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Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Club + Resort Business chats with Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports, about the company's new partnership with Touchstone Golf. KemperSports, a 45-year-old golf management company with more than 200 properties in 35 states, has partnered with Touchstone Golf, which manages 41 properties primarily in the western U.S. The partnership aims to leverage each other's expertise, particularly in third-party management and local market knowledge. Skinner highlights the importance of technology and innovation in enhancing the golf experience and discusses future growth plans, including potential acquisitions and expanding into new markets. He also expresses optimism about the industry's future, driven by a new generation of golfers. Also in the news, the six-month golf course renovation project at the Okatie Creek Golf Course at Sun City Hilton Head in Bluffton, S.C., focuses on enhancing turf conditions and playability. As part of the course renovation, all greens will be hulled out and re-grassed with Tif Eagle turf, while fairways and tee boxes will be re-grassed with Celebration turf. Read about four ways clubs can leverage technology for workforce efficiency. Joe Morrison, Director of Business Development at Adams Keegan, says technology is revolutionizing many aspects of our lives, and country clubs are no exception. These institutions are increasingly adopting solutions to enhance efficiency. When integrated thoughtfully, technology can streamline operations, improve member experiences, and enhance workforce productivity, all while maintaining the personal touch that members value most. Lastly, a Florida Club hosts its annual ‘Celebration of Creativity' member art show. The annual art show at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach, Fla., included an artwork pop-up featuring 24 paintings for sale benefiting The Learning Alliance. “Supporting the community through philanthropic efforts is so important to our members,” says General Manager Rob Tench.
The Tech Chef, Restaurant, Hospitality and Hotel Technology Business Podcast
Mike Blake joins Skip Kimpel on the Tech Chef Podcast to share his insights on the evolving landscape of hospitality technology. As Vice President of Information Technology at KemperSports, Mike draws from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the critical importance of strategic leadership in implementing technology solutions that enhance operational excellence. The conversation begins with Mike recounting his transition from finance to IT, where he became a specialist in understanding the cost implications of technology investments during a time of rapid change. He reflects on his tenure at Hyatt Hotels, discussing the challenges faced in migrating systems to the cloud and the revolutionary impact it had on the hospitality sector. This foundational experience informs his current role, where he oversees technology for a diverse portfolio of golf courses and resorts.The episode delves into the pressing challenges of cybersecurity in hospitality, with Mike emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data against increasing threats. The discussion also explores the significance of adopting emerging technologies like AI and IoT, which Mike believes are essential for creating personalized guest experiences. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging hospitality leaders to develop comprehensive data strategies that prioritize security while fostering innovation.Throughout the episode, Mike's leadership philosophy shines through as he discusses the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving technological success. He encourages professionals in the hospitality industry to embrace a broker, integrate, and orchestrate mindset, focusing on integrating off-the-shelf solutions rather than reinventing the wheel. The conversation concludes with Mike sharing his passion for innovation and encouraging listeners to engage with the technology community through events like CES, where they can discover new tools and ideas that can be applied within their organizations. This episode is rich with insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and hospitality.Takeaways:Mike Blake discusses his extensive experience in hospitality technology, emphasizing the importance of adapting to cloud-based solutions.He highlights the need for a strategic approach to attending major technology events like CES for maximum benefit.Blake believes in the concept of 'broker, integrate and orchestrate' rather than building systems from scratch in hospitality.He stresses the significance of networking and helping others in the industry, as connections can lead to unexpected opportunities.Cybersecurity initiatives are prioritized in the hospitality sector due to increasing threats, calling for better tools and awareness.Embracing digital innovation while balancing security is crucial for businesses in the hospitality industry.Links Referenced In This Episode:gainadvisors.combootcamp.magicgate.comskipkimpel.commagicgate.comHow To Contact MeWebsite:https://SkipKimpel.com (all archived shows and show notes will be posted here) https://magicgate.comInstagram:
