Rich Braune
Locker Room Manager
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
Family Status/Members:
Buffy (wife), RJ (26 – son), Nick (22 – son), Sadie (36 – daughter)
How did you get into your field?
I had retired and was looking for some part-time work at a golf course when I saw an ad in the Bulverde News. Cordillera Ranch was looking for cart staff. I started in ’07, and when we built the new Clubhouse and the Fitness Center, I transferred to the Men’s Grille as the Locker Room Attendant.
What do you like most about working at Cordillera Ranch?
I have been fortunate to meet a lot of great people and play a great, great golf course.
What has been your greatest challenge in your business?
Providing the ultimate member experience even when life deals a few low blows. I want members to say, ”Rich, he’s the best.”
What has been your most rewarding experience in your business?
Playing at one of the top golf courses in the state with some of the nicest people.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Golf, college football, college basketball and major league baseball. I’m trying to learn fly fishing and some of the members have been gracious enough to take me under their guidance. I’m not sure what they got themselves into.
What is your favorite aspect of working/living in the Hill Country?
It has to be some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets one can imagine — truly stop-you-in-your-tracks beauty.
Favorite quote?
Have to be one of Yogi Berra’s quotes, “Cut my pizza into four pieces…I don’t think I could eat eight.”
Favorite Movie?
That’s a toughie. I’d say it’s between Shane, High Noon, Bridge over the River Kwai, and My Way. Loved the ending of Shane, the music with High Noon, the whole story in the Bridge over the River Kwai and the ending of My Way.
What is your favorite sport?
I’d have to make that two, golf and baseball.
Favorite sporting event you’ve attended?
Game 5 of the World Series between the Yankees and Diamondbacks just after 9/11. Scott Brosius hit a home run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, and then they won it in the bottom of the 12th on an Alfonso Soriano base hit. I never saw so many people cry due to the emotion of the game and what happened in NYC on 9/11. That stadium rocked like I’d never, ever seen before. It was electric.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I love pasta. My Mom was Italian and would make spaghetti and meatballs every Thursday and another pasta on Sunday. I still make pasta every Sunday at home.
