GBN University Podcast

In this episode of the GBN University Podcast, guest host Taylor Ramiz, merchandiser at Manasquan River Golf Club, sits down with BJ Maloy, founder and CEO of Evolve Golf, to discuss the evolution of custom event gifting in private clubs. Maloy shares Evolve Golf's twenty-year journey from a compostable golf tee maker to a full custom-works studio, offering practical advice on lead times, budget communication, and avoiding common gifting mistakes. The conversation also covers rising member expectations, the shift toward custom hardwood trophies and personalized keepsakes, and what makes a vendor partnership truly successful.Show Notes:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Meet BJ Maloy and Evolve Golf's 20-Year Journey 03:48 Why Member Gifting Expectations Have Risen 06:00 Common Mistakes Clubs Make with Tee Gifts 08:00 Ideal Lead Times and Communication Windows 13:00 Trends in Custom Tee Gifts and Awards 17:00 From Tee Gifts to Trophies: Creating Club Heirlooms 19:00 The Shift from Crystal Trophies to Custom Hardwood Pieces 21:00 Mixed Materials, Inlays, and Custom Design 22:00 Alternate Logos and Event-Specific Branding 23:00 How Early Clubs Should Start Planning Custom Gifting 27:00 Collecting Personalization Data and On-Site Gifting Experiences 42:00 Building Strong, Long-Term Vendor Partnerships 44:00 What Evolve Golf Looks for Beyond Event Details 49:00 The Value of Communication and Honest Feedback 51:00 Where Evolve Golf Finds Design Inspiration 55:00 Company Growth, Acquisition, and Expansion Plans 59:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Evolve Golf GBN is the leading  private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals.  Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you.  Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

Host Spencer Clouatre interviews Warren West, Director of Golf at the Country Club of Virginia, about leadership, mentorship, and career development after West’s 35-year rise from assistant pro to director. West recounts choosing economics, entering the golf industry during the early-1990s recession, and his mentor, that shaped his view that golf is ultimately a people business. They discuss building self-awareness, valuing work ethic and initiative, learning from failure with organizational backing, and mentoring staff by helping them find the right career fit. West explains leading across CCV’s two distinct campuses, maintaining consistent communication in a large organization, gathering member feedback, navigating major construction and course renovation pressures, and emphasizing presence, honesty, genuineness, an ownership mindset, and modeling expected behavior.Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:01 Warren’s Career Snapshot03:19 Why Economics05:10 Recession to CCV Break07:55 Mentor Paul and PGA Path09:14 Rising Through CCV Roles11:09 Two Campuses Two Cultures14:11 Family Roots and Golf Start17:56 Early Leadership Lessons21:25 Self Awareness and Assessments27:15 Guiding Staff Career Paths29:29 Basics for Young Pros30:01 Effort Over Talent31:23 Mentorship Is Two-Way33:31 Learning Through Failure36:36 Keeping Everyone Aligned40:22 Renovations and Member Friction43:18 Boards and Strategic Governance44:59 Planning for Downturns49:02 Growing Into Bigger Roles53:20 Leadership Habits That Last59:04 Final Thanks and Takeaways GBN is the leading  private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals.  Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you.  Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

Retired Colonel Spencer Clouatre hosts the GBN University Podcast with guest Tyler Gosselin, Director of Golf at Greensboro Country Club in North Carolina, who discusses his Vermont roots and hospitality upbringing in a family bed-and-breakfast. Gosselin outlines his career path, emphasizing making people feel welcome and mentoring staff to deliver consistent member experiences. He highlights visibility and responsiveness, using AI tools like ChatGPT for mock interviews, and maintaining work-life rhythm through intentional calendaring and prioritizing family.Show Notes:00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:45 GBN Roots and Career Path02:42 Golf Exchange in Wales03:19 Ben and Jerry's Beginnings05:33 Service First Philosophy06:59 Growing Up in a BnB09:08 Skiing Outdoors and Family11:22 Choosing Clemson PGM13:57 Mentorship at a Big Club17:33 Culture Visibility and Trust21:35 Feedback and Early Fixes26:37 Preparing for Big Events27:15 Tournament Checklists28:35 Clear Expectations Culture30:39 Turnover And Knowledge32:45 Debriefs And Traditions35:13 Values Over Opinions37:43 Emotional Intelligence Skills42:33 Making People Feel Welcome47:03 Future Hospitality Community51:56 Visibility To Responsiveness58:01 Advice For Young Pros58:43 AI As Practice Partner01:04:59 Work Life Rhythm01:12:02 Final Takeaways GBN is the leading  private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals.  Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you.  Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.