Let's Talk Club Management
Business & Finance
About
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).
Episodes
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 158 - The Evolution of the CCE
This episode features Joe Krenn discussing the evolution of the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) program. The conversation covers the motivations behind changes to the CMAA requirements and what members can anticipate from the revised proce…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 157 – Leaning Into Employee Safety
Alan Achatz joins Let's Talk Club Management to discuss common safety issues in clubs. He shares insights on how clubs can build a strong safety culture and approach with their employees.
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 156 – Meet 2026 Chair Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE
Janine Budzius, CMAA's 2026 Chair, shares her personal experiences in the club industry, highlights her commitment to mentoring, and outlines her priorities for her term.
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 155 – 2026 World Conference Preview
This episode previews the 2026 World Conference, covering registration, events, networking, education, and NewBee activities. Hosts Kyle and Melissa discuss important information for attendees.
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 154 - Tradition Meets Transformation: Governing the Modern City Club
Charles Johnson, CMAA National Board Member, joins Let's Talk Club Management to preview his session on city club governance. The discussion covers balancing diverse member needs, managing urban operations, and navigating socio-political e…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 153 – World Conference Preview: Star Powered Club Marketing
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 car…
- Ep. 152 - Mentoring and Development with Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow
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 Ge…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 151: Ethics and the Club Management Professional
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, rev…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 150 - Growing in the Gap Between the Golf Professional and Superintendent
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 f…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 149 - Meet Haley Habosky
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…
- Ep. 148 - Navigating Cybersecurity Trends
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…
- Ep. 147 - Meet Udokamma Ebulu
Please join us in welcoming one of our newest CMAA team members, Udokamma Ebulu! Udokamma (or Udo) is one of CMAA’s Staff Accountants – but that’s not his only interest. He’s truly a man of many talents and he joins us in this episode to c…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 146 - The Evolution of Golf and Golf Cars
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 se…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 145 - Being Authentic from Day One
Each summer, hospitality students have the opportunity to intern at some of the most impressive clubs around the country. In this episode, we chat with Kelsey Burke, about what her internship experience was like. Kelsey is a CMAA Student M…
- Ep. 144 - Strategic Recognition
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 catc…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 143 - Summer Internships and Being Brave with Alexa Esquivel
Each summer, hospitality students have the opportunity to intern at some of the most impressive clubs around the country. We wanted to hear what that experience was like, so we invited Alexa Esquivel, a CMAA student member and intern at Ho…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 142 - Tips and Overtime and Taxes, Oh My!
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 incom…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 141 - Diving into Workforce Trends
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Bloom and Rachel Ridgeway, SHRM-CP, of Bloom Golf Partners to discuss Bloom Golf’s 2025 Workforce Trends Study. Released earlier this year, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 140 - Exploring the Club Leaders’ Perspective
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 d…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 139 – Essential Policies for Your Club
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 polic…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 138 – Disaster Communications
It is Hurricane season for our members on the Atlantic coast, running from June 1 to November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. It’s the perfect time to…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 137 - AI Insights: Demystifying Large Language Models
We are thrilled to welcome back to our podcast, our favorite cyber security experts at Pulsar Security, a CMAA Alliance Partner, for answers to our questions. Pulsar Security is a cybersecurity company whose mission extends to protect club…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 136 – Your 2025 Shark Tank Winners
In this episode, we’re joined by our 2025 Shark Tank competition winners: Molly Passow and Katherine Foerg from Niagara University. Their entry, Schedule Genie, uses Artificial Intelligence to assist in schedule coordination and management…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 135 - Wine and Leadership
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…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 134 – Understanding Relational Member Benefits
On this episode, we are thrilled to be talking to the researcher behind a study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management in January. The study focused on measuring the relationship benefits of membership in a privat…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 133 – Meet 2025 Chair Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE
On this episode, we are thrilled to talk to CMAA’s 2025 Chair Richard LaRocca, CCM, CCE. He shares his family history in clubs and hospitality, as well as his plans for the year and what’s most important to him. Learn more about Richard: h…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 132 - 2025 World Conference Preview
It’s that time again! The 2025 World Conference is just around the corner and in this episode, we’re chatting with our team members about events and networking, student activities, education, supporting The Club Foundation, and the Club Bu…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 131 - Improv Your Influence: Fun and Effective Communication Strategies for Club Managers
