Club Innovators

Reimagining Membership Sales with Rick Coffey

In this episode of Club Innovators, Kyle Bradburn sits down with Rick Coffey, newly appointed Vice President of Business Development at Capstone Hospitality. With over 15 years of experience in private club membership and technology sales, Rick shares his passion for transforming how clubs approach membership growth. He dives into Capstone’s unique model, positioning the company as the only private club consulting firm solely focused on membership sales — and not just strategy, but full execution.Rick discusses the power of having “surgeons” instead of general practitioners in the sales process, the tangible benefits of Capstone's on-site and remote sales support, and how their proprietary DRIVE CRM system, built on HubSpot, offers fully tailored solutions for clubs. Whether you’re a GM, membership director, or board member, this episode unpacks how data-driven strategies, professional storytelling, and elite execution can transform your club’s membership trajectory.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – IntroductionHost Kyle Bradburn welcomes listeners and introduces guest Rick Coffey, VP of Business Development at Capstone Hospitality.00:25 – Rick’s Journey in the Club IndustryRick discusses his background as a membership director and his transition into private club tech sales before joining Capstone.01:30 – Why Rick Joined Capstone HospitalityRick shares his passion for membership sales and why Capstone’s exclusive focus on it sets them apart in the private club space.02:10 – The Undervalued Role of MembershipRick explains why strong membership drives club-wide success — from staff morale to financial sustainability.02:55 – Capstone’s Unique Position in the IndustryAn analogy: management companies are general practitioners, but Capstone is the surgeon—handling sales execution, not just advising.03:30 – On-Site vs. Remote Sales ExecutionRick discusses Capstone’s flexibility with both models and how their approach brings professionalism and results.03:50 – Introducing DRIVE: Capstone’s CRM ToolRick explains Capstone’s custom-built HubSpot CRM and how it’s tailored specifically for membership, marketing, and communication directors.04:45 – The Power of a Pre-Built CRMClubs don’t need to build a system from scratch—Capstone has already done the heavy lifting with multiple pricing tiers and tools that work out of the box.05:30 – Capstone’s Data-Driven ApproachHow clubs benefit from analytics on lead sources, conversion rates, and sales tracking to make better decisions.06:00 – The ‘Fully Furnished House’ MetaphorRick uses a real estate analogy to explain how clubs can plug into an already-optimized system with DRIVE.06:30 – Upcoming Conferences & EventsRick shares insights from the recent Golf Inc. conference and how Capstone continues to stay at the forefront of industry innovation.07:20 – Closing Thoughts & How to ConnectKyle and Rick discuss where clubs can learn more about Capstone’s services, CRM, and sales support.

How Visual Storytelling is Transforming Golf Course Marketing with Dave Evenson

In this episode, host Kyle Bradburn sits down with renowned golf cinematographer Dave Evenson, who has captured the essence of over 200 golf courses around the world. From the breathtaking landscapes of iconic golf destinations to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Dave shares his unique perspective on storytelling through the lens. 🎥 Highlights in This Episode: Dave's inspiring journey from All-American junior golfer to golf cinematographer. How overcoming a life-altering accident led him to find a new passion behind the camera. The importance of storytelling in golf course cinematography. Collaborating with golf course architects to bring their visions to life. Behind-the-scenes insights into working with the PGA Tour and USGA. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, club manager, or just passionate about creative storytelling, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring innovators in the golf and club management industry! 📌 Connect with Us: Follow Club Innovators Podcast for more inspiring interviews Learn more about Capstone Hospitality: www.capstone-hospitality.com Timestamps: * 00:00 Welcome and Introduction * 00:57 Dave's Journey: From All-American Golfer to Cinematographer * 01:54 Overcoming Adversity After a Life-Changing Accident * 04:12 Rediscovering Golf and Pursuing a New Passion * 05:12 The Power of Storytelling in Golf Cinematography * 07:13 Collaborating with Golf Course Architects for Visual Storytelling * 08:25 Unique Insights from Filming for the PGA Tour and USGA * 10:45 How Listening Uncovers Hidden Stories on the Course * 12:30 Dave’s Approach to Capturing the Heart of a Course * 14:22 Advice for Clubs Looking to Enhance Their Visual Content * 16:40 Closing Thoughts and Final Takeaways

