Lesson #14
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
In Lesson 13, Colin speaks to the importance of how the staff presents
itself to members and the impression it leaves.
Tag: General Manager
Executive Search: General Manager, The Surf Club
General Manager
The Surf Club
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The Surf Club: A Timeless Gathering Place
The Surf Club, founded in 1941, was originally inspired by the residents of Wrightsville Beach to have a place to dine and entertain during the summer months when many of the inhabitants of the inland communities would come to escape the summer heat. It quickly became the hub of many of the social activities of the area and became a prominent location to hold upscale dining events during the bustling summer season.
Throughout its history, The Surf Club (the Club) has always had a very distinguished membership roster representing all factions of the business and social community. Today, the Club continues to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for members and their guests.
Whether members are seeking casual beachside dining or elegant clubhouse events, the commitment to excellence remains unwavering. As the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments, the Club is also very popular for beachfront weddings, receptions, and other intimate gatherings.
Steeped in history, the Club maintains a traditional environment where members and their families gather to engage in meaningful social interactions and build lasting relationships.
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 hospitality experience possible. This position oversees all operational functions of the Club. Direct reports include the Controller, Two Assistant Managers, the Culinary Director, and the Pavilion Manager.
Position Description/Requirements
SEARCH EXECUTIVES
Eric Hutchison
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com
614.271.9355
Kelly Simons
Director
kelly.simons@ggapartners.com
435-655-1509
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Know Your Brand
Lesson #13
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
In Lesson 13, Colin shares his experience with brand management.
It is not only what you do, but what you don’t do.
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Balancing Expectations
Lesson #12
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
We’re all been taught to exceed member expectations, but sometimes that simply isn’t possible.
Colin shares the importance of communications to balance expectations.
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Dynamic Communications
Lesson #10
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features sage advice about dynamic communications
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Own Your Mistakes
Lesson #10
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features the lessons Colin learned about
owning your mistakes
31 Years | 31 Lessons – Be Present
Lesson #9
of GGA Director Colin Burns’
31 years | 31 Lessons
features the lessons Colin learned about
interacting with members
Executive Search: Chief Operating Officer/General Manager for Belle Haven Country Club
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/GENERAL MANAGER
Belle Haven Country Club
Alexandria, Virginia, USA
The Club
Belle Haven Country Club and the surrounding Belle Haven residential community began together in the early 1920’s when David Janney Howell, a civil engineer from Alexandria, purchased the land from owners Mrs. Thomas Wilfred Robinson, Sr. and her brothers. When the transaction was complete, Howell set up two corporations, one to construct a golf course and club and the other to develop a residential subdivision. The land was deeded to the Club on September 1, 1924.
The name Belle Haven is also part of history. When Scottish pioneers settled along the Potomac River in the early 1700’s, they named the settlement after their favorite countryman, the Earl of Belhaven. This early settlement thrived along the Potomac River as a port and was later renamed Alexandria. The Belle Haven Country Club has now become part of the fabric of Alexandria growing together throughout the 20th and into the 21st century.
From the modest beginnings in 1924 to the new 64,000 square foot Clubhouse, Belle Haven has grown to meet the needs of its members. The Clubhouse offers a variety of dining options including formal and informal restaurants, family dining, Bar and Bar Lounge, Terrace and Patio dining along with the Hilliard Room and the relaxing 19th Hole. For special occasions and meetings, Belle Haven offers a beautiful ballroom with views of the golf course. We host banquets and meetings in our spacious Potomac Room with spectacular views of the Potomac River.
Our Athletic Facility houses a complete fitness center and aerobics room along with five indoor DecoTurf tennis courts, a Tennis Pro Shop, Children’s Activity Center, seasonal swimming pool, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms with steam and sauna, a year-round restaurant known as the Center Court Cafe and the famous outdoor Sharks Cafe open throughout the summer season. We have eight outdoor, clay tennis courts and two seasonal platform tennis courts available for our members and their guests.
Vision Statement
To provide a lifelong haven for our members, their families and guests where they can enjoy social, dining and recreational activities in outstanding facilities with a professional staff, consistent with the expectations of our culture and traditions.
Mission Statement
To be a premier, full service, family oriented, private country club committed to excellence.