On Golf Today, Damon Hack and Ryan Lavner take a look ahead at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson. They are joined by Rex Hoggard as they breakdown Will Zalatoris decision to withdraw from the event. The desk will also dive into an early look at the upcoming Presidents Cup. Here, they will hear from Ryan Fox. With the 2024 U.S. Women's Open just one month away, last year's winner, Allisen Corpuz joins to discuss her performance last year. Later, Josh Lesnik, Executive Vice President of Golf at KemperSports, stops by to discuss 25 years of the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. JOSH LESNIK - 12:27 ALLISEN CORPUZ - 29-59
On this episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast, Rob Thomas spoke with Jake Gordon, CEO & Co-Founder of Noteefy, about how golf courses can drive more revenue with less effort. KemperSports, Landscapes Golf Management, Streamsong, and Sand Valley, to name a few, have already partnered with Noteefy. A few of the highlights: - Drive incremental revenue: Noteefy gives every golfer their own personal assistant to help find tee times at your course. This enables golfers to play more, with less effort - delivering increased revenue; - Decrease unfilled cancellations: By some estimates, over 20% of online tee times get canceled and go unfilled for busy daily fee courses. This is leaving up to $50,000 in revenue on the table for operators; and - Improve customer experience: The process of endlessly calling and refreshing to find tee times is frustrating and archaic. With Noteefy, tee times are seamlessly delivered to the customers. Rob and Senior Editor Phil Keren also discussed what the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course is planning to engage residents during the winter season. Also, The Club at Olde Cypress is readying for a grand transformation. A multi-million-dollar clubhouse renaissance at the Naples, Fla. club will redefine luxury living in Southwest Florida. Among the many highlights of the project are the addition of a 2,500-sq.-ft. covered bar and dining area on the first floor and anew 2,000 sq. ft. kitchen to support the casual and fine dining options Executive Chef Caesar Fernandez and his team serve daily. Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Victor, N.Y. unveils golf course transformations, clubhouse upgrades, and a new pickleball facility. Recent endeavors at the club have centered around a new vision that encapsulates their core values—remain a family-focused, golf-first club that offers a member experience unparalleled in the marketplace. Last, but not least, Rob and Phil discussed the exciting Model Club initiative and encouraged viewers to visit www.clubandresortbusiness.com to learn more about the honored Pro Shops.
I had a fun chat with RevTrev from Kemper Sports to talk Packers. Give us a listen --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mattramage/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mattramage/support
Club + Resort Business Senior Editor Phil Keren spoke with two leaders from The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in Savannah, Ga., about the club earning the No. 1 spot in the 2023 Club + Resort Business Top Ranked Pro Shops Program. Haley Pickering, the club's Golf Shop Retail Manager, and Steve Justman, Director of Golf at the club, talked about what meant to earn the top ranking, as well as the unique offerings of each of the club's four soft goods shops and the services provided by its golf performance center. The Top Ranked Pro Shops listing appears in the November issue of Club + Resort Business. Phil also spoke with Club + Resort Business Editor Rob Thomas about The Territory Golf & Country Club near Duncan, Okla. experiencing an increasing number of new memberships and member inquiries from nearby drive markets including Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth. The uptick is due to growing waitlists at neighborhood golf and country clubs across the U.S., leaving would-be members searching outside their hometowns for destination clubs. Another topic of conversation was Grass Clippings' plan to offer night time golf on a regular basis at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz. On Dec. 1, Grass Clippings will become Arizona's first fully lighted golf course as crews are currently finalizing the installation of LED lighting. Rob and Phil also discussed how KemperSports and its facilities recently surpassed the $2 million milestone in fundraising efforts for its longtime partner Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military men and women and first responders.
Canal Shores - a staple of the public golf scene in Chicago - is about to undergo a major facelift. But this is more than just a standard golf course renovation, it's a whole new way of thinking about how a golf course can connect with its surrounding community. Learn more about this new model for community golf in this interview with Josh Lesnik of KemperSports.
