STATE OF THE CLUB REPORT
April 2016
Dear Valued Members,
I think it is safe to say that 2015 could be classified as the year of change. Throughout the year
the new owners of the club, CBIGG Management, LLC, have demonstrated their long term
dedication to Brierwood. The company had a daunting task of addressing many of the deferred
maintenance items that they inherited. Although these items are not exciting in the eyes of the
members they were critical to the overall long term success of the club. Refrigeration unit
replacements, kitchen equipment maintenance, water line repairs, along with many other behind
the scenes investments have positioned the club for a tremendously successful 2016. A major
focus of CBIGG was to give the staff the tools required to enable them to meet and exceed
member expectations. The effort required in getting the club into a useable state was much
greater in magnitude than originally planned.
As many already know, we have had many staff position changes going into 2016. I am very
pleased and excited to assume the role of General Manager. My main goal is to re-establish
Brierwood as the best private club experience in the South towns. You as members should be
proud to call Brierwood your club and excited to entertain your guests along with referring
potential members. My staff and I will continue to work tirelessly towards these goals. Club
staple and tenured bartender David Kamholz has taken on the role of Food & Beverage Director.
He is aggressively implementing the CBIGG Standards of Service to all service staff. These
standards will not only provide you with an exemplary experience but will also make our staff
accountable on all levels. Additionally, Tammy Law, former Sous Chef, has moved into the
Executive Chef position. She is dedicated to producing exquisite menu items along with listening
to member feedback to ensure overall quality. The entire team is excited about the positive
direction of the F&B department.
One of the major shortcomings identified in 2015 was the quality of the pool and social
experience. Our mission is to make this area a social hub for families throughout the summer.
Many improvements have been made to the pool complex over the off season. Updated locker
room facilities, new umbrellas, and an overall upgraded appearance in this area, just to mention a
few. The culinary team is currently working on a Pavilion menu which will improve the quality
and consistency of the menu offerings. Additionally, a huge emphasis will also be placed on the
service aspect of this amenity. We want you and your families to find as much relaxation as
possible while enjoying the benefits of the best aquatic center in the area.
The membership status of the club is much more positive than this time last season. The 3 for 1
concept has certainly been an effective sales tool. As a reminder your dues not only give you
full privileges at Brierwood but also at The Fox Valley Club and Tan Tara Golf Club. The initial
roll out of this program was tremendous, but after review a few changes were needed. The three
most beneficial changes are as follows: 1. Future guest passes are valid at any of the three clubs,
2. Leagues and member tournaments are now available to you at all three courses (applicable
fees apply) and 3. Each member can add $100 to your clubs season cart pass rate to include the
other two clubs.
The entire management team would like to thank the entire new member sponsors this past
season, especially those long time members who helped bring back some of their friends who left
over the past few years. THANK YOU! The “Discover” Membership was also a huge success.
Throughout the summer there were 48 “Discover” Members and 36 have committed to 2016 at
the full dues rate. We are starting off the 2016 season with a healthy 305 Golf Members and 350
Swim Social Members. These membership trends along with the veteran services of Ron
Zambito as the Membership Director have all of us extremely excited about the positive future of
the club.
Longtime Assistant Superintendent at Brierwood and Former Superintendent at The Fox Valley
Club, Trent Hussey has returned home to the Brierwood family as our new Golf Course
Superintendent. Trent has hit the ground running since his return in February. Trent’s experience
and expertise in team cohesion will allow for more attention to detail which in turn will provide
playing conditions to be of higher quality.
A critical component of our success in 2016 will be the booking of more catering and Monday
golf events. The club is very fortunate to have Ashley Leslie leading the charge. An extremely
aggressive sales program has been put in place which requires Ashley to spend a few days a
week on the road establishing relationships to utilize for sales in the future. The spirit in which
she is selling has been very well received. The club also depends on booking member parties as
a portion of this growth. If you have had a less than amazing event in the past, we would
encourage you to re-consider hosting your event. Ashley understands the importance of you the
member and wants to win your business back. I assure you she will make your event her
priority.
Brierwood would also like to welcome Kyle Randall back for the 2016 season in his new role as
Head Golf Professional. He has demonstrated the leadership skills and has the knowledge of the
golf operation which made him the ideal fit to fill this role. You will hear a common statement
within CBIGG that “we grow our company through growing our people!” Kyle embodies this
philosophy and the club is very grateful for his tireless efforts in 2015.
In conclusion, I want to personally thank all of you for remaining members of Brierwood and for
giving the new ownership group the chance to provide you with the experience you deserve. It is
a very exciting time and I know we have the right plan in place to make Brierwood the place to
be in 2016.
Sincerely,
Brady Clendening, PGA
GM / Director of Golf
Brierwood Country Club
716.648.2700 ext.220
[email protected]