Private Club Radio Show
Business & Finance
About
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 the essential podcast for anyone seeking valuable insights and information on the latest trends and developments in the private club industry.
Episodes
- 494: The Callback Effect
This episode of Private Club Radio Show explores "the callback effect" and its application in private club hospitality to enhance member loyalty. It discusses how remembering member details creates a sense of belonging and connects this to…
- 493: Sous Chef Summit w/ Eduardo Castillo
Chef Eduardo Castillo discusses his career transition from marketing to culinary leadership in private clubs. He shares insights on kitchen management, including payroll, inventory, and leadership strategies, and details the hands-on train…
- 492: Spouses, Waitlists, & Red Flags w/ Dan Klimek
Dan Klimek returns to The Private Club Radio Show to discuss modern member vetting for private clubs in 2026. He emphasizes that vetting is crucial for governance, culture protection, and risk management, extending beyond simple background…
- 491: 5 Things I Would Do My First 30 Days As GM
In episode 491, entertainer Denny Corby shares five actions he would take in his first 30 days as a club General Manager, drawing on his performance experience. He discusses priorities like cleanliness, member engagement, staff culture, ev…
- 490: First Year As GM, Year In Review w/ Jordan Meserole
Jordan Meserole discusses his first year as a country club GM, detailing his non-traditional path into the role, leadership challenges including a major renovation and operational emergencies, and the importance of communication and system…
- 489: Take a Break
Episode 489 of Private Club Radio Show offers a reminder for golf and country club professionals on the importance of recovery and protecting energy. It discusses how activities like hobbies or endurance challenges can provide a mental res…
- 488: Belonging Over Budget
In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby addresses the common dilemma clubs face with low RSVPs. He argues that canceling events due to soft turnout is counterproductive, as it trains members not to attend, and stresses that fost…
- 487: Can Mini Golf Actually Work at a Club? w/ Harris Golf
This episode features Denny in conversation with Katie and Sal Conaboy of Harris Golf, exploring the potential of modern mini golf as a club amenity. They discuss how custom courses can enhance family engagement, offer new programming, and…
- 486: The Room Matters
This episode of Private Club Radio Show is titled "486: The Room Matters." The description directs listeners to follow the show and Denny Corby on Instagram and Linkedin.
- 485: Staff Energy Shapes Member Energy
This episode of Private Club Radio features Denny Corby explaining how staff energy significantly impacts the private club member experience. He discusses building emotional momentum for events, the importance of internal promotion and sta…
- 484: Hardest Part About Your Job No One Sees
This episode features a man-on-the-street montage from a conference where club professionals and leaders share the unseen difficulties of their jobs, including emotional labor, member feedback, and staffing challenges.
- 483: 2026 CMAA World Conference Recap
This episode recaps the 2026 CMAA World Conference in Anaheim, highlighting the theme "Plant Seeds for Success." The key takeaway emphasizes the importance of connecting people, not just meeting them, and challenges club leaders and vendor…
- 482: Reading the Room at World Conference
In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby provides body language tips for club professionals to interpret social cues at the CMAA World Conference. Learn to gauge group energy, understand non-verbal signals like feet and hip direc…
- 481: Own Conference w/ 4 Goal Buckets
This episode of Private Club Radio Show focuses on the CMAA World Conference, offering four goal buckets—friend, professional friend, club, and vendor/expo goals—to ensure tangible wins. It provides strategies for networking, asking questi…
- 480: Before You Book Any Entertainment, Ask These Questions
Denny Corby explains crucial questions club leaders must ask before booking any entertainment, including bands, DJs, and speakers. The episode focuses on vetting talent for fit and professionalism, managing logistics, and understanding con…
- 479: 100 Members In 100 Days w/ Jeff Thomas Corning Country Club
Jeff Thomas of Corning Country Club shares how he achieved 100 members in 100 days by aligning departments and rebuilding momentum. The episode covers master planning, community partnerships, and leadership coaching.
- 478: Books That Build Better Leaders
In this solo episode, Denny Corby lists books that improved his leadership and decision-making. He shares practical lessons on navigating challenges, managing behavior, and focusing on effort for private club professionals.
