Club Innovators

Capstone Hospitality

Welcome to Club Innovators, where we dive into the minds of the leading trailblazers in the private club industry. Presented by Capstone Hospitality, this podcast series features engaging conversations with the top innovators shaping the future of the industry.

  1. 3d ago

    Listen First, Then Fix: An Outsider’s Playbook for Leading Change | Jeff Morgan, CEO, CMAA

    The fastest way to lead change is to listen first, and CMAA CEO Jeff Morgan explains how that approach guided him through a new name, one national brand and a decade of growth at the association. Jeff Morgan has led the Club Management Association of America since 2014, after more than 25 years leading associations, and is preparing to retire. In this episode: - Listen before you fix. Jeff's first plan at CMAA was simple: listen to members, make fixes, then write the strategic plan. - Bring young professionals into board meetings early so they learn governance before they're called to lead. - Run the club as one wellness ecosystem, with fitness, F&B, golf and racquets working together on the member experience. Steal This: Invite one young professional on your team to sit in on a board meeting this year. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introductions 01:11 From association management to CMAA 04:14 Why fresh eyes from outside helped 05:40 Leadership, strategic planning and being a fixer 07:29 Why Club Managers became Club Management 11:52 One brand across every chapter 13:15 A superintendent joins the national board 14:57 The 5 to 10 year outlook for private clubs 17:33 The legacy Jeff wants to leave 19:25 Tee It Up for the Troops 21:27 Advice for GMs heading into 2027 24:08 Closing thoughts Connect with Jeff Morgan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydmorgan/ CMAA: https://www.cmaa.org/ Tee It Up for the Troops: https://teeitupforthetroops.org/ Club Innovators is presented by Capstone Hospitality.

    Listen First, Then Fix: An Outsider’s Playbook for Leading Change | Jeff Morgan, CEO, CMAA

  2. 11/04/2025

    Reimagining Membership Sales with Rick Coffey

    In this episode of Club Innovators, Kyle Bradburn sits down with Rick Coffey, newly appointed Vice President of Business Development at Capstone Hospitality. With over 15 years of experience in private club membership and technology sales, Rick shares his passion for transforming how clubs approach membership growth. He dives into Capstone’s unique model, positioning the company as the only private club consulting firm solely focused on membership sales — and not just strategy, but full execution.Rick discusses the power of having “surgeons” instead of general practitioners in the sales process, the tangible benefits of Capstone's on-site and remote sales support, and how their proprietary DRIVE CRM system, built on HubSpot, offers fully tailored solutions for clubs. Whether you’re a GM, membership director, or board member, this episode unpacks how data-driven strategies, professional storytelling, and elite execution can transform your club’s membership trajectory.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – IntroductionHost Kyle Bradburn welcomes listeners and introduces guest Rick Coffey, VP of Business Development at Capstone Hospitality.00:25 – Rick’s Journey in the Club IndustryRick discusses his background as a membership director and his transition into private club tech sales before joining Capstone.01:30 – Why Rick Joined Capstone HospitalityRick shares his passion for membership sales and why Capstone’s exclusive focus on it sets them apart in the private club space.02:10 – The Undervalued Role of MembershipRick explains why strong membership drives club-wide success — from staff morale to financial sustainability.02:55 – Capstone’s Unique Position in the IndustryAn analogy: management companies are general practitioners, but Capstone is the surgeon—handling sales execution, not just advising.03:30 – On-Site vs. Remote Sales ExecutionRick discusses Capstone’s flexibility with both models and how their approach brings professionalism and results.03:50 – Introducing DRIVE: Capstone’s CRM ToolRick explains Capstone’s custom-built HubSpot CRM and how it’s tailored specifically for membership, marketing, and communication directors.04:45 – The Power of a Pre-Built CRMClubs don’t need to build a system from scratch—Capstone has already done the heavy lifting with multiple pricing tiers and tools that work out of the box.05:30 – Capstone’s Data-Driven ApproachHow clubs benefit from analytics on lead sources, conversion rates, and sales tracking to make better decisions.06:00 – The ‘Fully Furnished House’ MetaphorRick uses a real estate analogy to explain how clubs can plug into an already-optimized system with DRIVE.06:30 – Upcoming Conferences & EventsRick shares insights from the recent Golf Inc. conference and how Capstone continues to stay at the forefront of industry innovation.07:20 – Closing Thoughts & How to ConnectKyle and Rick discuss where clubs can learn more about Capstone’s services, CRM, and sales support.

