Fighting poverty ... Calm, cool, and collected ... A winning hand ... Hypnotic solution.
Edited by Louis Marroquin
TIME TO CARE
Dr. Helene Gayle is as at ease with presidents as she is with the underprivileged. Her tremendous empathy, easy manner, and sense of humor are key in the physician’s lifelong pursuit to improve the plight of others. That pursuit grew in magnitude and impact this year when Gayle, a member of Atlanta’s One Ninety One Club, became the president and CEO of CARE, the international poverty-fighting organization. The first female and first person of color to lead the 60-year-old organization, Gayle is responsible for programs on HIV/AIDS, gender issues, emergency relief, and poverty in 70 countries, in a world where nearly three billion people live on less than $2 a day. “By strengthening societies and economies around the world, we make the world a better and safer place,” she says. “It limits the threat of terrorism when we have strong and stable economies, and it limits our need to devote our resources to hunger and disease when we have people around the globe who are able to take care of their own needs.” Formerly a senior director with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gayle also spent 17 years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, much of it working on AIDS-related issues. “My passion is social justice and how you can address inequities,” Gayle says. “If you look at some of the great inequities in life, they are health inequities.” — Mary Sue Lawrence
CALM UNDER PRESSURE
Having survived the most stressful situation imaginable — a life-threatening incident — Kevin Sweeney has dedicated his professional life to helping others overcome mind-numbing pressure, both at work and in their personal lives. Addressing organizations, Sweeney speaks and consults on “Pressure Cooker Confidence,” a self-styled program based primarily on his near-death experience as an Air Force pilot in Operation Desert Storm. He was captain of a four-engine jet tanker when disaster struck. In midair, two engines fell off a wing, yet he and his crew miraculously managed to land the plane safely, earning all on board the Distinguished Flying Cross. “Flight crews are trained to prepare for the worst day, so I didn’t panic. I saw it as my opportunity to show what a good pilot I was,” says Sweeney, a member of Trophy Club Country Club near Dallas. “I relate that [to my audience]. If a salesperson has prepared for that irate customer to call, that’s not a bad day. It’s OK, they know how to handle it.” Also drawing on his experiences as a business executive, Sweeney addresses principles other than preparedness as a way of combating the negative byproducts of undue pressure. “I talk about some of the biggest stresses in life, which we cause ourselves. I talk about focus, ignoring the immaterial. How many times do we find ourselves looking at the wrong thing?” — Steve Wilson
IN THE CARDS
Give Kevin O’Donnell a hand. Any hand. Chances are he’ll find a way to maximize its potential — or, if need be, throw it away. That’s what the world’s top poker players do, and O’Donnell has been doing enough of that recently to see his winnings rise past the million-dollar mark. “I still consider myself a recreational player,” he says modestly. “I’ve just had some professional-type results.” For O’Donnell, a member of Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, those results include six “cashes” (making money) and four “final tables” in major events, including the 2006 World Series of Poker. True to his word, however, O’Donnell hasn’t given up his “day job” as a partner in Great Southwest Mortgage, nor his ownership of Scottsdale’s popular K. O’Donnell’s Bar & Grill. “I’ve only been playing this kind of poker a couple of years,” says O’Donnell, who put the game on hold while raising daughter Jennifer, now 18. Future plans include additional tournaments, though he recognizes the game’s “every-hand’s-a-winner-and-every-hand’s-a-loser” uncertainty. “Kenny Rogers was right,” admits O’Donnell, recalling the hand that knocked him out of the World Series of Poker. “I was sitting there feeling pretty smug with pocket kings. Problem was, my opponent had pocket aces.” — Dave Orman
- Photography by John Trotto
A LITTLE BRAIN POWER
Brad Barclay speaks with the slow, soft tone you would expect from someone who is a clinical hypnotherapist. Like his colleagues in the field, Brad knows that clients who have entered a state of trance are more receptive to suggestion and other therapy that can ultimately help conquer smoking, overeating, and a wide variety of other addictions and personal struggles. “That,” explains Barclay, a member of Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, California, “is what drew me to this field — there are so many applications for hypnotherapy.” Barclay (www.hypnobrad.com) notes that the subconscious mind controls 70 percent to 90 percent of the brain. “When you tap into that,” he says, “when you get your brain working for you, then your conscious self opens up to how the subconscious mind has been trained.” The result is the ability to eliminate the distractions of daily life — even those on the golf course or the tennis court. Barclay cites the documented example of a tennis player, bedridden for six months, who was able to use hypnotherapy to effect a change in his health. “In the end, nothing beats practice,” he says. “But good breathing, good footwork, and a lot of visualization can have some very positive effects.” — Dave Orman
- Photography by Thomas Alleman
TABLE MANNERS
