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 explores Nicole's unconventional path into club management, beginning with her early wedding planning experience where every minute detail was scheduled down to bathroom breaks for the bride. This meticulous background created an unexpected culture shock when she first encountered club operations, initially believing BEOs were missing crucial information that wedding timelines would have included. Her transformative experience with The Players Championship, where she witnessed extraordinary service training that created genuine enthusiasm among staff, ultimately sparked her passion for club management.

What truly distinguishes Nicole's outlook is her thoughtful approach to leadership development. Rather than chasing titles or being the "youngest GM," she focuses on becoming the kind of leader others call for guidance and mentorship. "I want to look back on my career and say I did something that really changed people's lives," she explains, highlighting the value she places on making meaningful impact over rapid advancement.

For club leaders wondering how to connect with the next generation of talent, Nicole offers invaluable insights. Young professionals seek consistent, supportive leadership that provides hands-on opportunities while offering guidance when needed. They want authentic connections rather than superficial engagement. And most importantly, they want to be at clubs where the cultural fit aligns with their personal values and communication style.

Whether you're a seasoned club professional looking to better understand your younger team members or an emerging leader seeking to navigate the club industry, Nicole's blend of youthful enthusiasm and mature perspective provides a roadmap for bridging generational gaps while preserving what makes club culture special.

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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 her on a path toward geriatric law before finding her true calling in club management. Her unique perspective reveals how hospitality for older members transcends service to become a matter of dignity, purpose, and identity.

The magic happens in the details from backlit check presenters that eliminate the embarrassment of struggling to read bills in dim lighting to programming that keeps members engaged through tap dancing classes, cultural associations, and wellness activities. These seemingly small touches make profound differences in how members experience their club.

Equally impressive is Long Cove's approach to staff culture through their Leadership and Culture Crew – non-managerial employees from every department who help shape workplace policies and create engaging team experiences. This innovative program has catapulted employee satisfaction into the 95th percentile industry-wide, creating a "palpable" culture where staff refer friends and family because they genuinely love their workplace.

"Hospitality isn't about what you serve, but about making people feel seen, celebrated, and like they still matter." This episode will transform how you approach member engagement at every age.

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The ground is shifting beneath private golf clubs, and not everyone sees it coming. In this eye-opening conversation with Jason Becker, founder of Golf Life Navigators, we peel back the curtain on dramatic changes reshaping the private club landscape across the Sunbelt and beyond.

Remember those endless waitlists and lightning-fast home sales in golf communities? That reality is fading fast. Home prices have dropped 10-15% in many golf communities while inventory has doubled or even tripled. Buyers who once made decisions in weeks now spend months meticulously comparing options. The result? Clubs that proudly displayed "waitlist only" signs are suddenly scrambling to sell memberships again.

Jason reveals fascinating data points that club leaders need to understand: 90% of consumers combine their club and home search, yet nearly half prefer living outside community gates - a major shift from pandemic preferences. Today's buyers prioritize breakfast services, modern fitness facilities, wellness programming, and poolside amenities over traditional selling points like signature golf holes.

What's driving this transformation? We're more than halfway through the Baby Boomer retirement wave, with only 5-6 years remaining before Gen X becomes the primary market. Clubs clinging to reputation and tradition while ignoring changing preferences are setting themselves up for trouble. The solution isn't slashing initiation fees (a mistake many clubs made during the Great Recession), but rather crafting compelling value propositions centered on culture, community, and innovative service offerings.

Whether you're a club leader wondering why your waitlist is shrinking, a membership director seeking fresh marketing approaches, or simply curious about the future of private clubs, this conversation provides a roadmap for navigating the significant changes already underway. The clubs that thrive won't necessarily be those with the most prestigious golf courses, but those creating the most vibrant, service-oriented communities.

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David Sweet’s journey from the luxury hotel world to the private club space is anything but typical—but his impact at Boca Woods shows what’s possible when a leader aligns people, purpose, and values.

In this episode, David shares how Boca Woods has evolved by investing deeply in culture, communication, and brand—from the inside out. From forming a marketing dream team to reshaping how members engage with the club, this is a masterclass in modern leadership.

We cover:

How Boca Woods earned a nomination as a Distinguished Club of the World

The importance of clarity in values—and how to make them live in your operations

How storytelling (internally and externally) has transformed engagement

Building a healthy internal culture that supports mental health and belonging

The value of mentorship—and how one mentor helped him negotiate a GM role on his terms

Why people and culture aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re your competitive edge

This one is for anyone who believes clubs are about more than just amenities—they’re about people.