Belle Haven Country Club Overview
- 1105 Members
- Initiation Fee ($85,000)
- Annual Dues ($8,676)
- $12.78M Gross Volume
- $6.12M Annual Dues
- $2.32M F&B Volume
- $6.39M Gross Payroll
- 244 Employees
- 13 Board Members
- Average age of members is 59
The COO/GM Position
The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer manages all aspects of the club including its activities and the relationships between the club and its Board of Directors, members, guests, employees, community, government, and industry. Coordinate and administer the club’s policies as defined by its Board of Directors. Develop operating policies and procedures and direct the work of all department managers. Implement and monitor the budget, monitor the quality of the club’s products and services and ensure maximum member and guest satisfaction. Secure and protect the club’s assets including facilities and equipment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the development and execution of the club’s long-range and annual business plans to achieve the mission of the club
- Prepare comprehensive operating plans and budgets, obtain approval from the board, and operate in accordance with approved budgets
- Maintain a long-term capital budget to assure the sustained material condition of all physical assets of the club
- Plan, develop and approve specific operational policies, programs, procedures, methods, rules and regulations in concert with board-approved policies
- Direct the recruiting and training of all staff
- Establish employee rules and regulations, work schedules, internal controls, and a performance appraisal system
- Assure that the highest standards are set and achieved in providing member service and satisfaction
- Ensure that the club is operated in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and other governmental agencies that have oversight of various club assets and operations
- Provide the board and committees with relevant information on trends and developments in the club/residential community business
- Ensure that the committees established by the board are well-supported and operate in accordance with board-approved policies and directives
- Oversee security, risk management, and health and safety programs to ensure that measures are in place to protect members, employees, staff, and club physical assets
- Ensure that the board is thoroughly informed on the status of club operations, member satisfaction, and financial performance
- Provide a comprehensive communications program that keeps all appropriate constituencies informed on relevant matters
- Interact with local community leaders and organizations
- Perform other duties and functions as the club board may direct that are consistent with this job description
Direct Reports:
- CFO
- Director, Member Services
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Head Golf Professional
- Assistant General Manager
- Director of Membership and Communication
- Director of Tennis
Core Leadership Competencies:
- Ability to define a simple and understandable vision of success for the management team
- Ability to see the big picture, take stock, identify problems/needs, and conceptualize solutions/strategies
- Ability to focus on the essentials, to attend to detail, and to follow through on decisions
- Ability to create a sense of followership among subordinates
- Ability to attract and develop a strong supporting management team capable of ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibility when tasks are delegated.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong member satisfaction ethic and to interact with the membership in a frequent and friendly manner
- Ability to articulate the highest performance and ethical standards, demand compliance, and move swiftly and positively when corrective action is warranted
- Ability to cope with day-to-day pressures and maintain a healthy and positive culture
Candidate Qualifications:
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership and management experience in a private club, hospitality, and leisure environment.
- A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Hospitality Management or Business.
- Certified Club Manager (CCM) or in active pursuit of designation preferred.
Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.
Inquiries:
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Wednesday, October 27, 2021.
Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Belle Haven GM/COO Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Belle Haven GM/COO Resume”) respectively to execsearchus@ggapartners.com. Please email résumé with references.
Lead Search Executive
For more information about Belle Haven Country Club, please visit www.bellehavencc.com
GGA Partners Speakers Featured at CMAA 2021 World Conference and Club Business Expo
Sessions will focus on strategy, member feedback mechanisms, the next generation of club members, club trends, and member communications.
TORONTO, Ontario – Skilled specialists from GGA Partners, a trusted advisor to golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities around the world, will be presenting trends and tactics on a variety of subjects during the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) 2021 World Conference and Club Business Expo this week.
As with other major conferences in 2020 and 2021, the CMAA World Conference will be virtual, allowing attendees to login and learn effective ways to manage member feedback, attract the next generation of members, the latest industry trends, and how to effectively communicate their brand message.
GGA Partners specialists will lead the following discussions:
Monday, March 8 – Ask the Experts
Michael Gregory, a partner in the firm will join Trevor Coughlan from Jonas Software for a thirty-minute “Ask the Expert” session to discuss club feedback systems for members and customers.
Tuesday, March 9 – Setting Strategy for Long-Term Success
Partners Henry DeLozier, Stephen Johnston, Derek Johnston, Michael Gregory and Craig Johnston will be joined by several directors and managers to lead a three-hour session using real-life case studies allowing managers to interact and learn from each other with the GGA team providing ideas and solutions to enhance processes, research, and efficiency.
Thursday, March 11 – Adopting Proven Methods of Engaging the Next Generation of Club Members
Michael Gregory will lead a panel of club managers from Desert Mountain, Prairie Dunes Country Club, The Briar Club, and The Country Club through a discussion of their perspectives on how clubs can adapt and develop their offerings to meet the needs of the next generation of members and customers.
Thursday, March 11 – Ask the Experts
GGA Manager Bennett DeLozier will join Amilcar Davy from CMAA to discuss early results from the CMAA Trends Survey entitled A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges.
Friday, March 12 – Keys to Effective Communications
GGA Director Linda Dillenbeck and Manager Bennett DeLozier will share insights into the steps club managers can take to ensure their communications are clear, concise, and effective.
“Our business is helping clubs, large and small, to operate more effectively,” commented Derek Johnston, a partner in the firm. “The CMAA World Conference provides an outstanding platform to share knowledge and experiences with club leaders from around the globe.”
About GGA Partners
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives, and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information, please visit ggapartners.com.
Media Contact:
Bennett DeLozier, Manager
GGA Partners
bennett.delozier@ggapartners.com
602-614-2100
Connect with GGA Partners at the #CMAAVirtual Conference
Connect with GGA Partners at the 2021 #CMAAVirtual World Conference & Club Business Expo
March 8-12, 2021
The 2021 CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo offers five days of stellar educational programming and the opportunity for those in club management to refresh their skills and industry knowledge, connect with fellow professionals, and explore the latest innovations and best practices.