- 477: Bringing the Board With You, Why NCA Conference Is the Move This April
This episode of Private Club Radio previews the 2026 National Club Conference, featuring insights from John Good and Joe Trauger of the National Club Association. Topics include the conference
- 476: 16 Relationships Every Club Leader Needs
In episode 476, Denny outlines 16 crucial relationships every club professional should cultivate in 2026. These connections go beyond internal teams and boards, including contacts in construction, media, legal, and more, forming a vital pr…
- 475: Best Club Management Conversations of the Year
Episode 475 revisits key club management conversations from 2025, highlighting takeaways on data security, branding, balancing tradition with change, and avoiding financial pitfalls. It features clips from various private club professional…
- 474: My Holiday Gift to Club Leaders: The One Tip That Changes Everything w/ Denny Corby
In episode 474 of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby explains the 'Schedule Send' feature, also known as 'Send Later' for iPhone users. He highlights its importance as a communication tool for club leaders, emphasizing its ability to enhance…
- 473: Turning Local News into Club Gold w/ Julie Kraft
In episode 473, Denny talks with media consultant Julie Kraft about how clubs can leverage local news coverage. Kraft shares strategies for pitching stories, appearing confident on air, and avoiding mistakes to drive visibility and engagem…
- 472: Turning Your OOO Into Member Engagement w/ Denny Corby
This episode of Private Club Radio Show explains how to turn Out Of Office replies into a hospitality win. It features an example from Sean Bleyl and provides ideas for various club roles to drive member engagement through autoresponders.
- 471: From Engineering To Club Leadership w/ Curtis Garner, CCM
Curtis Garner, Assistant GM and Director of Operations at Shoal Creek, shares his journey from engineering to club leadership. He details managing a major renovation, the advantages of club careers over hotels for work-life balance, and hi…
- 470: Two Tiny Club Moves That Pack a Massive Punch w/ Denny Corby
In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, host Denny Corby discusses two simple, low-cost strategies for club leaders to enhance member connections, emphasizing gratitude and intentional outreach over grand gestures.
- 469: Sweetest Gig in Clubs - BTS At Hershey Country Club w/ Kevin O'Brien
Kevin O’Brien, General Manager of Hershey Country Club, discusses the unique challenges and strategies of managing a private club within a larger hospitality brand, emphasizing leadership, guest experience, and operational consistency.
- 468: Rooted in the Club - Loyalty, Leadership, and Longevity w/ Jennifer Felegy, CCM
Jennifer Felegy, General Manager of Lehigh Country Club, discusses her 25-year career path from server to GM. The episode covers rising through club ranks, leading a team, building culture, retaining staff, and adapting to post-COVID chang…
- 467: Public speaking starter kit for club pros, w/ Denny Corby
This episode provides a beginner-friendly public speaking kit for club professionals, covering a simple structure, idea building, audience engagement techniques (WIIFM), and time management. It also touches on managing nerves, using visual…
- 466: Keeping an Eye on Certifications w/ Brian Watkins CMAA
Brian Watkins, Director of Certification & Education at CMAA, joins Private Club Radio to explain the certification process for club managers, including the CCM, CCE, and MCM designations, tracking Continuing Education Credits, and the evo…
- 465: Let's Talk About Voicemails w/ Denny Corby
This episode of Private Club Radio Show, featuring Denny Corby, discusses the impact of voicemails on first impressions and callbacks within the club industry. It offers practical advice on recording effective greetings and managing expect…
- 464: Building a Career in Hospitality You’re Proud Of w/ Bridget Eckert, CCM
Bridget Eckert, CCM discusses her extensive hospitality career, from entry-level positions to leading top private clubs. She shares insights with Denny Corby on building a fulfilling career through curiosity, connection, and purpose, empha…
- 463: Setting the Stage: How to Introduce Someone Without Losing the Room w/ Denny Corby
Host Denny Corby shares a 60-second structure for introducing speakers that builds energy and respects the audience. The episode covers delivery, pacing, note-taking, rehearsal, common mistakes, and pre-stage rituals, offering a repeatable…
- 462: Seasonal Staffing Secrets w/ Carly Eglin & Keith Pabian
In this episode of Private Club Radio Show, Carly Eglin and Keith Pabian discuss strategies for effective seasonal staffing in private clubs, covering H-2B visa processes, housing solutions, team culture, and legal compliance.
