Within two years, inventory for home sales were reduced from 150 to 20, golf and sports membership categories are full, capital reserves are at an all-time high and food & beverage sales are well over $2 million for the first time.
NAPLES, FLA. – Harvard School of Business would be proud of the transformation and turnaround at Wyndemere Country Club in Naples Florida. The journey began when the Club invested in a new clubhouse and in August 2013 hired Jimmy Lynn as the General Manager and COO to professionally manage the Club.
Within two years, inventory for home sales were reduced from 150 to 20, golf and sports membership categories are full, capital reserves are at an all-time high and food & beverage sales are well over $2 million for the first time. So how did Jimmy Lynn take Wyndemere from “old and tired” to “fresh and vibrant” in two years?
Jimmy Lynn, General Manager and COO Wyndemere Country Club.
Jimmy explains, “To be competitive we needed a strategic plan that addressed governance, finances, amenities, activities, health, staffing, technology and improving the member experience. It was clear from the onset the club needed to create a culture that centered on healthy active living and that meant hiring the right people, adding amenities and a staying focused on a clearly defined vision.”
Jimmy adds, “We found that while golf is still paramount, offering outstanding golf is not enough as members want more shorter-duration activities, more opportunities to socialize, increased touch points, healthy casual and alfresco dining, a state-of-the-art wellness facility and a leader with vision.”
The club recently completed golf course and club house improvements that included an overhaul of the food and beverage department, most notably the Tiebreaker Cafe, a casual dining area which has a fresh look, healthy options and ample outdoor space.
Members appreciate good communication so Jimmy began a monthly “Did you Know” member communication that contains 25 relevant club newsworthy tidbits e.g. did you know that most vegetables and herbs served come from local farmers, that only cage-free eggs are used in the breakfast dishes, there are no frozen fish or meat in the freezers and the club was rated as the 5th Healthiest Club in America©.
“We are grateful our members demonstrated a remarkable show of support for renovating the clubhouse, revamping the menus and restaurants, adding Bocce Ball, Pickle Ball and other recreational amenities that complement our state-of-the-art fitness facility. We were starving for leadership and vision and Jimmy led our club into a cycle of success,” says William McDonough the club’s President.
According to Rick Ladendorf, Executive Producer of the America’s Healthiest Club certification program, “the long-term viability of the private club industry depends on club leaders that understand what it takes to create a healthy culture that attracts and retains members.”
Recognition
Jimmy Lynn has been serving on the Steering Committee for the Blue Zones Project and has helped Wyndemere become the first Blue Zone certified work-site private club in the world.
Wyndemere recently received the Distinguished Achievement in Leadership award from the club Industry’s leading publication, The Boardroom Magazine. The Distinguished Club award recognizes private clubs for an exceptional member experience, personalized service and emphasizes intangibles that include the club’s culture, history, traditions, image and governance.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
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