  3. 03/27/2025

    How Visual Storytelling is Transforming Golf Course Marketing with Dave Evenson

    In this episode, host Kyle Bradburn sits down with renowned golf cinematographer Dave Evenson, who has captured the essence of over 200 golf courses around the world. From the breathtaking landscapes of iconic golf destinations to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Dave shares his unique perspective on storytelling through the lens. 🎥 Highlights in This Episode: Dave's inspiring journey from All-American junior golfer to golf cinematographer. How overcoming a life-altering accident led him to find a new passion behind the camera. The importance of storytelling in golf course cinematography. Collaborating with golf course architects to bring their visions to life. Behind-the-scenes insights into working with the PGA Tour and USGA. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, club manager, or just passionate about creative storytelling, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring innovators in the golf and club management industry! 📌 Connect with Us: Follow Club Innovators Podcast for more inspiring interviews Learn more about Capstone Hospitality: www.capstone-hospitality.com Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:57 Dave's Journey: From All-American Golfer to Cinematographer 01:54 Overcoming Adversity After a Life-Changing Accident 04:12 Rediscovering Golf and Pursuing a New Passion 05:12 The Power of Storytelling in Golf Cinematography 07:13 Collaborating with Golf Course Architects for Visual Storytelling 08:25 Unique Insights from Filming for the PGA Tour and USGA 10:45 How Listening Uncovers Hidden Stories on the Course 12:30 Dave’s Approach to Capturing the Heart of a Course 14:22 Advice for Clubs Looking to Enhance Their Visual Content 16:40 Closing Thoughts and Final Takeaways

  4. 03/06/2025

    Why Story Telling Sells Memberships with Kathy Heil

    Welcome to Club Innovators Podcast by Capstone Hospitality! In this episode, host Kyle Bradburn sits down with Kathy Heil, Partner at Storyteller Club Marketing, to discuss the power of storytelling in club marketing, how digital trust influences membership decisions, and the importance of optimizing your website and social media for prospective members.Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to Club Innovators Podcast0:20 – Special guest: Kathy Heil of Storyteller Club Marketing1:16 – Why storytelling is the future of club marketing3:01 – The impact of digital trust and branding3:46 – The role of rebranding in modern club marketing5:55 – Every word matters: Crafting content that connects7:46 – Why most club websites are failing10:38 – Understanding user journey for prospective members12:35 – Membership inquiry forms: Are you losing leads?15:31 – The 8-10 touchpoints rule for membership sales18:06 – Knowing your audience: The key to retention20:29 – How CRM & automation (like HubSpot) can transform sales27:34 – The power of email marketing in member retention30:44 – Personalizing communication to drive engagement36:31 – Mobile-first strategies: Why it matters in 202542:39 – "It's not your grandfather's club anymore" – Modernizing club marketing47:50 – The overlooked power of social media for clubs50:47 – Key stat: Engaged couples judge a venue based on its last 9 Instagram posts!52:04 – Closing thoughts & where to find more resources🔗 Connect with Kathy Heil & Storyteller Club Marketing:🌐 Website: clubmarketing.com📧 Email: kathy@clubmarketing.com📌 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and leave a COMMENT 💬 with your thoughts on the episode!

  5. 02/13/2025

    Driving Sustainability in Hospitality with Audubon International

    In this insightful episode, Kyle Bradburn sits down with Greg Poirier, Director of Green Hospitality and Green Lodging Certifications at Audubon International, and Greg Rotzell, VP of Operations at Capstone Hospitality. We dive deep into sustainability in the hospitality industry, exploring how Audubon International is setting the standard for eco-friendly practices across resorts, hotels, and destination properties. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Audubon International differentiates itself in the green certification space ✅ The core components of the Green Lodging Certification Program ✅ Practical sustainability strategies that enhance guest experiences AND support the environment ✅ The ROI of eco-friendly practices for hospitality businesses ✅ The future of green operations in clubs and resorts ⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions00:32 – Greg Poirier's Role at Audubon International01:17 – What Inspired Greg Poirier to Join Audubon02:20 – How Audubon Stands Out in Green Certifications03:44 – Core Elements of the Green Lodging Certification06:11 – Assessing Environmental Impact for Resorts08:22 – Debunking Sustainability Myths in Hospitality10:45 – Enhancing Guest Experiences Through Sustainability13:30 – The ROI of Eco-Friendly Practices15:50 – Starting Your Club’s Sustainability Journey18:05 – Future Trends in Green Hospitality20:00 – Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up 🌍 Whether you’re a hospitality professional, a sustainability advocate, or just curious about eco-innovations in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 🎧 Listen now and discover how your club or resort can go green while boosting member engagement! 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on club innovation, leadership, and growth strategies. 👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you find this episode inspiring!

