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Scoring New Points with Racquets Programs

Scoring New Points with Racquets Programs
In 2024, the racquets industry will continue with massive growth in a changing environment. Now more than ever, it is critical that clubs and their racquets professionals continue to stay relevant by thinking and acting creatively in these areas:

Continued evolution of racquet sports facilities. Clubs will look to enhance their pickleball facilities by not only building permanent pickleball courts, but by adding partially covered courts as well. The Chicken N’Pickle concept, with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and readily available food and beverage service, will continue to make its way into the mainstream at clubs across the country. The rapid rise of padel will also continue, especially in major metropolitan areas, across the country. The relatively low cost to build an outdoor padel court ($75,000-$85,000), mixed with the low operational cost to maintain it, has made it a great option for clubs looking to expand their racquet sport offerings.

Creative, collaborative and innovative programming. The huge increase in racquet sports participation that was prompted by the pandemic cannot be expected to continue without constant innovative programming. A club will need to continue to focus on entry-level events and programs for all of its racquet-sports offerings to maintain their momentum and upward progression. Collaborating with other club departments to create unforgettable moments for members will be a necessity.

Utilizing talent. Every year, a racquets department’s organizational chart should be cultivated to best utilize the full talents of the team. Staff members should continue to be challenged with more responsibilities, and titles should be adjusted to reward those who best set the team up for success. To keep up properly with pickleball explosion, clubs that don’t already have a head pickleball professional or pickleball coordinator should invest in that position immediately.

Compensation, structure and funding. The current trend is to structure racquet professionals’ compensation packages to incentivize gross revenue and the member experience within the department. Throughout the racquets department, compensation plans should reflect what each employee is responsible for, while also enabling them to share in the growth of the overall program. Assistant professionals’ compensation should include a salary, not only to help them grow as leaders but also to increase the member experience. Finally, this is the time to budget for growth. Support from the Board, management and committees is needed to adequately fund the entire racquets program for a comprehensive experience, including operational and cap ex budgets.

Certification. Because a club’s racquets program can now include four to five sports, it will be increasingly necessary to have professionals who are certified in tennis, pickleball, paddle and padel, as well as squash in some parts of the country.

Leadership, culture and mentorship. More than ever before, creating a kind, creative, positive, and growth mindset within a racquets department is imperative. Regular weekly or bi-weekly individual meetings should be held with staff members, occasionally changing things up to include lunch meetings in a more relaxed setting. Goal setting and checking in on staff members periodically should be a priority, as part of learning about each person and what makes them tick. All staff meetings should be held weekly, along with weekly growth opportunity sessions that share what’s being worked on in other areas. The staff should understand that it is OK to make mistakes, and leaders should take public accountability for things that need to be better. At the same time, staff accomplishments should be praised publicly as much as possible.

Club Trends – Winter 2024

Len Simard, PTR & USPTA Master Professional, Search & Consulting Executive, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. He can be reached via email: len@kkandw.com.

Scoring New Points with Racquets Programs2024-02-22T00:21:42+00:00

International Executive Search

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Established in 1996, our firm is regarded for our unparalleled process and club industry stewardship. Your partnership with us will be centred around the well-being of your private club and the candidates we present. We conduct comprehensive due diligence and pride ourselves on transparent communications, commitment to timelines, and responsiveness. The value in your investment goes beyond making successful placements. Working together means an overall enhancement in your private club membership experience and is inclusive of tools that foster alignment between club managers and board and committee volunteers. In addition to executive search, we are a benchmark in club consulting. Our Board Dynamics Model has been presented to over 1000 private clubs and communities. Whether you are an ambitious executive leader seeking new challenges or a forward-thinking board in pursuit of a transformative team, we are here to guide you every step of the way…

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This role will spearhead the insight and research functions at England Golf. The successful candidate will play a crucial part in shaping the implementation of England Golf’s Course Planner and driving the strategic utilization of…

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“Formalizing our expansion into international markets marks a momentous milestone in our company’s journey. We will continue to uphold our core values of integrity, education, respect, relevancy, quality, and fun, ensuring we build lasting relationships with partners, clients, and candidates worldwide.”

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Our executive search capabilities and expertise include General Manager/COO, Chief Executive Officer, Assistant General Manager, Clubhouse Management, Food & Beverage, Financial, Golf, Culinary, Agronomy, Racquets, Human Resources, Fitness & Wellness, Membership/Marketing…

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We are working for you before you have even partnered with us. Your private club will benefit from our deep roots, long-standing partnerships, connectivity to the trenches of private clubs, and the growing expertise of our team. We are working in private clubs almost daily, touring, listening, and learning…

Leading Minds. Latest Insights.

