/ 
-	Budget Bootcamp Series - https://www.cmaa.org/membership/communities/club-wellness-community/
-	National Golf Day - https://www.golfcoalition.org/nationalgolfday2023

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 90 - 2023 State of the Association

On this episode, we are talking about the interview process, how to answer, and what to ask with the experts at KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. KK&W is a leading club industry recruiting and consulting firm and a long-time CMAA Education Partner. We are thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, KK&W Principals Kurt Kuebler, CCM, and Tom Wallace, CCM, CCE, ECM. Well-informed, inquisitive job candidates make better impressions and decisions in the job search. We were so glad to have the KKW team share their collective experience on both sides of the table as a club management professionals and recruiters to share with our listeners.

KKW has their own podcast where they delve deep into the not so simple art of hospitality: https://soundcloud.com/user-754819200
You can also access KKW’s Interview Practice and Preparation resource here: https://kkandw.com/career-resource-center-interviewing/?_gl=1*1sofvj5*_ga*MTg4NTQyNzMwOS4xNjg2MzIwNDYx*_ga_C1RYBMTHNQ*MTY4NjMyMDQ2MS4xLjEuMTY4NjMyMDU5OC4wLjAuMA

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 94 - Secrets to Acing the Interview

Let’s Talk Club Management hits 100 episodes! We are thrilled to be presenting our century podcast to our listeners. To celebrate this milestone, we took the podcast on the road and visited podcast superfan Jeff Isbell, CCM, CCE, at Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill, MA. Jeff joined us as the “third mic” and our conversation ran the gamut – we chatted about Renaissance, the club management career field, Jeff’s professional journey, and everything in between. 
 
We want to share a hearty thank you to our listeners and supporters – without you, we wouldn’t have made it to 100 episodes and we’re looking forward to making many more!

As always, please remember, you can find us on iTunes and Spotify! Please be sure to rate, review, and subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep 100 - Celebrating Our Century Episode!

In this episode of the podcast, we’re excited to sit down and get to know Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE. Joe is CMAA’s 2024 Chairman and has so many great insights to share with our listeners. Learn more about his path to becoming a club management professional and industry leader as well as some of the more humbling moments he encountered along the way.

Don’t forget to register for upcoming events:
Capital Improvement Symposium: https://www.cmaa.org/learn/meetings-and-events/capital-improvements-symposium-2024/
National Golf Day: https://www.golfcoalition.org/nationalgolfday2024)

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 111 - Meet 2024 Chairman Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE

For many clubs, the season is rolling. In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Sam Lindsley, Search & Consulting Executive, and Chris DeChillo, Hospitality Trainer & Leadership Coach with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. Sam and Chris discuss what club management professionals should do to establish and maintain service excellence year-round and what the keys are to cultivating a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional service.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 115 - Service and Hospitality Culture

Based on the 2024 World Conference session, “Desperate to be Micro-Managed by Your Treasurer? Don’t Hire a True CFO” – Controller, Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer – these labels all describe the head of finance in a club. What capabilities should be expected in the person managing finance and accounting in a club? It requires finance skills, business acumen, and executive presence. What should you be seeking in a great financial partner? 

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC, CJSS of KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Philip Newman of RSM. These two cover what the key capabilities and expectations are for someone in the role of a Head Finance Leader at a club and really dive in to what characteristics one should be looking for when hiring a CFO. 


Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 127 - Hiring a True CFO

On this episode, we are thrilled to be featuring another one of our upcoming World Conference speakers, Gary Ware, Play Consultant. Gary is a creative yet strategic Play Consultant that was brought here to make your life even better than it already is. By day, Gary helps companies and professionals level up their skills, and by night he is an improv comedian. In between all of Gary’s passions, his most desirous one is helping people become the best versions of themselves through fun and entertainment.

See Gary at World Conference on Thursday, February 6, at 1:00 p.m. for Improv Your Influence: Fun and Effective Communication Strategies for Club Managers.


Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 131 - Improv Your Influence: Fun and Effective Communication Strategies for Club Managers

The world of wine is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends is essential for enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this episode, we welcome back to the podcast Sam Lindsley and Chris DeChillo from Kopplin Kuebler and Wallace. Sam and Chris each have extensive experience in food and beverage and bring their perspectives to how you can enhance your members’ wine experiences at your clubs. 