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Ever wondered why your club's racket department seems financially constrained? In this eye-opening episode, consultant and racket management expert Ed Shanaphy lifts the curtain on the numbers rarely discussed in polite club company.

The financial anatomy of a racket department is more complex than most realize. Shanaphy reveals that nationally, racket departments typically receive just 3% of a club's overall revenue – translating to about $300,000 for a club generating $10 million. More critically, payroll shouldn't exceed 55% of that figure, leaving just $165,000 to staff an entire department. These constraints explain why directors must be creative with limited resources.

Rather than defaulting to discounts, Shanaphy advocates strategic revenue growth through thoughtful promotions. "If you come to your ladies practice, 50% off Sophie Bella clothing," he suggests as an example that drives both participation and sales. This cross-selling approach delivers more value than random price cuts while building stronger member engagement.

The conversation explores compensation structures, housing considerations, and how top professionals approach the business side of racket sports. Shanifee draws important parallels to golf management, noting that understanding operations beyond teaching is crucial for long-term success. "I strung a lot of rackets at midnight so members had them at 6am the next day," he recalls, emphasizing how these experiences shape exceptional club professionals.

Looking toward 2025, Shanaphy identifies dynamic pricing as an emerging trend. Just as hotels and airlines adjust prices based on demand, forward-thinking clubs are considering charging premium rates during peak hours while offering discounts during traditionally slower periods. This approach maximizes both revenue and facility usage – though implementation requires sensitivity at member-owned clubs.

Whether you're managing rackets at a prestigious club or simply curious about the business behind the sport, this conversation provides invaluable insights into creating sustainable, profitable racket programs that enhance the overall club experience.

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What do private clubs and political campaigns have in common?
Turns out… a lot more than you think.

In this episode, Denny sits down with Charles “Chuck” Merriman, CCM.
TRhe politically wired, quick-witted COO of San Diego Country Club whose journey from congressional campaign manager to club executive is anything but ordinary.

Chuck shares how his deep roots in politics shaped his leadership style, how civic involvement helped reopen his club during COVID, and why every club leader should build relationships in their local government before they need something.

We dive into:

• The surprising parallels between campaign strategy and club management
• How to deal with tough members, tougher boards, and Twitter trolls
• The real secret to persuasion, power, and protecting your club’s reputation
• Chuck’s proudest wins, hardest losses, and the leadership lessons in between

This one’s packed with humor, real talk, and insight for anyone who leads in high-pressure environments.

If you’ve ever felt like club leadership is political this episode proves you’re absolutely right.

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Work Hard, Be Kind, Pour the Wine.

Today’s guest is Velecia Luckenbill and trust me, you’re gonna love her.

She’s the Director of Food & Beverage at Colonial Country Club, a certified sommelier, and one of the most vibrant, driven, and straight-up joyful humans in the private club world. But her journey? It’s anything but typical.

Velecia came to the U.S. from Jamaica through an H-2B government work program. She left behind her young son, drove from Miami to Michigan, and landed in the middle of a snowstorm—with a leather jacket and no clue what a fire drill was. Fast forward: she’s now running the show, leading teams, throwing mariachi-filled parties for members, and still managing to keep her family front and center.

We talk about:
– Her path from hospitality to club leadership
– Why disconnection is just as important as connection (and how she learned the hard way)
– How she teaches wine like a boss (and why perfume is banned)
– The not-so-secret secret to a strong marriage: only one manager per household

This episode is about growth, grit, and grace—with a few laughs and wine notes along the way.

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This one’s got heart, hustle, and some serious longevity.

I’m joined by Salil Bokil—GM of Hollywood Golf Club down the Jersey Shore. He’s been there 18 years, and somehow built a team where no one leaves. I’m talking a chef who’s been there 17 years… a controller who’s clocked in for over 36. It’s wild—but once you hear how he leads, it all makes sense.

Salil walks us through his journey from India to the U.S., landing here just two weeks before 9/11, and how that moment shaped everything that came after. We talk about his early years in hotels, why clubs became his forever home, and how he keeps things fresh season after season.

He shares what it really takes to build trust with a board, a team, and a membership—and why being visible, grounded, and curious has been his leadership edge.

We also get into:
– The underrated magic of seasonal downtime
– What he learned from his parents (and still carries today)
– How he connects with over 100 seasonal staff—and remembers what you drank a month ago
– And why you probably shouldn’t try to pull a fast one on him (he’s done your job before)

Salil’s the real deal. No fluff. Just great stories, real strategy, and a masterclass in how to lead well—and stay human doing it.

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