Recent events have presented an opportunity for private clubs to continue advancing and investing in technology. This trend will gather further momentum as "next-gen" [...]

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Michael Herd | Head of International Search & Consulting

Based in the United Kingdom, Michael Herd joins KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE as Head of International Search and Consulting. Michael comes to the team with over a decade of experience in the golf and club industry. His expertise spans multiple continents and has positioned him as a trusted industry leader. In recent years, Michael has successfully collaborated with renowned clubs across the globe, including those in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Australia. Furthermore, Michael is committed to providing invaluable industry advice and insights to club boards and committees. His deep understanding of the international golf and club industry landscape enables him to provide innovative solutions and strategic best practices. [read more]

International Executive Search2024-03-28T15:59:28+00:00

The Key to High-Performance Boards

Clubs known for their good governance and overall success have one thing in common: a great board orientation. A common complaint heard during club visits by KK&W is that board members feel they could have been better prepared for their role on the board. The perfect opportunity to start board members off on the right foot, set them up for success, and foster greater efficiency is by holding a mandatory board orientation at the beginning of a new board’s term.

Board orientation is a one-time annual event that explains responsibilities, goals, expectations, and sets the stage for constant learning and education throughout the year ahead. To create a high-functioning board of directors, a comprehensive board orientation must occur.

Remember the last time you were a “fresher” or first-timer at anything where there is already a group in place that you were then joining? No matter how long someone might have been a member of the club, becoming a board member is not something to be taken lightly. Shortening the learning curve through a well-organised orientation allows them to become positive contributors more quickly, and feeling comfortable doing so benefits all involved.

The ingredients for a successful board orientation include the necessary time and commitment to do it right. At a minimum, a board orientation should be a one-day event, where all board members (new and existing) are required to attend. Mandatory attendance is critical, and the involvement of returning board members is equally important to help convey the dynamics of how business is done and to help reassure new board members of the desire for a fully participative board.

There is a lot of information to include, and an organised and detailed approach is the key to getting board members quickly up to speed. Proper education and perspective are important as board members must understand that clubs are a different kind of operation and therefore, they are often run differently than most of their own personal businesses. The highest-performing clubs also take reflecting on how they are doing as a board very seriously. They make it a priority to objectively assess themselves through an anonymous board self-evaluation process, to understand how they are performing with respect to connectivity to the membership, strategic direction, board structure and process, and the board’s relationship with the club manager.

KEY ELEMENTS OF AN ORIENTATION

Orientation should start off with a welcome and overview of the day by the general manager and club president. Then the general manager leads the group through an explanation of the club mission statement, club organisational structure, overview/background of the club, and the roles and responsibilities of the board, management team, and committees.

Responsibility Matrix – One of the most important elements in board orientation, the responsibility matrix, is essential for board members to understand their roles, responsibilities, and how they connect to the overall organisation. This is crucial for creating board members who are productive and confident. The responsibility matrix details who is responsible for what, thus creating the foundation for a high-functioning board. When managers “manage” and directors “direct” or governors “govern,” that is when we see clubs operate efficiently.

Governance Documents – The general manager should walk through the details of club governance by explaining the following: committee responsibilities and charters, the role of the committee chair, board member code of conduct, recently amended bylaws, member grievance flow chart, nominating committee description and responsibilities, member conduct and disciplinary actions, and any other documents pertinent to the club’s governance and policy manual. Include core values and guiding principles that are the foundation of how the club operates and ultimately makes decisions. It’s important to explain how the club functions to help board members understand their role on a deeper level. During this section, it is also wise to present supporting industry publications, articles, and other outside sources to help validate your explanation of club governance and provide other opportunities for further education.

Responsibility_Matrix

Strategic Plan – It is also crucial to offer an overview of the history of how the multi-year, rolling strategic plan has been developed and guides annual goals and objectives for the entire club, including committees. Articulating the primary focus of the boards from past years helps to maintain clarity of purpose and provide a scorecard of success. It is a best practice for the outgoing board to set goals and objectives for the incoming board and committees.

Finances – Including a review of the budget, budgeting process, and overall financial status of the club is beneficial. This portion may be conducted by the chief financial officer and should include a description of what it means to be a truly private club and how it impacts tax-exempt status (if applicable). Detail legal issues pertinent to the club and review any other local or industry issues that are specific to your club. It’s also important to emphasise and remind board members of the high level of fiduciary responsibility they have both legally and morally.

