ABOUT ERIC

Eric Bischofberger, CCM, CMCA, is GM/COO of Hampton Hall Club, a Distinguished Club with EXCEPTIONAL status located in Bluffton, South Carolina. With a career rooted in the private club industry from an early age, Eric was influenced by his father, a longtime club manager, shaping his passion for hospitality andleadership.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Eric emphasizes culture, continuous improvement and accountability. He believes strongly in empowering teams, fostering trust and creating environments where employees feel supportedand inspired to grow.

Eric is recognized for his thoughtful approach to leadership, hiscommitment to developing others and his focus on creating meaningful experiences for both members and staff.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Eric Bischofberger, CCM, CMCA, GM/COO of Hampton Hall Club. Drawing from a career shaped by mentorship, personal growth and real-world leadership experience, Eric shares the lessons that have defined his leadership philosophy.

In this episode, Eric explores the importance of feedback, the value of learning through mistakes and the role culture plays in shaping both team performance and member experience. He reflects on the emotional impact of achieving Distinguished Club recognition and why that success belongs to theentire team.

Eric also shares his perspective on leading with intention, responding rather than reacting and creating an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work. His insights offer a powerful reminder that leadership is about people, purpose and the impact we leave behind.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Eric shares insights shaped by experience, mentorship and personal growth. You’ll hear:

• Why great leadership starts with asking “what are you going to do with it?”
• How feedback can be one of the most valuable tools for growth
• The difference between reacting and responding in leadership moments
• Why culture requires constant attention and daily reinforcement
• How strong teams create exceptional member experiences
• The importance of empowering employees at every level
• Why mistakes are essential to learning and continuous improvement
• How leadership is defined by impact, not title
• The emotional significance behind Distinguished Club recognition
• Why “pressure is a privilege” is a powerful leadership mindset

Throughout the conversation, Eric reinforces that leadership is rooted in intention, humility and a commitment to making a positive impact on others.

ABOUT TOM

Tom Vlach is the founder of Triumph Group, a boutique executive search and advisory firm specializing in the private club industry. Prior to founding the firm, he spent more than 30 years as a golf course superintendent, including leadership roles within the PGA Tour and at premier club properties.

Known for his relationship-driven approach, Tom emphasizes integrity, honesty and long-term connection in both leadership and executive search. His experience spans both private club environments and large organizational structures, giving him a unique perspective on governance, cultural alignment and leadership fit.

Tom is passionate about helping clubs and candidates make informed decisions, ensuring both sides understand expectations, culture and long-term goals. He is also an advocate for improving work-life balance within theindustry and supporting the next generation of leaders.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a candid and experience-driven conversation with Tom Vlach, founder of Triumph Group and longtime leader in the private club industry. Drawing on a 30-year career as a golf course superintendent, Tom shares the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy, from early mentorship to high-pressure moments on one of golf’s biggest stages.

In this episode, Tom explores the importance of relationships inleadership, the need for patience and clarity during challenging situations and the role of integrity in building trust across teams and organizations. He reflects on how transitioning from private club operations to a corporate environment reshaped his approach to communication and influence.

Tom also discusses the importance of cultural fit in leadership roles, the realities of governance within clubs and why candidates must approach opportunities with the same level of diligence as the organizations interviewing them.

His perspective offers a grounded reminder that leadership is not about personal recognition, but about stewardship, alignment and the ability to positively impact others over time.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, Tom shares insights shaped by decades of experience in the field. You’ll hear:

• Why mentorship can shape leadership far beyond technical skills
• How relationships, not titles, define long-term success
• Why patience and clear thinking are critical during high-pressure moments
• How to lead without needing recognition or credit
• Why managing up and down is an essential leadership skill
• How cultural fit determines long-term success more than capability alone
• Why candidates should interview clubs as thoroughly as they are being interviewed
• How governance and leadership expectations impact executive tenure
• Why integrity and honesty remain foundational in leadership and business
• The importance of advocating for work-life balance in a demanding industry
• How strong team culture directly influences member experience
• Why leadership is ultimately about stewardship, not control

ABOUT DAVID

David Main, MBA, PGA, ECM, is GM/CEO of Lambton Golf & Country Club and a past president of the Club Managers Association of Canada. A former PGA professional, he began his career in golf operations before transitioning into club management, where he has spent more than two decades leading teams and shaping club culture.

Known for his thoughtful, people-centered leadership style, David places a strong emphasis on mentorship, self-awareness and intentional leadership. His approach is rooted in the belief that great leadership begins with understanding oneself and extends to every interaction with team members.

As the 2025 recipient of the Denzil Palmer Mentor of the Year Award, David is recognized for his commitment to developing others and contributing to the growth of the private club industry. He is a strong advocate for fostering supportive environments where individuals feel valued, respected and inspired to grow.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

Step into a reflective and inspiring conversation with David Main, GM/CEO of Lambton Golf & Country Club and 2025 Denzil Palmer Mentor of the Year Award recipient. Drawing on a career that spans the PGA and private club leadership, David shares how personal challenges and a transformative solo cycling journey across Canada reshaped his perspective on leadership, identity and purpose.

In this episode, David explores the importance of self-awareness, empathy and intentional leadership in today’s club environment. He discusses why consistency in service matters more than perfection, how team culture directly influences member experience and why leaders must prioritize the well-being and engagement of their staff.

He also reflects on the power of mentorship, the responsibility leaders have to positively impact others each day and the importance of maintaining perspective in a high-pressure industry. His story offers a compelling reminder that leadership is ultimately about people, presence and the legacy we leavethrough others.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THISCONVERSATION

In this thoughtful discussion, David shares insights shaped byexperience, reflection and personal growth. You’ll hear:

• Why self-awareness is one of the most important qualities a leader can develop
• How separating identity from title can lead to stronger, more grounded leadership
• Why consistency matters more than perfection in delivering a great member experience
• How team culture directly impacts member satisfaction and engagement
• Why mentorship plays a critical role in shaping the future of the industry
• How leaders can maintain perspective during high-pressure moments
• Why empathy and intentional presence must be practiced, not assumed
• How personal challenges can become defining moments for leadership growth
• Why creating a positive impact on others each day should be a leadership priority
• How legacy is built through people, not projects or milestones

Throughout the conversation, David reinforces that leadership is a daily practice rooted in intention, awareness and care for others. His perspective serves as a reminder that when leaders invest in their people, they create stronger cultures, better experiences and a more resilient industry.