Lesson #10
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features sage advice about dynamic communications
Lesson #10
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features sage advice about dynamic communications
The Boulevard Club – An unrivaled social and sporting oasis on the waterfront.
The Boulevard Club is a vibrant, lakeside community carved out of the peaceful shores of Lake Ontario. As the only lakefront, multi-sport recreation and social club in Downtown/West Toronto, The Boulevard Club delivers an unmatched member experience that’s rich in history and tradition yet focused on the future. From spectacular views and year-round recreational activities to family-friendly services, an easy-access marina, and top-notch sports facilities, it simply does not get more relaxed or vibrant.
For over a century, The Boulevard Club has built a reputation around time-honored traditions, exemplary service, and unrivaled athletics programs for all ages and abilities, including tennis, badminton, water sports, fitness, swimming, pickleball, recreational gym, and more.
The Club takes pride in creating an exceptional Member experience thanks to an equally diverse and inclusive team. Team members are vital to the success of the Club and the Club continues to value and develop their exceptional staff. If you would like to lead a team of professionals and build your career at one of Toronto’s top private clubs, The Boulevard Club may be a great fit.
CORE VALUES
– Welcome and include everyone with warm hospitality.
– Listen to and recognize diverse points of view.
– Treat others with the utmost respect.
– Support continuous improvement and long-term financial viability.
– Commit to being an environmentally sustainable Club.
ABOUT THE CLUB
Member-Owned Private Club
Total Members: ~4,000
Gross Revenue: $18M
Annual Dues Revenue: $6.6M
Annual F&B Revenue: $4.5M
Full-Time Equivalent Employees: 267
AMENITIES
POSITION SUMMARY
The General Manager reports directly to the Board President and is responsible for leading and inspiring the entire team to consistently provide Members with the best all-around sporting and hospitality experience possible. This position oversees all operational functions of the Club. Direct reports include the Director of Marketing, Communications, & Membership; Director of Finance; Human Resources Director; Clubhouse Manager; Racquets Director; Yachting Director; Athletics & Wellness Director; and the Club’s Executive Administrator.
KEY COMPETENCIES
To be successful in this role, the General Manager will need to demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for your performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.
Models Hospitality and Service Excellence: Creating a welcoming and exceptional experience for members and guests in all areas of the Club. Setting high standards for service and ensuring staff are well-trained and empowered to deliver.
Leadership – Interpersonal: Building strong relationships with members, staff, and board members. Demonstrating empathy, active listening, and effective communication skills to foster collaboration and address concerns.
Leads Change & Supports Innovation: Championing new ideas and initiatives that improve the club’s operations and member experience. Effectively communicating and managing change processes to gain buy-in from the Board, Members and Staff.
Values & Promotes Diversity: Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of the membership.
Club Governance: Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that guide private club operations, including member rights and responsibilities, board structures, and regulatory compliance.
Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of and managing one’s own emotions, while understanding the emotions of others. This allows for navigating complex situations and building trust.
Strategic Management: Developing long-range strategic and capital planning that aligns with the club’s vision, mission, and competitive landscape. Setting goals, allocating resources, and measuring progress.
Financial Acumen: Understanding financial statements, budgeting, cost control, financial analysis, and capital funding strategies that are specific to the private club industry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The following responsibilities align with the competencies outlined above and are crucial for ensuring the Club’s continued success and member satisfaction. The GM must be able to lead with empathy, innovate strategically, and manage the club’s resources effectively while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence and inclusivity.
Models Hospitality and Service Excellence
Leadership – Interpersonal
Leads Change & Supports Innovation
Values & Promotes Diversity
Club Governance
Emotional Intelligence
Strategic Management
Financial Acumen
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The General Manager is responsible for leading the team to achieve The Boulevard Club’s strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Professional Experience: Proven success as a General Manager/Chief Operating Officer at a member-focused hospitality, recreational, or resort facility of similar size and volume. Demonstrated expertise in operational management, enhancing guest experience, and leading high-impact and complex projects.
Leadership: A dynamic, results-oriented leader with a proven ability to build and motivate high-performing teams, effectively engage with a board of directors, drive a strong governance structure, and uphold the mission and vision of the Club.