  6. 01/30/2025

    Behind the Lens Secrets of Golf Course Photography with Evan Schiller

    Dive into the latest episode of the Club Innovators Podcast with host Kyle Bradburn and special guest Evan Schiller, a world-renowned golf course photographer and former PGA professional. Evan shares his incredible journey from the PGA Tour to photographing over 700 championship courses worldwide. Learn the secrets behind capturing breathtaking golf course shots, the evolution of photography technology (from bucket trucks to drones), and what it takes to make a golf course truly photogenic. Whether you're a golfer, photographer, or a fan of innovative stories, this episode is a must-watch! 📸 Check out Evan’s stunning work: EvanSchillerPhotography.com 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of private clubs and hospitality. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Evan Schiller to the Podcast 01:06 - From the PGA Tour to Photography: Evan’s Journey 05:53 - What Makes a Great Golf Photo: Light, Angles, and Weather 10:28 - Evolution of Technology in Photography: Pre- and Post-Drone Era 20:15 - Lessons for Aspiring Photographers and the Future of Golf Photography

  7. 01/24/2025

    The Future of Golf Branding with Grace Hurley

    Welcome to another episode of Club Innovators, where we explore groundbreaking stories and strategies shaping the future of private clubs and the golf industry! 🎙️ This week, we are thrilled to host Grace Hurley, Vice President of Brands and National Events at Catapult. Grace, a PGA professional and the youngest winner of the PGA National Merchandiser of the Year Resort Award, shares her inspiring journey from collegiate golf to transforming branding and merchandising in the industry. 🚀 In this episode, Grace talks about: The evolution of branding in golf 🏌️‍♀️ Building community through innovative events 🌟 Challenges and opportunities in modern club culture 🌎 How Catapult is revolutionizing sales and branding with cutting-edge solutions 🔑 Whether you're a club manager, member, or industry enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspirational moments. 📌 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Club Innovators! Time Stamps: 0:00 - Welcome and introduction to Grace Hurley 1:30 - Grace’s journey from collegiate golf to becoming a PGA professional 4:00 - Winning the PGA National Merchandiser of the Year Resort Award 6:45 - Mentoring in the North Florida golf community 9:15 - The golf industry as a hub in North Florida 12:30 - Transitioning from operations to branding and sales at Catapult 15:00 - What makes Catapult unique in the golf space 18:45 - Overcoming challenges and innovating in golf branding 22:00 - Advice for aspiring professionals in the golf and branding industries 25:30 - Closing thoughts and future of golf branding

  8. 01/02/2025

    Sustainable Golf: Frank LaVardera’s Guide to Greener Course Management

    In this special episode of the Club Innovators Podcast, hosted by Kyle Bradburn and Greg Rotzell of Capstone Hospitality, we are joined by Frank LaVardera, Director of Environmental Programs for Golf at Audubon International. Frank dives deep into the importance of environmental sustainability in the golf industry and how clubs can balance ecological responsibility with economic benefits. Discover how implementing Audubon-certified programs can lead to significant cost savings, enhance course quality, and create a lasting positive impact on local ecosystems. Whether you're a club manager, board member, or an avid golfer, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. 🔗 Learn more about Audubon International and how your club can become a leader in sustainability. https://www.auduboninternational.org/ Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the Club Innovators community!

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About

Welcome to Club Innovators, where we dive into the minds of the leading trailblazers in the private club industry. Presented by Capstone Hospitality, this podcast series features engaging conversations with the top innovators shaping the future of the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Capstone Hospitality
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Capstone Hospitality
  • Show Website
    Club Innovators