Why Story Telling Sells Memberships with Kathy Heil

Welcome to Club Innovators Podcast by Capstone Hospitality! In this episode, host Kyle Bradburn sits down with Kathy Heil, Partner at Storyteller Club Marketing, to discuss the power of storytelling in club marketing, how digital trust influences membership decisions, and the importance of optimizing your website and social media for prospective members.Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to Club Innovators Podcast0:20 – Special guest: Kathy Heil of Storyteller Club Marketing1:16 – Why storytelling is the future of club marketing3:01 – The impact of digital trust and branding3:46 – The role of rebranding in modern club marketing5:55 – Every word matters: Crafting content that connects7:46 – Why most club websites are failing10:38 – Understanding user journey for prospective members12:35 – Membership inquiry forms: Are you losing leads?15:31 – The 8-10 touchpoints rule for membership sales18:06 – Knowing your audience: The key to retention20:29 – How CRM & automation (like HubSpot) can transform sales27:34 – The power of email marketing in member retention30:44 – Personalizing communication to drive engagement36:31 – Mobile-first strategies: Why it matters in 202542:39 – "It's not your grandfather's club anymore" – Modernizing club marketing47:50 – The overlooked power of social media for clubs50:47 – Key stat: Engaged couples judge a venue based on its last 9 Instagram posts!52:04 – Closing thoughts & where to find more resources🔗 Connect with Kathy Heil & Storyteller Club Marketing:🌐 Website: clubmarketing.com📧 Email: kathy@clubmarketing.com📌 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔, and leave a COMMENT 💬 with your thoughts on the episode!

Driving Sustainability in Hospitality with Audubon International

In this insightful episode, Kyle Bradburn sits down with Greg Poirier, Director of Green Hospitality and Green Lodging Certifications at Audubon International, and Greg Rotzell, VP of Operations at Capstone Hospitality. We dive deep into sustainability in the hospitality industry, exploring how Audubon International is setting the standard for eco-friendly practices across resorts, hotels, and destination properties. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Audubon International differentiates itself in the green certification space ✅ The core components of the Green Lodging Certification Program ✅ Practical sustainability strategies that enhance guest experiences AND support the environment ✅ The ROI of eco-friendly practices for hospitality businesses ✅ The future of green operations in clubs and resorts ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions 00:32 – Greg Poirier's Role at Audubon International 01:17 – What Inspired Greg Poirier to Join Audubon 02:20 – How Audubon Stands Out in Green Certifications 03:44 – Core Elements of the Green Lodging Certification 06:11 – Assessing Environmental Impact for Resorts 08:22 – Debunking Sustainability Myths in Hospitality 10:45 – Enhancing Guest Experiences Through Sustainability 13:30 – The ROI of Eco-Friendly Practices 15:50 – Starting Your Club’s Sustainability Journey 18:05 – Future Trends in Green Hospitality 20:00 – Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up 🌍 Whether you’re a hospitality professional, a sustainability advocate, or just curious about eco-innovations in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 🎧 Listen now and discover how your club or resort can go green while boosting member engagement! 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on club innovation, leadership, and growth strategies. 👍 Like, Comment, and Share if you find this episode inspiring!

Behind the Lens Secrets of Golf Course Photography with Evan Schiller

Dive into the latest episode of the Club Innovators Podcast with host Kyle Bradburn and special guest Evan Schiller, a world-renowned golf course photographer and former PGA professional. Evan shares his incredible journey from the PGA Tour to photographing over 700 championship courses worldwide. Learn the secrets behind capturing breathtaking golf course shots, the evolution of photography technology (from bucket trucks to drones), and what it takes to make a golf course truly photogenic. Whether you're a golfer, photographer, or a fan of innovative stories, this episode is a must-watch! 📸 Check out Evan’s stunning work: EvanSchillerPhotography.com 🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of private clubs and hospitality. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Evan Schiller to the Podcast 01:06 - From the PGA Tour to Photography: Evan’s Journey 05:53 - What Makes a Great Golf Photo: Light, Angles, and Weather 10:28 - Evolution of Technology in Photography: Pre- and Post-Drone Era 20:15 - Lessons for Aspiring Photographers and the Future of Golf Photography