In this episode, Ed sits down with Tom Wallace of Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace to unpack why governance often breaks down during leadership transitions at private clubs. Drawing from his experience facilitating hundreds of board retreats, Tom shares a clear benchmark: only about 25% of clubs have governance truly dialed in. The conversation explores stewardship versus short-term decision-making, the importance of structure over personality, and how written systems, succession planning, and member communication protect a club's mission, vision, and values. It's a grounded, practical discussion on how strong governance is built intentionally and sustained over time.

Key Moments:

Why only a quarter of clubs are truly prepared
Tom explains how clubs tend to fall into three groups: those with governance fully structured, those actively working toward it, and those stuck in a cycle of dysfunction where each new president resets priorities.

Stewardship over "leaving a mark"
The conversation highlights how strong presidents think like stewards, focused on long-term health rather than personal projects or visible wins during their term.

A leadership lesson from Arnold Palmer
Tom shares a story from his time at Oakmont that shaped his philosophy on leadership: clubs existed long before any one leader and will continue long after, making long-term thinking essential.

When governance goes wrong, it shows up physically
An example of a clubhouse filled with rooms named after past presidents illustrates what happens when guardrails are missing and decisions are made in isolation.

The intersection of member culture and staff culture
Tom explains that the strongest clubs are built where member culture and team culture align, and why governance plays a critical role in keeping those cultures connected.

Early warning signs of governance drift
Ignoring data, lacking a strategic plan, or focusing on short-term issues are all indicators that governance may be quietly eroding before problems surface publicly.

Why structure protects everyone
From strategic business plans to board policy manuals and orientations, Tom outlines the written systems that stabilize clubs through leadership transitions.

"If it's not written down, it doesn't exist"
A Ritz-Carlton principle reinforces why documentation and clarity are essential, not bureaucratic, in complex organizations like private clubs.

Governance as guardrails, not handcuffs
Tom compares good governance to bumper bowling: it doesn't guarantee perfect outcomes, but it prevents leaders from sending the club off course.

How to spot a strategic board
What boards talk about matters. Strategy, capital planning, and long-term direction signal health; operational minutiae signal trouble.

Succession planning as a leadership responsibility
Strong clubs know who their future presidents are well before transitions happen, creating continuity rather than disruption.

Committees as the leadership pipeline
Tom explains why committees should serve as the proving ground for future board members, with performance and collaboration guiding recruitment.

Younger members and the owner mindset
The episode explores how clubs must intentionally teach stewardship and volunteer expectations during member onboarding to avoid transactional relationships.

Why board retreats accelerate alignment
Tom closes by sharing how retreats create self-awareness, clarity, and a realistic multi-year roadmap, reinforcing that good governance is a process, not a one-time fix.

The role of the General Manager is evolving — and so are the expectations of private club leadership.

In this episode, Ed Heil sits down with Joel Livingood, General Manager and COO of Interlachen Country Club, to unpack how mission, culture, and governance are redefining what it means to lead a modern club.

Joel shares how Interlachen turned alignment into its greatest strength — guiding nearly a decade of growth, investment, and transformation. From establishing clear governance with the board to building a culture of empowerment among 400 team members, his approach offers a blueprint for sustainable leadership in today's complex club environment.

Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Interlachen's Transformation
Ed and Joel discuss Interlachen's decade of change, from major renovations to family-focused investments and restored golf facilities.

03:45 Finding Direction After 2008
Joel explains how recovery began with defining the club's mission and values — the foundation for every decision that followed.

06:45 Balancing Heritage and Progress
How Interlachen honored its legacy while adapting to the expectations of modern members.

09:20 Turning Mission into Action
The club's mission to "enrich members' lives through outstanding championship golf and family experiences" becomes the guide for culture and operations.

12:30 Embedding Values Across the Club
Tradition, excellence, innovation, and stewardship influence hiring, culture, and communication.

15:10 Building the Interlachen Brand
Joel discusses intentional storytelling, brand consistency, and how the club communicates its values internally and externally.

18:30 Leading a 400+ Person Team
The power of showing up, removing roadblocks, and building a workplace rooted in purpose and growth.

21:10 Empathy as a Leadership Skill
Why understanding team members' lives beyond work has strengthened culture and retention.

24:50 Governance and Board Alignment
How defining roles between board and management turned governance into a strategic advantage.

28:00 Accountability and Trust
Why results, transparency, and shared goals have built long-term trust at Interlachen.

31:15 High Standards, Honest Expectations
Setting clear expectations for excellence without shying away from the difficulty of achieving it.

34:10 Managing Board Involvement and Feedback
Joel's three strategies for addressing operational overreach and maintaining collaboration.

37:10 The Evolving Role of the GM
How today's leaders balance visibility, focus, and flexibility in an increasingly complex club world.

40:10 Advice for Emerging Leaders
Joel's three essentials: work hard, stay positive, and adapt quickly.

42:10 Why Business Fundamentals Still Matter
Joel explains why today's club leaders must think like business operators and treat experience as the product.