Business Acumen: Strong financial acumen, including negotiating, budgeting, forecasting, and profit and loss management. Knowledge of investment and financial structuring is preferred.
Member Focus: An understanding of the culture in a membership-driven organization and a commitment to fostering exceptional member experiences.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategies to drive revenue, enhance member satisfaction, and ensure the club’s long-term success.
Operational Excellence: Experience in overseeing all aspects of Club operations and events.
Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to build strong partnerships within the club and with members.
Professional Development: A passion for continuous learning and staying current with industry trends.
COMPENSATION
The Club will offer an attractive year-round compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, benefits, and performance bonus.
INQUIRIES
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by September 22, 2024. Those documents must be saved and submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Boulevard Club Resume” and ‘Last Name, First Name, Boulevard Cover Letter”) respectively to: https://bit.ly/4dz1QSb
LEAD SEARCH EXECUTIVE
Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030
Lesson #10
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features the lessons Colin learned about
owning your mistakes
Lesson #9
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features the lessons Colin learned about
interacting with members
“Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club’s Vision is to Perpetuate a Social Culture Where Members Can Entertain Guests, Nurture Families, and Enjoy Leisure Time Pursuits Among Enduring Friendships.”
The mission of Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club is to enrich the lives of its members, their families, and guests. With many golf and country club options in the area, Delray Dunes stands out due to its small, diverse membership, unique playing protocol, and fair amount of flexibility. The club offers an active, inviting, and enjoyable golf schedule for men, women, mixed groups, and juniors. Women golfers especially appreciate being part of the highly engaged women’s competitions and networking events.
The atmosphere at Delray Dunes is natural, reflecting the surrounding beauty. Carlton Blunt, the Founder of Delray Dunes, envisioned a peaceful, pastoral community—a family club. Delray Dunes has preserved this character and charm, maintaining a standard of excellence for its residents. Financially healthy and privately owned, the club is situated on 337 acres with 323 home sites, including 200 single-family homes and 123 freestanding villas in seven distinct styles. Most homes offer views of the golf course or the lakes. Remarkably, eleven original homeowners from 1969 still reside here, and the community is enriched by multi-generational families. Delray Dunes is a guard-gated community with roving patrols.
What makes something special is when you keep returning time after time. What makes something uniquely special is when your legacy returns as well. Delray Dunes is unique for having many first, second, third, and even fourth-generation residents. Currently, there are over 41 Legacy Members, underscoring the club’s special appeal.
ABOUT THE CLUB
CORE VALUES
The following values represent the priorities that will drive leadership decisions:
AMENITIES
POSITION OVERVIEW
Delray Dunes General Manager/COO is responsible for leading and inspiring the entire team to consistently provide Members with the best all-around golf club and hospitality experience possible. This position oversees all operational functions of the Club including, but not limited to, Accounting, Communications, Guest Services, Events, Golf Course Management, Food and Beverage, the Golf Shop, Tennis, Wellness, Administration, and Housekeeping.
In each of these realms, meeting expectations means Members’ needs are proactively anticipated and delivered upon before they are ever verbalized. The General Manager/COO should set an expectation of excellence in every regard from the largest of visions to the smallest detail. This individual should exemplify each of Delray Dunes’ core values in every interaction with Members, guests, and Delray Dunes team.
It is essential that the General Manager/COO be able to communicate, build relationships with, and ensure common goals and objectives are met with the staff, Members, and Board of Directors. Although the GM/COO does not oversee the Homeowner’s Association (HOA), ongoing involvement and collaboration between with the Club (GM/COO, Golf Superintendent) and the HOA is essential.
KEY COMPETENCIES
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for your performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.
Leadership – Interpersonal & Values & Promotes Diversity: A charismatic and emotionally intelligent leader with the ability to build strong relationships with members, staff, and board members. This professional demonstrates empathy, active listening, and effective communication to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful environment.
Models Hospitality and Service Excellence: With a passion for exceeding expectations, this individual will set high standards for service across all departments. He/She will ensure staff are well-trained, empowered, and committed to delivering exceptional member experiences.
Club Governance & Strategic Management: Possesses a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing private clubs, member rights/responsibilities, and board structures. This leader will develop and execute long-term plans aligned with the Club’s vision, mission, and competitive landscape. The GM/COO will set clear goals, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress towards strategic objectives.
