397: Building a Club That Feels Like Home with Paul Bovenzi, CCM

·42 min·4 clips

Paul Bovenzi reveals he once wanted to be a police officer while navigating a club GM role during the pandemic's start.

Denny Corby hosts a live, in-person episode with Paul Bovenzi, General Manager of Berkshire Country Club in Reading, Pennsylvania. Paul recounts his background, originally from California, moving to Charlotte for college, and working in hospitality before entering the club industry at Myers Park Country Club. He reveals he initially wanted to be a police officer but switched due to financial reasons. Paul started his GM role at Berkshire in January 2020, just before the pandemic shutdown in March, which forced immediate adaptations like offering to-go meals and essential grocery pickup. He describes the challenges of engaging with staff and members during lockdowns. The discussion shifts to Paul's career transition, highlighting how he discovered clubs through a wine distributor and appreciated the repeat clientele and creativity compared to hotels. Paul talks about staffing difficulties in central Pennsylvania due to a lack of local hospitality programs, leading to partnerships with Penn State Berks and BCTC. He details Berkshire's $8.5 million renovation project, including course restoration to original designs by Willie Park and Donald Ross, kitchen upgrades, and a new monthly menu system that involves the culinary team. Paul emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the club industry, citing mentors like Mr. Sakakini and Mr. Beto, and informal networks like a mastermind breakfast group with other GMs. He shares personal anecdotes, such as his engagement video involving local police and his switch to bow ties inspired by a member. The episode concludes with light-hearted topics like his daughter's lacrosse playing and work-life balance struggles.

As heard by us

Paul Bovenzi frames club hiring as practical relationship-building with schools and developing talent.

Private Club Radio Show's conversation with Paul Bovenzi turns a familiar hiring problem into something concrete: how a club sustains strong hospitality when the nearby talent pipeline is limited.

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Why you'd press play

You want a live, relaxed read on how a club finds talent when the local hospitality pipeline is not as deep?

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