Membership – Have the membership director provide an overview of the membership process, how member recruitment works, an update on the club’s membership status/growth, membership pricing philosophies, and any member recognition efforts. This is also a great time to remind board members that member recruitment is part of their responsibility as well.

Club Organisation Chart – Another key element in board orientation is having the general manager walk through the organisational structure, main positions, and their backgrounds/previous experience, any human resources initiatives, employee handbook updates, scholarship programs, internship programs, and any other pertinent staff issues or information that would be beneficial for board members to know. High-performing clubs allocate half a day to building trust and confidence between the board and key department heads. Staff leadership should be encouraged to share their professional background and unique capabilities, club tenure, the details of their role, the number of people within their team, the level of interaction the board can expect, and interesting facts about their department.

Club Tour – This also presents a great time for a detailed tour of the club property—both front and back of house. Have each department head stationed in their area and allow him or her to show board members around, introduce essential employees, discuss the department layout and overall operations. Consider adding unique ways to provide information on the tour. For example, consider parking several high-dollar pieces of equipment in a visible location during the golf course/grounds building tour. Include a “price tag” on each piece of equipment so board members can see just how much one mower may cost. The same may be helpful with equipment in the kitchen. Give department heads the opportunity to answer questions and showcase their recent achievements. This is a great way to build rapport with department heads and recognize their contributions to the success of the operation.

Goal Setting – Dedicate time to discussing goal setting, which is essential for a high-performing board. This is a great opportunity to correlate the board’s own self-evaluation results from the outgoing board responses with the goals presented and design a focused action plan for the coming year.
Meetings – Include a review of how board time should be spent by giving them an agenda. This can help them to understand the significance of their impact on strategic vs. operational issues. Below are the three key areas of focus for boards to channel their influence:

  • Fiduciary – Board actions that involve annual accounts, budget directives and initiatives, auditors’ reports, planning and committee review.
  • Talent – Measuring and acting on talent reviews, setting talent objectives for the year, reviewing top management, and utilising a club engagement survey.
  • Decision – Focus on decision-making for budgets, investments, and nominations, while approving a yearly business plan utilising a balance scorecard approach.

Plan appropriate breaks, meals, and allow time for questions and answers as you go along. The key to a successful board orientation is engaging board members, keeping things light and informational, and not getting too mired in details. Review pertinent topics and then provide resources or hard copies for a more in-depth analysis on an individual basis. Allow time for questions, discussion, and bonding between board members and department heads in order to further build confidence, trust, and focus on results.

Contributed by Richard M. Kopplin, Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM & Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM
Partners at KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

CLUB TRENDS – Summer 2021

Board-Orientation-Checklist-2
The Key to High-Performance Boards2023-08-08T18:26:37+00:00

Rising Through The Club Ranks: Tom Wallace’s Story

Do you ever wonder what it takes to rise through the ranks and thrive in the club world? This episode of Private Club Radio features a fascinating conversation with Tom Wallace, an award-winning manager and partner at KK&W. From shining shoes as a teenager at a country club to becoming the general manager at Oakmont Country Club, Tom shares his incredible journey and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

We uncover the secrets of Tom’s success, including his holistic approach to human capital and the importance of creating an employer of choice culture. Stay interviews, leveraging relationships with members, and giving young professionals the opportunity to provide feedback are essential ingredients to success. Get ready to absorb invaluable insights on recruitment, orientation, training, recognition, retention, and team development that can benefit any club.

Wrapping up our conversation, Tom highlights the power of relationships and networking in the club world. We discuss how clubs can create value for members beyond initiation fees and dues, the significance of self-awareness, and painting a vision for the club. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Tom Wallace’s wealth of experiences and expertise in the club world.

Rising Through The Club Ranks: Tom Wallace’s Story2023-06-19T13:07:42+00:00

Let’s Talk Club Management Podcast – Secrets To Acing The Interview

Podcast-Acing-The-Interview

On this episode of Let’s Talk Club Management, we are talking about the interview process, how to answer, and what to ask. Well-informed, inquisitive job candidates make better impressions and decisions in the job search. We were so glad to have the KK&W team share their collective experience on both sides of the table as a club management professionals and recruiters. You can also access KK&W’s interview practice and preparation resource here.

Let’s Talk Club Management Podcast – Secrets To Acing The Interview2023-06-16T20:08:36+00:00

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Hideaway Golf Club

“From the outset, your team demonstrated a level of expertise that was both impressive and reassuring. The thoroughness and attention to detail exhibited throughout the process were nothing short of exceptional. Your commitment to ensuring that only the highest potential candidates were presented to our Board was evident in every step of the journey.”