In this episode, Ed Heil and Jason Becker discuss the insights from the Golf Life Navigators mid-year report, focusing on trends in private club memberships, generational shifts, and the integration of real estate with golf communities. They explore the importance of understanding consumer preferences, the impact of service-based amenities, and the financial health of clubs in a changing market.

Summary:

00:00 Introduction and Background on Golf Life Navigators
02:59 Understanding the Mid-Year Report and Its Importance
06:01 Generational Trends in Private Club Membership
09:01 Transition Times and Market Dynamics
11:59 Demographics of Golf Life Navigators Users
14:59 Real Estate Integration with Private Clubs
17:55 Shifts in Preferences for Gated Communities
21:02 Lifestyle Amenities and Member Preferences
23:58 The Role of On-Site Brokers
27:00 Trends in Food, Beverage, and Health Amenities
30:00 Golf-Specific Trends and Member Interests
32:55 The Importance of Clubs Within Clubs
35:48 Future Trends and Service-Based Amenities
38:52 Financial Health of Clubs and Membership Models

Private clubs are no longer just competing with each other for talent—they're competing with every employer offering a flexible, supportive work environment.

In this episode, Ed Heil talks with Meridith Picarelli-Khattar, Certified Club Manager and Certified Chief Executive, about what it really takes to build a team that delivers exceptional member experiences. Drawing from over 20 years in club leadership, Meridith shares why investing in people-first policies like parental leave, flexible scheduling, and employee development is no longer optional—it's essential.

If your club is thinking about how to retain top talent while staying true to its values, this episode offers practical, thoughtful guidance you won't want to miss.

Private clubs often pride themselves on tradition—but without strong governance, even the most respected institutions can find themselves unprepared for what's ahead.

In this data-driven conversation, Ed Heil talks with Joseph Abely, Executive Consultant at Club Benchmarking and lead author of the Club Benchmarking 2025 Governance Report. Rather than offering surface-level advice, Joe draws on insights from over 400 clubs to reveal what actually moves the needle: board education, succession planning, and long-term strategic thinking. The findings are clear—clubs that prioritize these elements don't just function more smoothly; they outperform their peers financially and operationally.

If your board meetings are focused on operational fixes instead of future vision, this episode is your wake-up call.

What defines value in today's private club? It's not the square footage of your dining room or how fast your greens roll—it's how your members feel when they engage with your club.

In this episode, Ed Heil is joined by Dr. Bonnie Knutson, professor at Michigan State University's School of Hospitality Business and longtime private club member. Together, they explore why exclusivity isn't the draw it once was, how member experience now drives perceived value, and what progressive clubs are doing to evolve with generational expectations. From redefining reputation to creating "Instagrammable" moments, Bonnie shares research-backed insights and memorable metaphors that will challenge how you think about membership, communication, and strategic planning.

Whether you're managing daily operations or setting long-term vision, this episode offers a roadmap for making your club not just relevant—but irresistible.

No club is immune to crisis, but most are unprepared when it strikes. In this episode, Ed Heil is joined by Andy Skoogman, a seasoned crisis communications expert with a background in law enforcement, media, and private clubs. Together, they discuss the common misconceptions club leaders have about crisis situations, what effective planning actually looks like, and why managing internal communication is just as important as handling the public response. Whether it's a media incident, a member conflict, or something more serious, this conversation sheds light on what clubs can do today to be better prepared tomorrow

Key Moments:

• Andy's Background in Crisis Communication [00:00:00] – From journalism to military media training to law enforcement, Andy shares how his career shaped his crisis communication expertise.
• A Lifelong Connection to Private Clubs [00:04:00] – Andy reflects on growing up golfing with his father and why he chose to raise his own kids in a private club environment.
• Common Misconceptions About Crisis Planning [00:07:30] – Andy outlines the three biggest myths leaders believe about crises: it won't happen, others will handle it, and you can't plan for it.
• Real-World Examples of Club Crises [00:11:00] – From tragic accidents to internal disputes, Andy explains how crises at clubs take many forms—most without media coverage.
• Risk Management Through a Communications Lens [00:14:00] – Why crisis planning can't be left to legal teams alone, and how to look at risk from a PR standpoint.
• The Speed of Crisis in the Digital Age [00:16:30] – How social media has changed the game, and why clubs need to respond faster than ever before.
• Choosing the Right Spokesperson [00:20:00] – Why credibility, clarity, and media training matter more than titles when selecting someone to represent the club.
• Balancing Transparency and Legal Advice [00:24:00] – Why withholding information often backfires—and the case for addressing bad news head-on.
• Internal Communication Builds Credibility [00:28:00] – Andy shares how consistent member communication builds trust long before a crisis occurs.
• Club Governance Challenges [00:32:00] – Volunteer boards, dues increases, and why the club communication structure can break down under pressure.
• Taking Action: Where Club Leaders Should Start [00:36:00] – Practical next steps: scenario planning, identifying spokespeople, and media training for key staff.
• Final Thoughts on Reputation and Readiness [00:40:00] – Why club reputation is more vulnerable than ever—and why preparation makes all the difference.