Books mentioned in this episode:
Cote D’Or: A Celebration of the Great Wines of Burgundy - https://www.amazon.com/C%C3%B4te-DOr-Celebration-Great-Burgundy/dp/0520212517
Wine Folly: Magnum Edition The Master Guide - https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Folly-Magnum-Master-Guide/dp/0525533893/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KV1ARYX2C6NN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9d7RyDqPXlj2z0Q_iQW2Vdt7ahnF0kc-8huvyOgs0M0JPFbZg0p74ub_YZ7BrghgbY3ty4w6NVpY6o4tyFd60j0qwoVPgDe6qxCdAkgpvbWR6-LtcZF3WJCyPgjwfn1sGDVLVE_8OpTj51T6DihAsft8anBRN75ijbbJVzd739ofDtydJ8immmy7MKhoIBJsI0x0SRE2x6M8f6SbhjVEekvB6mkeRl_CqpQ-KgVTkmY.yTzgZWoi-RHg1-6PrH6bi5YwnYIwBU3fbFSDzcgdNJ0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Wine+Folly&qid=1745933051&s=books&sprefix=wine+folly%2Cstripbooks%2C316&sr=1-1
Windows on the World - https://a.co/d/6KNCwsA

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 135 - Wine and Leadership

It’s never a bad time of year to take time to review your club’s policies and procedures. They are essential for managing effectively and making sound decisions for your members, employees, and volunteer board members. What are these policies and what are the best practices for implementation? Let’s find out! 

In this episode, we are diving into the article “Seven Essential Policies for Your Private Club in 2025”. We are excited to have all three authors from PKF O'Connor Davies with us today to dive into this important topic. 


Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 139 – Essential Policies for Your Club

In June, GGA Partners and CMAA released the 2025 Club Leaders Perspective Report, a report that benchmarks operational data and examines current trends across a wide spectrum of private club facilities. On this episode of the podcast, we dive into that report and other research with Michael Gregory from GGA Partners. Access the full report on CMAA Connect: https://connect.cmaa.org/viewdocument/gga-partnerscmaa-club-leaders-per-1?CommunityKey=43e436dc-e513-4cc6-94b0-34a8e734968f&tab=librarydocuments

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 140 - Exploring the Club Leaders’ Perspective

On July 4, HR 1, the 2025 tax legislation was signed into law. The measure features the extension of several expiring tax cuts passed in 2017 and new tax reductions including new federal tax exemptions for qualifying tip and overtime income. There’s a lot to unpack here for clubs. In this episode, we’re joined by Brad Steele, a longtime collaborator, to talk more about what this means for the club industry. We’ll explore what we know about these two impactful changes and learn what details remain to be released with further regulatory guidance.

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 142 - Tips and Overtime and Taxes, Oh My!

You may have seen the social media trend where individuals are asked to try to identify different voices. We’ve seen it with supervisors, teachers, coaches, among others. And it’s now made it to the club industry.  Melissa was recently catching up with members on LinkedIn and caught a cool take from Grace Mwirigi, CCM, the Assistant Manager at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park, IL. Beyond creating the video, Grace turned this TikTok trend into a leadership lesson. We asked Grace to join us to talk about what she learned from this activity and her goals as a leader.

Watch Grace’s take here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/grace-muchiri-ccm-rethinking-culture-through-strategic-poa9c/?trackingId=uqU0zch0ET9gtJFndVzPrA%3D%3D


Ep. 144 - Strategic Recognition

When you think about golf cars and personal transport vehicles, your first thought probably centers on transportation. But there is a lot more to consider – golf cars can improve the member experience, expand accessibility, enhance your service opportunities, and provide vital support for maintenance and other daily operations. In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Brad Schaufert, one of our partners at E-Z-GO, to talk about this important club component.

E-Z-GO is a globally renowned leader in the design and manufacture of golf cars and personal transport vehicles, known for its innovation in sustainable electric vehicles and powertrain technology. 

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 146 - The Evolution of Golf and Golf Cars

We are thrilled to welcome back to our podcast, our favorite cybersecurity experts at Pulsar Security, a CMAA Education Partner, for answers to our questions about current cybersecurity trends. Pulsar is a company whose mission extends to protect clubs and their members against malicious attacks. The company is a Veteran, privately owned business built on vision and trust, whose leadership has extensive military experience enabling it to think strategically and plan beyond the problems at hand. We are excited to welcome back the CEO and Founder of Pulsar Security, Patrick Hynds and Chief Technology Officer Duane Laflotte.

