Private Club Radio Show

In this episode of Private Club Radio, Denny sits down with Jeff Thomas from Corning Country Club to talk growth, culture, and what it really takes to move a club forward in a smaller market. Jeff shares the wild moment that kicked off his tenure, yes, a major flood on day one, then breaks down how he aligned departments, rebuilt momentum, and brought in 100 members in 100 days.
They also get into Corning’s master planning journey, including how member surveying shaped the priorities (casual dining and patio, a resort style pool, and year round activities like simulators), what it looks like to keep the board, members, and staff aligned, and why starting with the pool became the smart first move. Jeff explains how Corning partners with the local community through charities, schools, and tournaments, plus the little details that helped revive an 85 year old invitational into a sellout event with a waitlist.
Finally, Jeff opens up about working with a coach, what that accountability looks like, and how it’s strengthened his leadership, confidence, and boardroom approach.
Topics include private club leadership, membership growth, master planning, capital planning, board alignment, member onboarding, club culture, staff retention, community partnerships, and leadership coaching.
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In this solo episode of Private Club Radio, Denny Corby shares a personal list of books that changed how he shows up as a leader and decision maker, with practical takeaways for private club professionals who want to lead better, communicate better, and stay sharp under pressure. Denny breaks down lessons on creating access when the standard route is blocked, pushing through resistance, recognizing how leadership issues become behavioral as you rise, protecting your edge, focusing on effort as the one controllable lever, and staying open when life gets unpredictable. Books covered include The Third Door, The War of Art, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, How to Win at the Sport of Business, The Surrender Experiment, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go.
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In this episode of Private Club Radio, we're joined by John Good and Joe Trauger from the National Club Association to preview the 2026 National Club Conference at Ocean Reef Club in Florida, happening April 19 through 21.

We get into what makes this conference different, why it’s designed for both club leadership and boards, and how NCA is building a shared learning experience around their core pillars, governance, insight, and advocacy.

We also talk speaker highlights including Steve Sands (Golf Channel and NBC Sports), economist Chad Moutray from the National Restaurant Association,  and Dr. Jessica Kriegel on culture and workforce trends.

Plus, the fun stuff, the Excellence in Club Management Awards dinner and gala, networking events, a chairs reception at Key Largo Anglers Club, and yes, a rum tasting that somehow became educational (do not ask questions you are not prepared to enjoy the answer to 😉).

Registration details, the conference site is nationalclubconference.org, and presale pricing runs through February 16. Non members can attend, members get discounted rates.
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To kick off 2026, Denny’s handing you a power list — the must-have relationships every club pro should be building now. Not just your board, not your team — we’re talking about your go-to people behind the scenes: your construction guy, your media contact, your legal lifeline, your “am I crazy or is this nuts?” text thread crew.
These aren’t vendors. They’re not consultants. They’re your professional brain trust — people you can count on for honest advice, better decision-making, and fewer messes down the line. From real estate to marketing to first responders, this episode is your relationship checklist (without feeling like homework).
Whether you’re a GM, AGM, event lead, or just someone who wants to grow in this business — this is your guide to leveling up in 2026.
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This isn't just a recap — it's a rapid-fire rewind of some of the biggest club leadership takeaways, off-the-wall moments, and most replayed quotes from the Private Club Radio Show in 2025.
Denny Corby brings you back through ten standout clips featuring conversations with private club professionals, GMs, consultants, and leaders who dropped gold on everything from imposter syndrome to budgeting red flags to branding with bourbon.
You’ll hear about:
 • Why ghost members and shady data could put your club at risk
 • What bourbon barrels and club culture have in common
 • How to build a personal brand (and an exit plan) before you need it
 • The balance between tradition and change in member expectations
 • How hospitality and aging intersect in a meaningful way
 • Marketing wins that started with golf carts in lakes
 • And financial blind spots every GM should avoid
Featuring clips from:
 Kaitlyn Allen, Kent Johnson, Dan Klimek, David Sweet, Jeff Wilson, Kevin Rice, Samantha Sheffield, Desi Speh, Ionel Porumb, and Ed Chapman.
Whether you're a GM, department head, or just love the behind-the-scenes stories that make this industry tick, this one’s packed with moments you’ll want to rewind.
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