Financial Acumen: Proven ability to understand and manage the Club’s financial health. This includes overseeing the annual budgeting process, collaborating with the CFO, and ensuring financial stability.
Leads Change & Supports Innovation: Hands-on approach to champion innovative ideas and initiatives that improve operations and the member experience, effectively communicating and managing change processes. Strategic Planning.
RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
REPORTING STRUCTURE
The position reports to the Board of Directors through the Club President.
DIRECT REPORTS
Director of Golf, Tennis Vendor, Executive Chef, Assistant General Manager, Dining Room Manager, Golf Course Superintendent, Membership Director, Controller and Administrative Staff.
COMPENSATION
Delray Dunes Golf Club will offer an extremely attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity and benefits.
APPLICATION PROCESS HAS CLOSED
Search Team
Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030
Eric Hutchison, MBA, Ph.D.
Director, GGA Partners, USA, LLC
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com
614.271.9355
The Country Club of Charleston is a prestigious private club located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. Since its establishment in 1900, the club has cultivated a rich heritage, offering its members a well-managed, family-oriented environment that caters to their diverse interests. In 1925, the club moved to its present location on the McLeod Plantation, which consists of 900 acres on the Ashley River. The 26,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, considered a focal point in Charleston, was built on top of a bluff overlooking Charleston Harbor.
The Board of Directors is committed to overseeing the club’s operations to promote a vibrant atmosphere for both social and sporting events, all within the context of its pristine facilities. The club is currently planning a full golf course renovation to commence in December 2025.
The Country Club of Charleston has a rich tournament history and a long tradition of supporting the game of golf. The Azalea Invitational is hosted every year before the Masters. Today the Azalea has developed into a National Amateur Event with players from across the country and an impressive list of former champions. The Club also hosts the Beth Daniel Junior Invitational and the Azalea Senior each year. In addition to the invitational, the Club has hosted 27 State Championships, the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open, and is actively pursuing additional major amateur championships in the next 5-10 years.
CLUB OVERVIEW:
Established: 1900 (124 Years Old)
Initiation Fee: $85,000
Annual dues: Full membership $10,200
Total Number of Members: 896
Total Employees: 162
Direct Reports
Food and Beverage Manager; Executive Chef; Director of Finance and Administration; Director of Golf; Golf Course Superintendent; Director of Tennis; and Director of Facilities.
Amenities
18-hole championship course, par 72, designed by Seth Raynor in 1925.
6 outdoor lighted courts (5 Har-Tru Clay & 1 Har-Tru Hard Court).
Outdoor resort-style, zero-entry pool.
Family Activity Center (FAC), a 24/7 fitness facility with a wide range of equipment and classes.
Dining Facilities:
Lounge/Bar that seats 32
Formal Dining Room that seats 35
Casual Grill Dining Room with Terrace Seating that seats 98
Outdoor Pool Café that seats 70
Upstairs Ballroom that seats 200
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Lead a thriving private club environment: The General Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the member experience by overseeing all Club operations. Your focus will be on creating a welcoming and exceptional environment that fosters member satisfaction and loyalty.
Champion Strategic Growth: You’ll work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a long-term vision for the Club. This includes identifying and implementing innovative strategies that enhance member experience and optimize financial performance.
Build a High-Performing Team: You’ll foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment, empowering your team to deliver exceptional service. Your leadership skills will be crucial in building strong relationships with staff, identifying and developing top talent.
Drive Operational Excellence: You’ll ensure efficient and cost-effective club operations, implementing continuous improvement initiatives that elevate service standards and member satisfaction.
Competencies:
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for your performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.
Targeted Qualities:
Leadership
Strategic Vision
Financial Acumen
Communication & Results
Candidate Qualifications
Educational Requirements
EXPERIENCE:
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. Other benefits include:
This position has been filled.
