Private Club Waitlists and Member Attrition: What the Data Tells Us
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Release Date: 02/20/2025
What Your Club's Tech Stack Is Missing and Why It Matters
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
In this episode, Pat Damer, SVP of Revenue at Arcis Golf (70 properties, $1B portfolio), shares with Ed Heil how his company transformed from managing 3 clubs to 70 by prioritizing revenue operations, smart technology adoption, and member-first service. From sticky note CRMs to enterprise automation, Pat walks through the practical evolution of club operations and why revenue growth creates better member experiences. This conversation cuts through the usual tech-versus-tradition debate with clear examples of how automation enhances, not replaces, exceptional service. If you're managing one...
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Why Board Transitions Break Good Clubs (And How to Fix It)
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Episode Summary: 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...
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The Private Club Member Lifecycle: Balancing Legacy and Future
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
Episode Summary: In this episode, Ed sits down with industry leader Kris Butterfield Cance to explore one of the most urgent challenges facing private clubs today: generational transition. From outdated bylaws to evolving member expectations, Kris breaks down what clubs must rethink if they want to stay relevant and financially healthy in the next decade. She shares practical examples from her work at Bethesda Country Club and La Cumbre Country Club, offering a front-row view of what successful evolution looks like. This conversation is a candid, realistic look at how clubs can honor legacy...
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Private Club Leadership is Changing: A Conversation with Joel Livingood
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
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Inside the Mid-Year Golf Life Navigators Report: Trends Shaping Private Clubs
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
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The Culture Conversation Club Leaders Can’t Ignore: Why Your Staff Should Shape Your Strategy
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
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What Private Club Leaders Need to Know Before Producing a Club Video
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
In this conversation, Ed Heil and Steve Mulholland discuss the intricacies of video production, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and understanding the audience's needs. They explore how to capture the essence of a club through various filming techniques, including documentary styles and the use of drones. The discussion also covers the significance of finding the right voices for interviews and mastering the art of conducting them effectively. In this conversation, Ed Heil and Steve Mulholland delve into the intricacies of video production, focusing on the art of cinematography, the...
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The State of Private Club Governance: Survey Findings and Solutions
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
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Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Dr. Bonnie Knutson on Creating Value in Modern Private Clubs
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
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Why Every Club Leader Needs a Crisis Management Plan
Crushing Club Marketing Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn this episode, Ed talks with Jason Becker, CEO and founder of Golf Life Navigators, about emerging trends in private club membership and why clubs should prepare for higher-than-normal attrition rates. Jason shares insights from his company's extensive data collection and explains why the real estate market is a crucial indicator for private club membership trends.
Key Moments:
- Setting the Stage [00:00:00]: Ed introduces the current state of private clubs, noting that over half still maintain waitlists with an average of 70 people.
- Golf Life Navigators Overview [00:03:26]: Jason explains how his platform matches prospective members with clubs using a dating app-like algorithm to reduce attrition rates.
- Waitlist Dynamics [00:05:27]: Discussion of consumer attitudes toward waitlists, revealing that 70% of prospects don't want to wait more than six months for membership.
- Real Estate Connection [00:08:15]: Jason explains why the increasing inventory of golf community homes signals coming changes in club membership.
- Attrition Predictions [00:09:23]: Analysis of why attrition rates might exceed pre-pandemic levels, particularly due to delayed resignations from older members.
- Member Services Evolution [00:15:13]: Exploration of how clubs need to align service levels with increased initiation fees and focus on time-saving amenities.
- Demographic Shifts [00:16:52]: Discussion of how clubs must cater to multiple generations while building for the future.
- Real Estate Strategy [00:21:11]: Jason shares insights on community "capture rates" and how clubs can better control their real estate destiny.
- Sales Process Evolution [00:25:35]: Examination of why modern membership directors need proper CRM systems and marketing automation.
- Final Insights [00:29:21]: Jason emphasizes the importance of transparency in club planning and investment strategies.