Let's Talk Club Management

Hosted by CMAA

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158

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Let’s Talk Club Management is a show dedicated to giving an in-depth look at the club management profession. With insider stories of first-hand experiences to best practices from your Association leaders, CMAA looks to provide you with the best information (with a side of fun).

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60 recent

June 9, 202653 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 159 – 2026 National Golf Day

In May, a record number of CMAA representatives gathered in Washington, DC, to participate in the 18th Annual National Golf Day. In this episode, we’re joined by two of CMAA’s participants: Cameron Walker from NC State University Club in Raleigh, NC, and Christopher Storelli from Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Windermere, FL. Each shares their perspectives on participating in National Golf Day for the first time and what the experience was like from top to bottom.

April 29, 202641 min

Let's Talk Club Management Ep. 158 - The Evolution of the CCE

In this episode, we’re joined again by Joe Krenn, CCM, CCE, to discuss the upcoming changes to the Certified Chief Executive (CCE) program and process. In this conversation, we cover what prompted CMAA to evolve the CCE requirements, what that revision process has looked like, and what members can expect from the new requirements.

April 9, 202636 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 157 – Leaning Into Employee Safety

On this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Alan Achatz, CCM, CHE, to discuss some of the perennial safety issues clubs face. Alan is the founder of Club Safety Solutions, LLC, whose primary mission is bringing safety knowledge to businesses through managerial and line employee education sessions. As we learn in this conversation, safety is as much a part of club culture as anything else – and Alan takes us through how clubs can establish a solid approach to safety with their staff team.

March 24, 202636 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 156 – Meet 2026 Chair Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE

On this episode, we are thrilled to talk to CMAA’s 2026 Chair Janine Budzius, CCM, CCE. She shares her personal journey to and through clubs, her passion for mentoring, as well as her goals for the year ahead and what’s most important to her.

February 4, 20261 hr 5 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 155 – 2026 World Conference Preview

It’s that time again! The 2026 World Conference is just around the corner and in this episode, we’re chatting with our team members about registration, events and networking, education, and our NewBee activities. Kyle and Melissa will take you through the important things you need to know for the week, and they pick up some guest hosts along the way. Access the Conference FAQs: https://www.cmaa.org/learn/meetings-and-events/conference/faqs/ Read blog from Skip Avery, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow: https://stonegrouparchitects.com/planting-seeds-for-success-making-the-most-of-your-cmaa-world-conference-experience/

January 28, 202621 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 154 - Tradition Meets Transformation: Governing the Modern City Club

City clubs face unique governance challenges, including balancing the needs of an increasingly diverse membership, managing complex urban operations, and navigating a tumultuous socio-political environment. On this episode, we’re joined by World Conference speaker and CMAA National Board Member, Charles Johnson, CCM, CCE, to preview his session on the best practices in city club governance, including strategic alignment and the relationship between management and volunteer leadership. Catch Charles’ session at the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo on February 20, from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

January 20, 202628 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 153 – World Conference Preview: Star Powered Club Marketing

Collaborations with celebrities, professional athletes, influencers, and media production companies can elevate your club's visibility and create powerful market momentum—but only if you've selected your partnerships well and negotiate carefully. On this episode, we’re joined by World Conference speakers Adam Rieck and Matthew Martin to preview their session on navigating celebrity, influencer, and media partnerships at your club. Catch their session at the 2026 World Conference & Club Business Expo on February 20, from 1:45-2:45 p.m.

December 17, 20251 hr 4 min

Ep. 152 - Mentoring and Development with Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow

On this episode, we are thrilled to be talking to the 2025 Club Executive of the Year, Randy Ruder, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow. In November, Club Management magazine named Randy the 2025 Club Executive of the Year. He currently serves as the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, NY. In this episode we get to know randy a bit better though the eyes of three of his mentees from across his career. We’re joined by Qian Yang, CCM, Batu Catalkaya, and Sam Lipp, to hear more about Randy’s impact and influence on their career paths.

December 9, 202542 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 151: Ethics and the Club Management Professional

In this episode, we dive in to talk about ethics and its impact on decision-making in the club industry. Researchers from Michigan State University have been exploring this topic for 35 years. The research was first undertaken in 1989, revisited in 2010, and again in 2024. In this research, club executives were asked to measure their responses to 15 ethical scenarios. We’re joined by Jeffrey A. Beck, Ph.D.; Raymond S. Schmidgall, Ph.D., CPA; and Richard A. Bruner CCM, CCE, with The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University to discuss this interesting research! You can access the articles about this research in the November/December 2025 edition of Club Management magazine: https://www.club-mgmt.com/clubmanagement/library/item/2025november_december/4304808/

November 25, 202545 min

Let’s Talk Club Management Ep. 150 - Growing in the Gap Between the Golf Professional and Superintendent

At your club, there are two individuals who share one goal but have differing responsibilities that might seem to be cross purposes at times, the Golf Professional and the Superintendent. These individuals and their teams are responsible for delivering an exceptional golf experience. How can club management professionals support these individuals and help them meet the mission? In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Levy, PGA, and Armen Suny, Search Executives with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, to share their insights into how all parties can grow in this existing gap.