What Your Club's Tech Stack Is Missing and Why It Matters

In this episode, Pat Damer, SVP of Revenue at Arcis Golf (70 properties, $1B portfolio), shares with Ed Heil how his company transformed from managing 3 clubs to 70 by prioritizing revenue operations, smart technology adoption, and member-first service. From sticky note CRMs to enterprise automation, Pat walks through the practical evolution of club operations and why revenue growth creates better member experiences. This conversation cuts through the usual tech-versus-tradition debate with clear examples of how automation enhances, not replaces, exceptional service. If you're managing one club or scaling multiple properties, Pat's perspective on starting small, getting quick wins, and choosing the right tools will give you a practical path forward. Episode Highlights: 01:23 – The rocket ship years: Growing from 3 clubs to 70 properties 04:18 – Investment philosophy: Why deferred maintenance and member experience both matter 06:19 – The "declare your major" conversation that shaped Pat's revenue-first approach 08:39 – Why revenue fixes more problems than cost-cutting 09:18 – Operational software vs. experience software: Understanding the distinction 14:42 – The HubSpot pivot: Moving from Salesforce to an integrated CRM platform 22:30 – Lead generation reality check: Why most clubs don't need traditional pipeline management 26:04 – Member journey automation: Pre-arrival, birthdays, and personalized communication 31:40 – The integration challenge: Why siloed systems create operational friction 37:46 – Technology and exceptional service aren't mutually exclusive 40:34 – First steps for club leaders: Start small, get quick wins, build buy-in