Our guest this episode on The Chicago Golf Report podcast is Steve Skinner, the Chief Executive Officer of KemperSports. With a dozen facilities in the Chicagoland area, KemperSports’ team is […]
This week, we welcome Josh Lesnik, President of Kemper Sports, who shares some exciting news about Canal Shores, our favorite Chicago/Evanston/Wilmette community golf course. OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE BAG DROP Golf Blueprint > https://www.golfblueprint.com/ JOIN NEWCLUB NewClub > https://www.newclub.golf/join/application DONATE TO CANAL SHORES https://www.canalshores.org/donate/
We all have ideas about where golf is headed and what's happening in the game, but, in this episode, we're bringing you the facts thanks to KemperSports. KemperSports has just completed a massive survey of golfers, and we're diving deep into the results to learn what golfers think about technology, alternate formats, and much more.
Mark has all the latest local business news from around Columbus. You can find out more at columbusbusiness.com
Club + Resort Talks chatted with Jarred Gomez about what KemperSports is doing to get young adults into the game of golf — YA! Golf PDX. YA! Golf PDX is a social golf community for young adults, between the ages of 19 and 29, based in Portland, Ore. Whether you've never played before, or you've been playing for awhile, YA! Golf has something to offer for everyone. Join for social events, discounted golf, and an awesome community of people just like you.
In Episode 5 Dirt & Erik talk about the loser of a fantasy football bet playing in a US Open qualifier, does playing with bad golfers ruin your round? Catch up with Matt Zaffino of KGW to talk about this depressing golf weather, chat with Kylen Trevor, Regional Director of sales and marketing at Kemper Sports, ask a but why about course conditions, answer listener questions & more! #ThickandJuicy
For all the people from Chicago, who, upon hearing the name Canal Shores are inspired to say, “I grew up playing there,” the 103-year-old iconic fixture and fun zone that's wedged between Evanston and Wilmette, and 10 miles north of Wrigley Field, is finally getting some much-needed resources and support. After years of a passionate band of locals making every attempt to restore the bones, implore more investment and explore every option or opportunity for a resurrection, along comes Kemper Sports. The Chicago-based management company, which is affiliated with Bandon Dunes, Streamsong, Sand Valley, Big Cedar Lodge and another 100 courses nationwide, Kemper has sunk its teeth, resources and relationships into making the Tom Bendelow original design relevant again. On 82 acres, and multiple mini parcels of land, the 3,900-yard 18-hole par 60 has been overgrown, downtrodden and, some might say, underperforming for quite some time. What is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, that's leased to the towns of Evanston and Wilmette, and leased again to the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, will now be managed by Kemper Sports. Green fees range between $15 and $30 dollars. It's a Youth on Course facility, so junior members of YOC can play for $5. The non-profit, which has relied heavily on donations and creative fundraising, finally has an optimistic plan for some realistic and relative success. In this podcast, you'll be hearing from Josh Lesnik, President of Kemper Sports and the original General Manager of Bandon Dunes. Lesnik grew up in the town of Winnetka, which is 15 minutes from Canal Shores. You'll hear from Karl Leinberger, President of Evanston and Wilmette Golf Course Association, which is currently managing the non-profit as a group of committed volunteers. And throughout this story, I get background and perspective from Andrew Fleming, a great friend of mine who's a former lawyer at the Golf Channel and a former employee at Kemper Sports. Fleming graduated from Northwestern, which is around the corner from Canal Shores. Charm, community, accessibility, a hyper-focus on impacting kids by way of caddie programs, as Lesnik says, "It's all there." And now it's time to make it all happen. Visit the The Fire Pit Collective to check out everything we are doing. Use promo Firepit25 at Linksoul.com for 25% off your next Linksoul order. Got a comment about this story or a tip on a story we should track down? You can reach me on Twitter (@mattginella) or on Instagram (@matt_ginella). For bonus visuals and some behind the scenes of The Fire Pit podcast production, go to The Fire Pit YouTube Channel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Greenkeeping runs deep for Jason Pierce, and it better because he's got a lot to manage! Forty-five golf holes at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA plus a role as Mid-Atlantic Regional Agronomist for Kemper Sports. Jason puts a lot of effort into staying organized and efficient probably because he learned how to green keep during a time when you were forced to make more with less. This is a characteristic that he has carried throughout his career. You will also enjoy hearing Jason tell some great old “Joel Stories” from his early days of building greens at Whitetail Resort in PA and Heron Glen in NJ.
