What if the most impactful thing your club could do this season… didn’t cost a dime? In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, host Denny Corby shares two powerful — and surprisingly simple — ways club leaders can make meaningful connections with members during the holidays. It’s not about big budgets or fancy activations. It’s about human moments. Gratitude. Intentional outreach. And yes — asking your staff to take the photo. Inside, you’ll hear: Why Thanksgiving is the perfect time to...
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a private club inside one of the most iconic hospitality brands in the world? In this episode of The Private Club Radio Show, we go behind the scenes with Kevin O’Brien, General Manager of Hershey Country Club, to explore what it takes to lead a club that sits at the intersection of tradition, luxury, and the sweetest brand in America. With over 13 years at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Kevin brings a rare perspective on: Leading a private club withi...
She started as a server. Now she’s the General Manager. In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Felegy, CCM, General Manager of Lehigh Country Club, to explore what it really takes to build a club career from the ground up. Over her 25+ years in private clubs, Jen has done it all — membership, HR, events, operations, even teaching hospitality students. Her story is one of grit, loyalty, and long-game leadership. We talk about: What it’s like to rise through the ranks at the same clubHow to...
This episode is a beginner friendly kit for anyone speaking in front of people, clubs, teams, boards, or conferences. You will learn a simple structure that uses fifteens and tens, how to build clean chunks, one idea, one story, one tool, how to use WIIFM so people lean in, and how to finish on time. We cover pre show nerves, mix and mingle to make friends, the smile on purpose trick, confidence monitors for secret notes, slide do’s, crowd control, and the silent vibrate alarm so you can pivo...
So you want those letters after your name—CCM, CCE, maybe even MCM—but you’re not sure where to start, how long it takes, or if it’s even worth it? This episode answers all your certification questions. This week on The Private Club Radio Show, we sit down with Brian Watkins, Director of Certification & Education at the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). If you’ve ever registered for a BMI, counted your CECs, or prepped for the CCM exam, ...
We break down why a short, friendly, and current voicemail can shape first impressions and speed up callbacks, especially in the club world where every touchpoint matters. Practical tips help you record a clear greeting, set expectations, and add just enough personality. Follow us on the socials Private Club Radio Instagram Private Club Radio Linkedin Denny Corby Instagram Denny Corby Linkedin
From bussing tables at Circus Pizza to leading top private clubs, Bridget Eckert, CCM has lived every side of hospitality. In this episode, she and Denny Corby dive into what it takes to build a career you’re proud of — one rooted in curiosity, connection, and purpose. They talk messy résumés that actually make sense, teaching the next generation of club pros, and why pride still matters in this business. Funny, real, and full of takeaways for anyone who loves hospitality....
Ever watch the room drift during a seven-minute bio read? We’ve all been there, so we/me (host Denny Corby) built a reliable way to introduce speakers that actually lifts the energy, respects the audience, and makes your guest feel like a headliner. In this fast, focused walkthrough, we share the exact 60-second structure we use onstage: gather attention with a clean opening line, deliver a sharp hook, explain why this person matters to this audience right...
Seasonal staffing doesn’t have to be a yearly crisis. In this episode, we sit down with Carly Eglin (CEO of Seasonal Connect) and Keith Pabian (Founding Partner of Pabian Law) to break down how private clubs can finally get it right—from H-2B visa strategies to housing solutions, team culture, and compliance nightmares. Whether you’re a general manager, HR director, or just tired of last-minute staffing chaos, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you attract, re...
What happens when you throw over 30 club professionals into BMW M cars and let them rip around a professional racetrack? Pure magic—and unexpected leadership lessons that no conference room could ever provide. Management in Motion 2025 began as a casual conversation with the GM of Monticello Motor Club during a podcast interview. What started as a simple track visit evolved into a full-blown event combining adrenaline, education, and authentic connection among club leaders who share a passio...