Ep. 148 - Navigating Cybersecurity Trends

Please join us in welcoming one of our newest CMAA team members, Haley Habosky! Haley is CMAA’s new Manager, Student Development and joined CMAA after a stint in the club world. She joins us in this episode to chat about her background and passions and what she is most looking forward to doing with CMAA. Please welcome Haley!

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 149 - Meet Haley Habosky

At your club, there are two individuals who share one goal but have differing responsibilities that might seem to be cross purposes at times, the Golf Professional and the Superintendent. These individuals and their teams are responsible for delivering an exceptional golf experience. How can club management professionals support these individuals and help them meet the mission? In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Levy, PGA, and Armen Suny, Search Executives with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, to share their insights into how all parties can grow in this existing gap. 

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 150 - Growing in the Gap Between the Golf Professional and Superintendent

In this episode, we dive in to talk about ethics and its impact on decision-making in the club industry. Researchers from Michigan State University have been exploring this topic for 35 years. The research was first undertaken in 1989, revisited in 2010, and again in 2024. In this research, club executives were asked to measure their responses to 15 ethical scenarios. We’re joined by Jeffrey A. Beck, Ph.D.; Raymond S. Schmidgall, Ph.D., CPA; and Richard A. Bruner CCM, CCE, with The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University to discuss this interesting research!

You can access the articles about this research in the November/December 2025 edition of Club Management magazine: https://www.club-mgmt.com/clubmanagement/library/item/2025november_december/4304808/

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 151: Ethics and the Club Management Professional

On this episode, we are thrilled to be talking to the 2025 Club Executive of the Year, Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow. In November, Club Management magazine named Randy the 2025 Club Executive of the Year. He currently serves as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, NY. In this episode we get to know randy a bit better though the eyes of three of his mentees from across his career. We’re joined by Qian Yang, CCM, Batu Catalkaya, and Sam Lipp, to hear more about Randy’s impact and influence on their career paths.

Ep. 152 - Mentoring and Development with Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow

Collaborations with celebrities, professional athletes, influencers, and media production companies can elevate your club's visibility and create powerful market momentum—but only if you've selected your partnerships well and negotiate carefully. On this episode, we’re joined by World Conference speakers Adam Rieck and Matthew Martin to preview their session on navigating celebrity, influencer, and media partnerships at your club. 

Catch their session at the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo on February 20, from 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 153 – World Conference Preview: Star Powered Club Marketing

City clubs face unique governance challenges, including balancing the needs of an increasingly diverse membership, managing complex urban operations, and navigating a tumultuous socio-political environment. On this episode, we’re joined by World Conference speaker and CMAA National Board Member, Charles Johnson, CCM, CCE, to preview his session on the best practices in city club governance, including strategic alignment and the relationship between management and volunteer leadership.

Catch Charles’ session at the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo on February 20, from 3:00-4:00 p.m.


Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 154 - Tradition Meets Transformation: Governing the Modern City Club

It’s that time again! The 2026 World Conference is just around the corner and in this episode, we’re chatting with our team members about registration, events and networking, education, and our NewBee activities. Kyle and Melissa will take you through the important things you need to know for the week, and they pick up some guest hosts along the way.

Access the Conference FAQs: https://www.cmaa.org/learn/meetings-and-events/conference/faqs/
Read blog from Skip Avery, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow: https://stonegrouparchitects.com/planting-seeds-for-success-making-the-most-of-your-cmaa-world-conference-experience/

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 155 – 2026 World Conference Preview

While everyone else is gearing up to head back to school, we turn our focus on CMAA's education and chat about our certification process. We are joined by Brian Watkins - your favorite manager of Certification, and recent Certified Club Manager Amanda Day of Charlotte Country Club. Brian answers some of our most frequently asked certification questions and gives his advice for a successful CCM exam and Amanda shares her journey from student member to Clubhouse Manager. We're also joined by Alex Sarris, Director of Member Events & Front Desk Operations at Congressional Country Club, as she shares her winning Idea Fair entry.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 4 - Back to Certification

We're joined this week by Luis Bracamonte, the Club Spa and Fitness Association's (CSFA) new Chairman. Luis shares his background as an athlete, a personal trainer, and active member of both CMAA and CSFA - and breaks down his optimism about the fitness and wellness space in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 28 - Optimism Drives Action

Let’s Talk Club Management is a show dedicated to giving an in-depth look at the club management profession. With insider stories of first-hand experiences to best practices from your Association leaders, CMAA looks to provide you with the best information (with a side of fun).

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