by Monty Becton
Although I typically use this month’s message to recap all the physical improvements over the last year, you’ve already read that information in Charlie Hill’s January column. We are fortunate to be surrounded by many physical improvements and assets at The Club, most notably our highly acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
What’s more difficult to see and appreciate are the human assets that impact your experience and the success of The Clubs.
We employ approximately 120 employees at any given time, and our payroll and benefits exceed $5M annually. The economy in Texas and specifically the Hill Country is vibrant, therefore hiring and retaining quality Employee Partners is more challenging than ever, as evidenced by numerous “Help Wanted” signs.
On January 29 we hosted our annual employee appreciation and recognition dinner. We had more than 100 people in attendance and honored 52 hourly employees for reaching our top 2 categories of recognition. During that event, we also recognized Rich Braune, Richard Kilpper and Glenn Barton for 10 years of service, along with Amanda Parinella and Brianna Botine for their outstanding service.
It’s also important to note that Charlie Hill recognized Phil Sloan in December for his outstanding service and the impact he’s had, not only on The Club, but for his contributions to Cordillera Ranch in general. For those of you who know Phil, he sets the bar to new heights both as a person and co-worker.
I would be remiss not to mention our spa and fitness contractors. As contractors they have a different reporting relationship to The Club, but that doesn’t impact the value and professionalism they provide to our Members. If you aren’t familiar with our programming in that area, I would encourage you to visit our website (www.clubsofcordilleraranch.com) and review our spa and fitness contractor bios to see that we have some of the most qualified professionals in the industry.
Bryan Gathright and Gevin Allen are both talented and passionate golf instructors. Gevin has developed into a respected instructor and club fitter, and Bryan has been a Top 100 golf Instructor since 2001 and has been recognized within the state as well as nationally. I anticipate significant growth in relation to our golf instruction during 2018.
The caliber of our senior staff is second to none when it comes to their commitment to their professions. Most of our department heads and managers have college degrees related to their field of expertise and are active in related professional associations.
Marc DeWall, our Director of Golf, is currently President of the South Texas Section of the PGA with an A-4 designation.
Graham House, our Clubhouse Manager, is the immediate past President of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, Chaine des Rotisseurs – Maître d’ Table Restaurateur and certified WSET Level 1 (Wine & Spirits Education Trust).
Mark Semm, our Director of Agronomy, is a Class “A” member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association and host of the 2015 and 2018 GCSAA golf championships, and a member of the Texas Turfgrass Association.
Joe Davis, our Facilities Director, has FMP and SFP designations with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and a Universal EPA Technician Certification – HVAC.
Shane Reynolds, our Director of Recreation/Transportation, is a member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education, National Intramural Recreational Sports Association, and a CRSS (certified recreational sports specialist).
Isaac Cantu, our Executive Chef, is a founding member of the San Antonio Chef Cooperative, was selected to cook in New York City for the James Beard Journalism Awards, and participated in and cooked for the National Chef’s Collaborative.
Jess Fanelle CPA, our Controller, is a member of the Hospitality Financial Technology Professionals (HFTP), Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA).
Glenn Barton, our Director of Tennis, is an “Elite Professional” member of the USPTA and Gordon Trophy team member from 2016 – 2018.
Debbie Pepper, our Membership Director, is a member of the Professional Club Marketing Association (PCMA) and certified WSET Level 1 (Wine & Spirits Education Trust).
I was recently invited by Jamie Cox, CEO of Hill Country Family Services (www.hcfamilysvcs.org), to serve on their Board of Directors. During my short tenure, it’s been amazing to see how this organization is impacting so many lives. Hill Country Family Services, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and 2017 winner of the Best Multi-Purpose Agency of the Year award, provides mental healthcare, food, clothing and financial assistance to families and children throughout Kendall County who are facing critical challenges such as food insecurity, loss of job, health crisis, poverty and abject hunger. Jamie and his wife Jacque are also Members and residents of Cordillera Ranch. We’ve hosted the HCFS annual golf tournament for the last two years and look forward to hosting it again on Monday, October 1. This has been a rewarding experience because it provides me the opportunity to see our community from a different perspective and helps me better understand the needs of those who are struggling with various challenges in their lives.
Additionally, I’m a 30-year member of CMAA (Club Managers Association of America) and serve as the chair for the Central Region. I also serve on the board of TARO (Texas Alliance of Recreational Organizations).
As you can see, we’re very fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced staff working together to enhance your enjoyment of The Club. We also find ourselves uniquely blessed with top-tier ownership that provides financial stability and direction. My wife Patti and I arrived here in 2010 and it’s difficult to believe that I’ve been here as the GM for eight years now. During my tenure, I’ve seen manager and ownership turnover at most of the clubs in this market. I’m thankful for the people I get to surround myself with, our stability and the continued growth we share at The Club and in the community. Life “Is” Better Out Here!
Monty Becton is the General Manager of The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mbecton@cordilleraranch.com.