Lead Search Consultant:
Michael Gregory, Managing Partner & Director
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
For more information about the Country Club of Charleston please visit: https://www.countryclubofcharleston.com/
Royal Colwood Golf Club is a private golf club located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Designed by Arthur Vernon Macan in 1913, Royal Colwood is a traditional style parkland championship course set amongst 450 year-old Douglas Firs and majestic Garry Oaks. The course continues to be ranked amongst Canada’s best. The membership of Royal Colwood includes all ages, skill levels, and walks of life, and is united by the common love for the grand game of golf. One of a select few in the world, Royal Colwood received its Royal designation from King George V in 1931. Royal Colwood members enjoy full reciprocal playing privileges at 68 private clubs, of which 42 enjoy the Royal designation, around the world.
ABOUT THE CLUB
Age of Club: 111
Entrance fee: $15,000
Annual dues: $4,500
Total Number of Members: 731
Total employees: 73
Vision, Mission, and Values:
VISION
To Be the Club of Choice on Vancouver Island
MISSION
To be the best golf club on Vancouver Island operated for the benefit of all members, their guests and future members, in a financially sound manner that promotes the game of golf, the unique heritage of our club and the benefits and responsibilities of private club membership.
VALUES
GENERAL MANGER RESPONSIBILITIES
Position Summary:
Reporting directly to the elected President, and thereby the Board of Directors (Board) at large, the General Manager (GM) serves as chief operating officer of the Club. In alignment with the Club’s vision, mission and values, the GM’s primary role is to lead and ensure the effective operations of the Club, to build continuously the quality of the Royal Colwood experience by the Club’s members and guests, and ensure our course continues to be ranked and known as amongst Canada’s best.
The GM will be responsible for the following:
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
Direct Reports:
Food and Beverage Manager; Executive Chef; Director of Finance and Administration; Head Golf Professional; Golf Course Superintendent; and Maintenance Manager.
Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $160,000 – $230,000 and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The successful applicant will receive an attractive compensation package along with a comprehensive health benefits plan and pension program.
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by June 10th, 2024.
The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Royal Colwood).
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners™
george.pinches@ggapartners.com
Burlington Golf and Country Club (BGCC) is a premier private, shareholder-owned golf, curling, social, and member dining facility founded in 1922 and located on the shores of Lake Ontario. In 2023, the City of Burlington was ranked first as the most livable city in Ontario and fifth in Canada – BGCC exemplifies why. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our members by providing an exceptional golf, curling and social experience that fosters friendship and fellowship within a safe and secure private setting in a fiscally responsible manner. Our vision is to be the Club of choice by creating a friendly environment, embracing feedback from our members, keeping our facilities and offerings relevant and fresh, caring for our staff and being a good neighbour in our community.
BGCC is a year-round club with a very full and active membership. It is a place where golfers, curlers and social Members can relax among their peers and enjoy the many sport and social activities offered throughout the year. It was recently ranked the 61st best course in Canada by ScoreGolf and currently enjoys a golf waitlist of approximately 115 future Members.
ABOUT THE CLUB
Club Overview:
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
The COO is the leader of BGCC’s Management Team and will:
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Given the leading role this individual will play in achieving the strategic and business objectives of BGCC, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:
LEADERSHIP
A dynamic leader with the ability to build strong teams by motivating staff and leading by example. Possesses the ability to provide direction and expectations, performance feedback and recognition that leads to positive outcomes to enhance Member experiences through inspiring department managers and employees. Exhibits leadership skills in team building, employee motivation and service training and is respectful and professional in all interpersonal dealings.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING EXPERTISE
A strategic thinker with strong business acumen who will:
MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE
The candidate must have the knowledge and experience to:
A VISION FOR EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS AWAREMENT
DIRECT REPORTS
COMPENSATION
Burlington will offer a very attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity and benefits.
NOTE
The Incumbent Chief Operating Officer will retire on October 31st, 2024, after a 17-year tenure at the club.
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by May 21st, 2024.
The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Burlington).
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
Jeff Germond
Director
GGA Partners™
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com
The Glencoe Golf & Country Club is one of the most prestigious private golf & country clubs in North America. It is located along the scenic Elbow River just outside of Calgary, Alberta. The golf course, with four unique layouts encompassing 45 holes designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., is the largest club of its kind in Canada. The Meadows and Bridges layout has 27 holes and The Forest course, has 18 holes. The Club boasts a world-class practice facility, a newly renovated Professional Shop and Member Dining areas.