- 461: 10 Lessons From Hosting Management in Motion w/ Denny Corby
Management in Motion 2025 brought together over 30 club professionals for a unique leadership event at Monticello Motor Club, combining motorsport experiences with peer-to-peer discussions. Key lessons included the value of niche experienc…
- 460: Imposter Syndrome at the Top w/ Kent Johnson CCM, CCE, ECM
GM Kent Johnson discusses his personal experience with imposter syndrome, a feeling of inadequacy despite success, common in leadership roles within the private club industry. He shares strategies for leading with vulnerability and confide…
- 459: Managing Peers, Finding Mentors & Leading Early w/ Mikayla Luby
Mikayla Luby discusses her rapid rise in the private club industry, detailing challenges like managing older team members and peers, communicating under pressure, and leading early in her career.
- 458: The HOA Side of Club Management w/ Joe Smith
In this episode of Private Club Radio Show, General Manager Joe Smith explains the complexities of managing private clubs governed by Florida HOA laws. He details navigating state statutes, public scrutiny, legal accountability, and member…
- 457: Disrupting Tradition - The Austin Club's Revolution w/ Paul Kornfeind MCM, CCE
Paul Kornfeind MCM, CCE explains how The Austin Club is modernizing its approach to attract younger members. The episode covers strategies like influencer partnerships and flexible membership tiers, balancing tradition with contemporary ap…
- 456: Ultimate Comedy Night Blueprint for Packed Club Events That WOW w/ Denny Corby
This episode of Private Club Radio features Denny Corby explaining how to create a successful comedy night for private clubs. He covers booking talent, managing AV, setting expectations, and budgeting to ensure a laughter-filled event that…
- 454: Today’s Top Membership Risks w/ Dan Klimek Member Vetting
Dan Klimek of Kennis Member Vetting explains the hidden risks in club membership applications, such as fraud, political extremism, and ulterior motives. He highlights advanced vetting techniques that go beyond standard background checks to…
- 453: Management in Motion - Reimagining Club Professional Development w/ Denny Corby
Management in Motion offers private club leaders a unique professional development experience at Monticello Motor Club, blending high-performance driving with leadership insights from industry professionals. The event focuses on learning l…
- 452: Management by Wandering Around: Mentorship, Member Magic, and Mistakes with Rollie Carlson
Rollie Carlson discusses mentorship, leadership, and career mistakes in the private club industry on Private Club Radio. Key themes include a "yes" mindset, building trust, and management by wandering around.
- 451: She doesn't want to be the youngest GM, she wants to be the best w/ Nicole Wasserman
Nicole Wasserman shares her journey in club management, emphasizing her focus on becoming a respected leader and mentor rather than seeking the youngest GM title. She offers insights for club leaders on attracting and retaining young profe…
- 450: Aging with Dignity: How Clubs Can Become Lifelines, Not Just Amenities w/ Kaitlyn Allen, CCM
Kaitlyn Allen, CCM discusses transforming club hospitality for aging members, emphasizing dignity and connection through thoughtful details and engaging programming. The episode also highlights Long Cove Club's innovative staff culture pro…
- 449: The Real Estate Shift Shaking Private Clubs w/ Jason Becker
Jason Becker explains how shifts in the real estate market are impacting private clubs. Buyer preferences have changed, with a focus on amenities and community over traditional golf, and clubs need to adapt their value propositions to thri…
- 448: Why Every GM Needs a Strong Exit Plan And a Stronger People Plan w/ David Sweet, CCM
In episode 448, David Sweet shares how Boca Woods transformed by prioritizing culture, communication, and brand. He details strategies for internal storytelling, member engagement, and building a competitive edge through people and culture.
- 447: What Your $300K Racket Budget Really Gets You w/ Ed Shanaphy
Ed Shanaphy explains the financial realities of racket departments in clubs, noting they receive about 3% of revenue, with strict payroll limits. He advocates for strategic promotions and cross-selling over discounts to boost revenue and m…
- 446: Club Leadership Through a Political Campaign Lens w/ Chuck Merriman, CCM
In episode 446, Denny interviews Chuck Merriman, COO of San Diego Country Club, exploring the unexpected similarities between private club leadership and political campaigns. Merriman shares insights on building relationships, persuasion,…
- 445: “You Can’t Have Two Managers in the House” 😂 w/ Velecia Luckenbill
This episode features Velecia Luckenbill, Director of Food & Beverage at Colonial Country Club. She discusses her unconventional path to club leadership, starting from her arrival in the US via a work program. Key topics include the import…
- 444: From Bollywood to Hollywood (Golf Club 😉) w/ Salil Bokil, CCM
Salil Bokil, General Manager of Hollywood Golf Club for 18 years, discusses his leadership approach that fosters team longevity and member trust. He shares his personal journey from India and strategies for managing staff and operations, e…