In this episode we chat with the COO of Kemper Sports, Mr. Jim Stegall. Jim guides us through his time spent in the navy to his executive role with one of, if not the best golf, hospitality and property management companies in North America- Kemper Sports. Kemper Sports has become a leader in memorable golf experiences and Jim discusses how him and his team have achieved that title with resorts such as Bandon Dunes, Streamsong and Chambers Bay, the host of the 2015 U.S. Open. Jim and the boys also cover the current state of the game and how to facilitate the surge in golf across the continent. All that and much more! If you have any questions or feedback please email us at fourjackpodcast@gmail.com If you like the podcast please rate, review and share with your friends! Cheers. https://www.instagram.com/jrstegall/ https://www.instagram.com/chambersbaygolf/ https://www.instagram.com/bandondunesgolf/ https://www.instagram.com/streamsongresort/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefourjackpod/support
World Long Drive Champion Maurice Allen discusses Bryson DeChambeau's controversial entry at the World Long Drive Championships. Also features Kristine Rose of Kemper Sports and MW's Ryder Cup breakdown.
The Scorecard with Barry Cronin and Mike Esposito begins this hour with a conversation with Steve Skinner, CEO of Kemper Sports, who talks about the golf world since the pandemic started. Ron Green Jr. joins later to offer his insight on next week's Ryder Cup. (09-18-21) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Amateur or the Walker Cup were always the Holy Grails,” says Josh Lesnik, President of Kemper Sports, who manages Bandon Dunes. Lesnik was also the first General Manager of the resort, where he started in his late-20s, and was literally in on the sand floor. “But to be honest, we never really thought about hosting anything like that until Mike Davis took a look and liked it. That's a big part of this,” says Lesnik. “Mike Davis came out early, and the fact that he liked what he saw, that pushed it over the top for the USGA.” Now here it is, July of 2021, roughly 25 years into the development of Bandon, and news just broke that not only is Mike Keiser looking to develop a sixth 18-hole course, another short course and a putting course, but that the USGA will be bringing 13 amateur championships in the next 24 years, which includes a Walker Cup, two more U.S. Amateurs, three Women's Amateurs, a Curtis Cup and four U.S. Juniors, two boy's and two girl's. “I never dreamed Bandon Dunes would be as popular as it is,” Keiser said on Tuesday evening, just before he sat down to dinner with one of his granddaughters. “That popularity enables us to have these tournaments.” And it also frees him up to build more courses and lodging. In this episode, Matt Ginella, Alan Shipnuck and Colt Knedler discuss all that's on the horizon for one of the greatest pure golf destinations in the world. Visit the The Fire Pit Collective to check out everything we are doing. Use promo Firepit25 at Linksoul.com for 25% off your next Linksoul order. Got a comment about this story or a tip on a story we should track down? You can reach me on Twitter (@mattginella) or on Instagram (@matt_ginella). For bonus visuals and some behind the scenes of The Fire Pit podcast production, go to The Fire Pit YouTube Channel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
We started this podcast in April, not long after the country went into quarantine. And on April 18, we dropped episode two, a roundtable with industry leaders who provided perspective on the state of the game in the midst of a global pandemic. I was joined by the Presidents of Pinehurst and Kemper Sports, the owner of Forest Dunes, the manager of Goat Hill Park, and the CEO of an Irish-based travel company that customizes buddies trips. If you go back and listen to it, it’s somber. It’s as if the group is in shock, and fair to say, they were scared for their business and had concerns for the future of the game. But if there was one common denominator, it’s that they all said that if they could get open, they had a chance. They knew that as long as they could get a set of sensible regulations, the game could ride a safe