Each year, we at GGA Partners look forward to syncing up with club managers to celebrate their successes, learn more about the challenges they are facing, and help them develop and implement a game plan for success.
As a long-standing CMAA Business Partner, we jump on every opportunity to facilitate education sessions which bring club managers together for knowledge-sharing and thought-leadership. In the hope that our paths will cross, you are invited to register for any or all of GGA’s education sessions, engagements, and activities.
Otherwise, swing by our virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line. Let’s have a conversation about what you and your club are working on in 2021, we are always willing to assist club managers.
Monday, March 8
Networking Break: Ask the Expert – Feedback Systems
1:30pm-2:00pm EST
Join Trevor Coughlan from Jonas Software and Michael Gregory of GGA Partners to ask questions and discuss club feedback systems for members and customers.
Tuesday, March 9
In-Conference Workshop: Setting Strategy for Long-term Success
11:00am-2:00pm EST
*Requires separate registration
Strategic planning is on everyone’s mind these days. One of the most frequent questions about strategy seems to be “Given the current environment, how do we actually set strategy for long-term success and sustainability?” and followed closely by “How do we implement a strategic plan in our club?”
This three-hour session is a hands-on approach using real-life case studies, allowing managers to interact and learn from each other, with the GGA team providing ideas and solutions. The session will leverage GGA’s processes, research, and experience and provide engaging opportunities for delegates to contribute.
During the first half of the session, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the GGA team and subject matter experts in strategic planning, governance, communications, member feedback, market research, financial planning, and analysis.
During the second half of the session, participants will be separated into smaller virtual breakout rooms with fellow club managers. In these virtual rooms, participants will have the opportunity to share their initial thoughts about the case and discuss solutions with their peers. The breakout rooms will subsequently rejoin to form one large group, at which point participants will be asked to respond to questions about the case using real-time polling software. Responses to the poll are individual and anonymous. This dynamic session will allow participants to see how their responses compare to their peers and hear from GGA how their answers may differ from industry best practices.
The session will conclude with the case solutions being shared with participants. By the end of the session, participants will achieve a better understanding of the importance of strategic planning for private clubs, proven processes for setting long-term successful and sustainable strategies, how strategic plans are implemented and become advocates for strategic planning at their respective clubs.
Join the GGA team: Henry DeLozier (Partner), Stephen Johnston (Partner), Derek Johnston (Partner), Michael Gregory (Partner), Craig Johnston (Partner), Fred Laughlin (Director), Eric Brey (Director), Linda Dillenbeck (Director), Bennett DeLozier (Manager), and Ben Hopkinson (Manager).
Wednesday, March 10
Club Business Expo
12:30pm-1:30pm EST
Swing by the GGA Partners virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line.
Thursday, March 11
Adopting Proven Methods of Engaging the Next Generation of Club Members
10:30am-11:30am EST
Research findings highlight how clubs can adapt and develop their offerings to meet the needs of the next generation of members and customers. Hear from four managers whose clubs are quite different, and whose perspectives represent the next generation of club managers. The panel discussion will provide valuable insights about Millennials, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for clubs to be more relevant to the next generation of club members in their membership structure and pricing, offerings, and experiences provided.
Join Michael Gregory (Partner, GGA Partners), Jay Johnson (GM/COO, Prairie Dunes Country Club), Daniel Moreno (The Briar Club), Kristen LaCount (GM, The Country Club), and Passion Graham (Clubhouse Manager, Desert Mountain Club).
Networking Break: Ask the Expert – Club Trends
1:30pm-2:00pm EST
Join Bennett DeLozier from GGA Partners, and Amilcar Davy from CMAA, to discuss early results from the CMAA Trends Survey entitled A Club Leader’s Perspective: Emerging Trends & Challenges.
Club Business Expo
3:30pm-4:30pm EST
Swing by the GGA Partners virtual exhibitor booth, help yourself to some of our latest insights and resources, and be sure to get in touch with us by saying hello in the chat, scheduling a meeting, or dropping us a line.
Friday, March 12
The Keys to Effective Communications
12:30pm-1:30pm EST
Join Linda Dillenbeck (Director, GGA Partners) and Bennett DeLozier (Manager, GGA Partners) for insights into the steps club managers can take to ensure their communications are clear, concise, and effective. In this session, we’ll discuss how clubs can forge stronger bonds with members, and successfully engage prospective members in the wake of these fundamental shifts in perceived value.
About GGA Partners
GGA Partners™ is an international consulting firm and trusted advisor to many of the world’s most successful golf courses, private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. We are dedicated to helping owners, asset managers, club and community leaders, investors and real estate developers tackle challenges, achieve objectives, and maximize asset performance.
Established in 1992 as the KPMG Golf Industry Practice, our global team of experienced professionals leverage in-depth business intelligence and proprietary global data to deliver impactful strategic solutions and lasting success. For more information, please visit ggapartners.com.