PRESIDENT | THE HIDEAWAY GOLF CLUB
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“I am writing to express my utmost appreciation and admiration for the exceptional services provided by KK&W, a remarkable search firm that played an integral role in assisting the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club through a challenging and vital search process. Their exemplary work resulted in the successful identification and recruitment of an outstanding candidate to lead our racquets department. Mr. Simard’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in guiding our search committee through the complex process with unparalleled professionalism.”

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | OKLAHOMA CITY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

“Throughout our Director of Culinary search process, both Chef McFadden and Ms. Whittley maintained open lines of communication, provided regular updates, and addressed any concerns or questions promptly. They exhibited a high level of professionalism, integrity and discretion. Lawrence’s intensity and Annette’s charm made this a very enjoyable process. I firmly believe KK&W are leaders in the field of executive search and their commitment to excellence sets them apart. Thank you for your outstanding service.”

GENERAL MANAGER/COO | COLLETON RIVER CLUB
Greenwich Country Club

“We have been very pleased at Greenwich Country Club with our decision to transition from a traditional controller model to a Chief Financial Officer. Our partnership with Michelle and KK&W is what made this transition possible. Our national search yielded outstanding professional candidates who are leaders in the profession of finance. I am always willing to speak with any General Manager on behalf of Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace.”

GENERAL MANAGER | GREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB

CONTACT2023-12-08T20:21:21+00:00

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“Kurt, on behalf of the Search Committee and Board of Directors, I want to thank you and your firm for the excellent service you provided us during our GM/COO search. The professionalism, leadership and guidance from your team helped us immensely during this process. I am impressed by not only your expertise in securing us a candidate that we voted on unanimously, but also in the timely manner that was taken. I will certainly recommend your services to fellow colleagues!”

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Leadership is both technical (the management side) and visionary (the strategic side). No one follows a leader for long who is not caring and [...]

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Home20232023-10-11T16:16:46+00:00

Golf Industry Guru Podcast – From Club Manager to Consultant

Private Club Consulting Podcast

Would you believe that the Club Management industry is one of the most challenging and difficult industries to succeed in? It takes a special type of person to thrive, and Tom Wallace is one of those people. With a career that spans from a young 14-year-old shoe shiner to his current role as a partner at one of the most respected consulting firms in the golf industry, Tom Wallace has seen it all.

On this episode of The GIG Podcast, Tom reveals his secrets to success and how he has successfully transitioned from a club manager to a consultant. He also outlines the traits that are critical for successful club management in this day and age, and how to find and work with great mentors. Be sure to tune in as Tom takes us through his career journey and provides some excellent insight into the world of Club Management.

“I always tell young people, if you’re somewhere where you’re not learning and you’re not growing, you need to leave.” – Tom Wallace

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • Developing a Career in the Golf Industry: Learn from Tom Wallace’s journey from club manager to consultant and his advice for young professionals on how to find a mentor and approach networking.
  • Club Management Traits for Success: Understand the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and the necessary skill sets for successful club management in today’s world.
  • The Role of a Club Manager: Discover how to be a “thought partner” for the members of a club and the importance of being creative, forceful, and respectful in disagreement.

Golf Industry Guru Podcast – From Club Manager to Consultant2023-01-24T21:08:01+00:00

Championship Golf Consulting

Combining the tournament experience of our team with the assets you have in play will result in an unmatched partnership. Our team members have been in your shoes. They have been in the position of balancing leadership responsibilities and overseeing an already dynamic club operation while hosting a multi-faceted golf-centric experience with millions of touch points. We will be a support system offering a foundation to build from along with mentorship, allowing you to navigate any exciting opportunity with confidence and pride.

KK&W tournament and championship consulting highlights include:

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US Men’s Amateur
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US Women’s Open
Ryder Cup
All PGA of America Member Championships
KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
KPMG PGA Women’s Championship
PGA Championship
PGA Cup
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Skins Game (PGA Tour)
Tavistock Cup
Texas State Boys Junior
The Bob Hope Desert Classic (PGA Tour)
The Canadian Open (PGA Tour)
The International (PGA Tour)
The Tradition (PGA Champions Tour)

Related Insights:

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ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON KETCHAM "The last subject I want to talk about, and most importantly, is something we've discussed a lot this week. We've [...]

Championship Golf Consulting2022-12-08T19:36:59+00:00

Let’s Talk Club Management Podcast – What You Should Be Looking For In Your Next Job, Team, & Club

What-To-Look-For-In-Your-Next-Job

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.

Let’s Talk Club Management Podcast – What You Should Be Looking For In Your Next Job, Team, & Club2022-12-06T17:15:47+00:00
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