and responsible wave of opportunity all the way to the beach. And by June, or shortly thereafter, they were all open. And it’s as if golf is our only option for a safe outdoor activity. Mike Stachura of Golf Digest recently tweeted that Golf Data Tech reports rounds played in July were up 20-percent over last year. U.S. golf equipment sales reached the all-time greatest single month in retail sales since the company started tracking data in 1997, the year Tiger won his first Masters. As Stachura said in his tweet: “If it’s not nailed down, it’s selling.” And so I got the buddies-trip of roundtables back together again to check in on the game and their business. Check out the The Fire Pit shop for our new hats! More items in the works! Use promo MattyG25 at Linksoul.com for 25% off your next Linksoul order. Got a comment about this story or a tip on a story we should track down? You can reach me on Twitter (@mattginella) or on Instagram (@matt_ginella). For bonus visuals and some behind the scenes of The Fire Pit podcast production, go to The Fire Pit YouTube Channel.
Christie Paich has dedicated her career to fitness, golf and guest service. She is currently in a role held by fewer than 9% of women in the US - Club General Manager. The Glen Club is an award-winning golf club in IL and part of the Kemper Sports family of properties. Previously, she led fitness clubs for Kraft, J&J and McDonald's and has built a reputation of trust and integrity throughout the Chicagoland area (and beyond). We talked to her about lessons on how to hire the best talent, her perspective on the future of golf and how she helped to lead her club through the COVID pandemic. Enjoy.
One of the benefits of being around a fire pit is that the conversation can go in a lot of directions. In this episode, it’s not one good story about golf, it’s several perspectives on the game now, and in the future. When and how can we play golf safely and responsibly by minimizing the risk of life or death? Joining me on this podcast are Dr. Ara Suppiah, a functional sports medical expert who I’ve worked with at Golf Channel for the last few years. Marty Carr, CEO of Carr Golf Group, which is based in Ireland and includes Carr Golf Travel and Carr Golf Management. Josh Lesnik, President of KemperSports and KemperLesnik, which manages over 125 golf facilities in 25 states. Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. John Ashworth, who’s the co-founder of Linksoul and who manages Goat Hill Park, a municipal course in Oceanside, Calif. And Lew Thompson, owner of Forest Dunes, a multi-course facility in the middle of Michigan. Be sure to follow my social handles because on Monday, April 20th we’re posting a live auction which will include items donated by all of my guests on this show and will benefit Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Use promo MattyG25 at Linksoul.com for 25% off your next Linksoul order. The Fire Pit shop is here! Got a story we should track down? You can reach me on Twitter (@mattginella) or on Instagram (@matt_ginella). For The Fire Pit podcast videos, goto The Fire Pit YouTube Channel.
As Bandon Dunes celebrates its 20th Anniversary, there's no doubt that golf is the draw. But it's the experience and the people that keep us coming back. Businessman and visionary Mike Keiser made his dream a reality here, but he shuns the limelight and allows his people to shine. The first smiling face we see upon arrival is usually Bob Gaspar, affectionately known as "Shoe". In this episode, Brian sits down with Shoe to share his story, the early days when Bandon Dunes first opened, and how he became the hero and beloved Mayor of Bandon Dunes.
Generation Z - those born after the year 2000 - is already the biggest group in America. How can we get them into golf, and can we use those techniques to attract older golfers, too? We answer those questions and many more with Joe Smith, the golf professional at Swenson Park Golf Course, a KemperSports property.
In the second hour, Steve Olken and Ed Sherman were joined by golf writer Len Ziehm. They then had the Lesson Tee with Andy Runkel, the head professional of the Bog in Wisconsin. Later, they were joined by KemperSports president Josh Lesnik.