Ever feel like you are not good enough, even when you are? In this episode, GM Kent Johnson opens up about his personal experience with imposter syndrome as a leader in the private club world. We talk honestly about the voice of self-doubt that can show up even after years of success, and what it really takes to lead with vulnerability, clarity and confidence. Kent shares how imposter syndrome shows up at the GM level, why it often goes unspoken, and how he works through it without letting it...
How do you go from college intern to banquet manager before 30 — and actually lead with confidence? In this episode of Private Club Radio, we’re joined by Mikayla Luby, a rising star in the private club industry, who shares her journey from hospitality student to full-time banquet manager at a major country club. We explore what it’s like to grow your career inside a private club — navigating early leadership challenges, earning respect from older team members, communicating under pressure, a...
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a private club that functions more like a municipality than a clubhouse? In this episode, GM Joe Smith takes us deep into the world of Florida HOAs where leadership isn’t just about member experience… it’s about navigating state law, statutes, and real legal accountability. You’ll hear how HOA-run clubs operate under public scrutiny, manage board meetings where anyone can speak, respond to official record requests, and even enforce rules about house...
What happens when chandeliers, mahogany bars, and 150 years of tradition collide with TikTok and influencers? That’s the story unfolding at The Austin Club under the leadership of Paul Kornfeind, MCM, CCE. In this episode of Private Club Radio, Paul explains how he’s reimagining a historic city club for Gen Z and Millennials, while still honoring its rich legacy. From “Bingo After Dark” and “Gourmet Dinners Under the Stars” to collaborating with Austin’s top food and lifestyle influencers, Th...
Want a packed room and zero complaints after comedy night? Learn how to: Book talent your members actually loveAvoid the AV pitfalls that kill energySet expectations that save your inboxBudget for the headline act, not just the dinner Comedy night should be a club highlight, not a source of member complaints. In this episode, entertainer, club favorite, and PCR host Denny Corby breaks down exactly how to host a packed, laughter-filled comedy night that delights members and drives real ...
Who's really trying to join your club? What secrets lie beneath that polished application and those glowing references? Dan Klimek from Kennis Member Vetting pulls back the curtain on what truly comprehensive member screening can reveal and the results might shock you. Traditional background checks barely scratch the surface. Regulated by employment laws, they're limited in scope and depth. But when vetting potential club members, these restrictions don't apply, allowing for investigation...
Buckle up for the most exhilarating professional development experience ever created for private club leaders! Management in Motion isn't your typical leadership seminar - it's what happens when you combine high-performance driving with transformative leadership insights at one of America's premier private racetracks. Picture yourself behind the wheel of a BMW M-series vehicle, mastering drag racing, precision driving challenges, and even drifting on the professional track at Monticello Moto...
In this episode of Private Club Radio, we chat with Rollie Carlson, Managing Director of the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter and a longtime leader in the private club industry. With a career spanning from senior-level retail marketing to general management at top clubs, Rollie brings a rare mix of operational insight, people-first leadership, and a deep passion for mentorship. We talk what makes a great club professional, not just in skills, but in mindset. Rollie shares lessons from ...
Nicole Wasserman isn't your typical club professional. At an age when most are still figuring out career basics, she's already compiled a resume that reads like a hospitality industry scavenger hunt—Augusta National, the Governor's Mansion, Hershey, Roaring Gap, wedding planner, and more. Now serving as Food and Beverage Manager at Daniel Island Club, Nicole brings a refreshingly grounded perspective on what it means to build a meaningful career in the private club world. Our conversation ex...
What if your club could serve as more than just a dining and recreation venue for aging members, but become a true lifeline of purpose and connection? Clubhouse Manager Kaitlyn Allen, CCM takes us on a fascinating journey through how her background in gerontology transformed her approach to hospitality at Long Cove Club. Starting with her teenage job at a retirement community, Kaitlyn discovered both the beauty of serving older adults and the ugly reality of elder abuse, initially setting he...