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 i…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 130- The Art of Collecting and Protecting with Katherine Thatcher
In this episode, we sit down with Conference speaker Katherine Thatcher to preview her session “The Art of Collecting and Protecting Your Collection”. Katherine is a professional art consultant providing collection asset management service…
- Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 129 – Best of 2024: The Club Manager Journal
Each year, we like to wrap up the podcast by talking to a CMAA member about their wins for the year. On this episode, we are excited to be talking to Geoff Piva, CCM, General Manager/COO at Needham Golf Club in Needham, MA. Geoff started a…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 128 - Best of 2024: Moving Backwards to Go Forwards
Each year, we like to wrap up the podcast by talking to a CMAA member about their wins for the year. In this episode, we sat down with Jennifer Mang, CCM, CCE, General Manager at Wyoming Valley Country Club. Jennifer share with us her uniq…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 127 - Hiring a True CFO
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…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 126 - Have the Right People on the Bus
Our guest on this episode is Todd Bruen, the Director of Facilities & Construction, at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ. Todd has been with the club since 2012, and has an extensive background in design and construction. He is a graduate…
- Ep. 125 - Catching Up with the 2024 Club Executive of the Year
On this episode, we are thrilled to be talking to the 2024 Club Executive of the Year, Matt Lambert, CCM, CCE, CAM. In November, Club Management magazine named Matt Lambert the 2024 Club Executive of the Year. He currently serves as the Ge…
- Ep. 124 - Capital Improvements Handbook: Financing Options and Feasibility
In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Brown, CCM, CPA. We dive in Chapters Two, Three, and Four of the CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to help club decision-makers confidently manage capital improvement…
- Ep. 123 - Advancing Technology in Clubs
In this episode, we sit down with Vache Hagopian, the Chief Revenue Officer at Jonas Club Software, a CMAA Strategic Partner. Vache has extensive experience in the private club software industry and during this conversation we cover his hi…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 122 - The State of the Association
On this episode of the podcast, we're sharing CMAA CEO Jeff Morgan's State of the Association speech from the 2024 Leadership/Legislative Conference. This speech offers a snapshot of where CMAA is now, how the last year has gone, and what…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 121 - Introducing the Capital Improvements Handbook
In this episode, we’re joined by CMAA National Director Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, General Manager/CEO at Farmington Country Club. We dive into the CMAA Capital Improvements Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to help club decision-makers c…
- Ep 120 - The Power of Ten
In this episode, we sat down with members of the P10 (Power of Ten) Mastermind group. These individuals hail from all over the country and have been together as a networking group for nearly twenty years. In this conversation, we cover eve…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 119 - Mid-Manager Task Force
In this episode, we sat down with Casey Newman, CCM, the General Manager/COO at Lakeside Country Club, and Alexandria LaRocca, Director of Member Engagement at Beach Point Club. Casey and Alexandria are both members of the Mid-Manager Task…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 118: Verified Internship Program at Myers Park Country Club
In this episode, we had the opportunity to chat with Erin Schlegel, CCM, the Youth and Activities Director at Myers Park Country Club, and Rachel Richardson, one of Myers Park’s summer interns. Erin and Rachel joined us to talk about the i…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 117 - Weaving Junior Members into the Fabric of the Club
In this episode, we’re checking in with John Gravett, CCM, CCE, Chief Executive Officer at the Granite Club in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. John was the winner of the Most Innovative Award at the 2024 Idea Fair for his submission in the Membe…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 116: Accessible Golf for All
In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Barton, PGA, the Executive Director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, and Jan Bel Jan, golf course and landscape architect and a member of the Alliance Executive Board. We dive in to a conv…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 115 - Service and Hospitality Culture
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 di…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 114: Sharing Gratitude - A Showstopping Idea
In this episode, we’re checking in with Bri Brookins, Assistant General Manager at Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit, MI. Bri was the winner of the Showstopper Award at the 2024 Idea Fair for her submission in the Breakthrough Ideas categor…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep 113 - Staff Support Fund Raffle
In this episode, we’re checking in with Jeffrey Blais, CCM, CCE, CEO and GM at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Highlands, NC. Jeffrey was the winner of the Chairman's Award at the 2024 Idea Fair for his submission in the Staff Management an…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 112 - The 2024 State of the Association
On this episode of the podcast, we're sharing CMAA CEO Jeff Morgan's State of the Association speech from the 2024 World Conference and Club Business Expo. This speech offers a snapshot of where CMAA is now, how the last year has gone, and…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 111 - Meet 2024 Chairman Joe Mendez, CCM, CCE
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…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 110 - World Conference Preview
It’s that time again! The 2024 World Conference and Club Business Expo is just around the corner and in this episode, we preview education, voting, Open Space, and dive into the networking and other events. Kyle and Melissa will take you t…
- Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 109 - Demystifying the Bicycle Chautauqua
For more than 20 years, World Conference attendees have had the opportunity to participate in a pre-Conference workshop unlike any other. The Bicycle Chautauqua experience encompasses physical health, mental health, and emotional health in…