President of KemperSports and KemperLesnik, Josh Lesnik, talks with John Howell about the PGA Championship and what's been going on with Tiger Woods!
Are you involved in a charity golf outing? Want to make it more fun, more memorable, and more successful? Val D'Souza from Kemper Sports is an expert on putting together great golf events, and he shares loads of practical tips in this episode.
As we approach the PGA Golf Show in Orlando, Rick is joined by Brendan McCarthy of KemperSports. Brendan is the National Director of Marketing and Sales and there is no better person to talk the business of golf as we look ahead to 2019. Brendan McCarthy joined KemperSports in 2009 as a Regional Sales and … Continue reading Brendan McCarthy, KemperSports, National Director of Marketing and Sales →
Tiger's effect on golf's TV ratings are undeniable, but is he helping to grow the game? In this episode, we discuss that with Josh Lesnik of Kemper Sports.
A year after dealing with another natural disaster, Blayne Sparks, the superintendent at KemperSports-managed The Wilderness at Lake Jackson, describes the logistics and emotions associated with storm recovery.
Some analysts say the golf business is dwindling. Others contest that after years of decline, the industry has stabilized and is now positioned for a resurgence. Regardless of what the stats show, the golf industry will always need creative and innovative leaders to keep golf interesting and enjoyable for all of us. Leaders like Steve Skinner, CEO of KemperSports, who joins us on today's episode.
The Glen Club's Christie Paich explains her route to becoming the first female general manager at a KemperSports facility and shares lessons from her leadership experiences.
Golf course management company KemperSports claims some of the most impressive courses in the world. We're talking Bandon Dunes, Streamsong, Sand Valley, etc. KemperSports president Josh Lesnik joins Coleman McDowell this week to discuss why he thinks now is the best time to be in golf course development. The conversation includes: 5:15 -- The creation of Bandon Dunes 9:35 -- Symmetry between Bandon and Sand Valley 15:15 -- What makes Sand Valley special 22:00 -- How to build a golf resort 27:40 -- Why now is the best time to build 31:30 -- The most powerful people in golf
The USGA unveiled their proposed rules changes to modernize golf's rules and make them easier to understand and apply. Shane welcomes on Thomas Pagel, USGA Senior Director of Rules and Amateur Status, who played a key role in these rules changes, to discuss a variety of topics regarding what went into the changes and how they feel it will affect the game. Then, Shane brings on Josh Lesnik, President of Kemper Sports, one of the top club management companies in the world. Lesnik dishes on how they've grown their company to manage some of the world's best courses, what they look for in a course and what they are looking to accomplish to make the game more player-friendly, and the future of golf. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
KemperSports already manages most of the country’s greatest golf; now they’re expanding south of the border with a Hole-in-One promotion that could send you there with one great swing By MITCH LAURANCE / @MitchLaurance — When it comes to golf destinations and golf travel, Josh Lesnik, president of KemperSports (and sister company KemperLesnik) may truly […] The post Golf Connections: Bandon Dunes, Winning Aces and Mexico’s Vidanta Resorts with KemperSports’ Josh Lesnik appeared first on GolfGetaways.
Sam Amick, NBA reporter for USA Today joins us to discuss the Cavs-Warriors NBA Finals matchup as well as discuss new head coach hires and NBA free agency. Steve Skinner, CEO of Kemper Sports stops by to preview the 2015 U.S. Open which will be played on a Kemper golf course - Chambers Bay. Skinner gives us a scouting report on the course and we also discuss golf is marketing itself to today's generation of young people. read more
Our guest this episode is the General Manager of Harborside International Golf Center, Dean Lytton. Dean has been in charge of Harborside for KemperSports since February of 2013, helping to reinvigorate one of the top golf facilities within Chicago’s city limits. Before arriving in Chicago, Dean was the GM at the exclusive Falcon Ridge Golf […]