The Glencoe Golf & Country Club is seeking a proven, highly motivated individual with a hospitality DNA and love for the game of golf to act as the primary leader for the operation of our outstanding club. The General Manager will report directly to the CEO, who strategically oversees both The Glencoe Club and The Glencoe Golf & Country Club.
Mission
Creating Exceptional Experiences.
It is the experience that counts! We create memories for all ages in their athletic, recreation, education and social pursuits. We complement our excellent facilities by providing exceptional experiences to our members, guests, employees and the community.
Vision
To be our members’ second home, providing excellence in all that we do.
The Glencoe Club is the next best place to be, other than home, for our members, guests and employees. We care for them and treat them as our family. While providing many of the comforts of home, our Clubs strive to be all-inclusive facilities for our families. We excel in all that we provide.
Values
RESPECT – We recognize and respect all individual’s unique contributions in a culture of inclusion.
WELLNESS – We have a commitment to the health, fitness, well-being and safety of our members, guests, and employees.
INTEGRITY – We always do the right thing; we say what we mean and do what we say.
RELATIONSHIPS – Relationships are the cornerstone of the Club’s success.
CARING – Members and staff care about the Club, each other, and the community.
INNOVATION – We always look for better ways to do things.
The Position
The Glencoe Golf & Country Club General Manager is responsible for leading and inspiring the entire team of professionals to consistently provide Members with the best all-around golf club and hospitality experience possible. This position is highly engaged in all operational functions of the Club including but not limited to: Accounting, Communications, Guest Services, Events, Golf Course Management, Food and Beverage, the Golf Shop, Administration, and Housekeeping.
In each of these realms, meeting expectations means Member’s needs are proactively anticipated and delivered upon before they are ever verbalized. The General Manager will demonstrate and set an expectation of excellence in every regard from the largest of visions to the smallest detail. This individual should exemplify each of The Glencoe Golf & Country Club core values in every interaction with Members, guests, and The Glencoe Golf & Country Club team.
It is essential that the General Manager communicate effectively, build quality relationships and teams while ensuring common goals and objectives are met with employees, Members, and Board of Directors.
The General Manager will oversee the daily operations of The Glencoe Golf & Country Club and be responsible for the development and implementation of all operational plans, ensuring key performance indicators are met. The successful candidate will coach, develop, and monitor a management team and staff focused on delivering a high level of programming and services that meet or exceed member expectations in all areas including golf course, pro shop, outdoor services, building operations, food and beverage outlets, social events and practice facilities. The General Manager will also lead the development of annual operating and capital budgets, playing a key part of the strategic planning process.
Requirements
The Relationships
The Responsibilities
Member Services
Human Resources
Financial Management
Strategic Planning
Membership Marketing and Sales
Health and Safety
Golf Course
Club operations.
Remuneration
The Glencoe Golf & Country Club offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and dental plan, RRSP matching, excellent working environment featuring opportunities for training and development, an employee referral program, and numerous employee recognition programs.
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by May 10th, 2024.
The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Glencoe).
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
George Pinches
Director
GGA Partners™
george.pinches@ggapartners.com
About Punta Brava Golf and Surf Club
Punta Brava Golf and Surf Club is an exclusive club for a select group of individuals and families who have been nominated based on their high character, great reputation, fun, personalities, and call to adventure. Uniquely untethered from real estate obligations, our passion project has been developed with extraordinary care and dedication, over 20 years creating an uncompromising experience. In short, we are building the greatest golf course in the world. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, adventure, and lifelong memories for generations. The golf course and Club are under construction and are scheduled to open in 2025.
Punta Brava’s Core Values
Position Summary
As a Senior Accountant / Financial Manager at Punta Brava, you will play a critical role in overseeing the financial activities of the club operations, including real estate development, construction, property management, and corporate accounting. This position requires a strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail, capable of managing complex financial tasks while ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
This role offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team at Punta Brava, contributing to the financial health and success of an exclusive luxury club and real estate development. If you are a dedicated accounting professional with a passion for excellence and a desire to play a key role in a growing organization, we invite you to apply.
Pay Range: $120,000 – $150,000
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by May 1st, 2024.
The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Punta Brava).
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
Dee Anna Clarke
Director
GGA Partners™
deeanna.clarke@ggapartners.com