Some of Barbara Bergstrom’s “don’ts” for business meals: Don’t place cell phones, folders, laptops, purses, or papers on the table. Don’t wear golf attire or low-cut tops if you aim to appear professional. Don’t drink a toast to yourself. Bergstrom, a nationally syndicated columnist, recently released Bound for the Boardroom, a guide for aspiring executives on how to navigate from the boardroom to the executive dining room. “Business meals are not about eating,” explains the president of Greetings, an etiquette and protocol training company. “Do order water without ice so the condensation doesn’t drip all over you,” instructs Bergstrom, a member of the Citrus Club in Orlando, Florida. Other business lunch “dos”: Make reservations at a spot convenient for your client, and consider using a private club so there are no checks involved. Pass the salt and pepper together: Bergstrom calls them a “bride and groom” that shouldn’t be separated. Talk light business at the beginning of the meal, and save heavier conversation for dessert. Leave your napkin on your lap or chair until you exit, even if there’s a speaker. “No one wants to look at a dirty napkin,” she reminds. “Remember, it’s not about you — it’s about how you’re perceived by others. And just like most things in life, you have to practice etiquette to really learn it.” — Mary Sue Lawrence
- Photography by Riku+Anna
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
Lorraine Howell believes everyone needs a good elevator speech — that pithy answer to the question, “What do you do?” Unfortunately, she says, many business leaders can’t articulate their messages to potential clients in the time it would take to travel from the lobby to the penthouse. That’s why Howell, a member of Columbia Tower Club in Seattle, recently published a how-to guide on the subject, called Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift! “Every time you say hello to somebody, it could be an opportunity, even if it’s a social situation,” says Howell, a former television producer and founder of Media Skills Training, which provides media training and consulting for clients such as Starbucks and Vulcan Inc. The idea for the book came from clients who wanted to learn how to hone their networking skills, she says. Among her tips for a successful speech: Identify your target audience and talk about the results your business provides. “I’ve had people turn their business around in a couple of months, just in changing how they talk about their business,” she says. As for her own elevator speech, Howell laughs and makes it pithy: “I teach leaders to speak with confidence and impact.” — Janet Mefferd
- Photography by Thomas Barwick
SIDE DISH
Rob Balon has always had a healthy appetite for life. Now, he’s turned that passion into a successful side venture. The CEO of a market research firm, Balon, a member of Barton Creek Country Club in Austin, Texas, began reviewing restaurants for one of his clients, KLBJ-AM radio, nine years ago. Within a year, he had expanded to a local TV station, and in 2000 he moved online. Now, DiningOutWithRobBalon.com is generating more than 1.7 million page hits a month. “My grandmother was from Hungary and was an incredible chef,” Balon says, “so I grew up in this environment of food. I have always had a great love of food and wine.” That love is reflected in his reviews. Often edgy and humorous, they aren’t your typical restaurant critiques. Balon says that’s part of what has made his site such a hit. “I write from the perspective of everyman,” he explains. “I’m not a chef, but I have a great palate and I know what I like. Between the radio, television, and Web site, people feel a personal connection with me. We’ve made it fun and approachable for them, and that’s allowed us to build a unique brand.” — Paula Felps
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Combining financial results and member satisfaction levels, the Circle of Excellence recently recognized 56 clubs and resorts for their performance achievements. By maintaining Gold Level status for three or more consecutive years, Aspen Glen Club in Carbondale, Colorado, maintains its place in the Chairman’s Circle for the fourth straight year.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Aspen Glen Club, Carbondale, Colorado
GOLD CIRCLE
Bear’s Best, Atlanta
Bear’s Best, Las Vegas
Buckhead Club, Atlanta
Canyon Crest Country Club, Riverside, California
Centre Club, Tampa, Florida
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Club, Chicago
The Club at Falcon Point, Katy, Texas
The Clubs of Kingwood, Kingwood, Texas
The Currituck Club, Corolla, North Carolina
The Downtown Club, Houston
Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Summerfield, Florida
Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio
Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club, Gainesville, Florida
Lakeway Golf Club, Austin, Texas
Lost Creek Country Club, Austin, Texas
Marina Vallarta Club de Golf, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Neuse Golf Club, Clayton, North Carolina
Southern Trace Country Club, Shreveport, Louisiana
University Center Club, Tallahassee, Florida
SILVER CIRCLE
Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, Texas
Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Boston College Club, Boston
Capital City Club, Montgomery, Alabama
DeBary Golf & Country Club, DeBary, Florida
Devils Ridge Golf Club, Holly Springs, North Carolina
East Lake Woodlands Country Club, Oldsmar, Florida
Greenbrier Country Club, Chesapeake, Virginia
Greenspoint Club, Houston
The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia
Houston City Club, Houston
La Cima Club, Irving, Texas
Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California
Nags Head Golf Links, Nags Head, North Carolina
The Preserve Golf Club, Dunellen, Florida
Shadowridge Country Club, Vista, California
The Summit Club, Birmingham, Alabama
Timarron Country Club, Southlake, Texas
Tower Club Tysons Corner, Vienna, Virginia
Treesdale Golf & Country Club, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Trophy Club Country Club, Trophy Club, Texas
University Club Atop Symphony Towers, San Diego
The University of Texas Club, Austin, Texas
BRONZE CIRCLE
April Sound Country Club, Montgomery, Texas
Brookhaven Country Club, Farmers Branch, Texas
Canyon Creek Country Club, Richardson, Texas
Citrus Club, Orlando, Florida
Metropolitan Club, Chicago
One Ninety One Club, Atlanta
Pyramid Club, Philadelphia
Quail Hollow Country Club, Concord, Ohio
Shady Valley Golf Club, Arlington, Texas
Skyline Club, Indianapolis
Town Point Club, Norfolk, Virginia
WestLake Club, Houston
Willow Creek Golf Club, Spring, Texas
CAUSE TV
Beverly Adams credits Princess Diana with helping her see the light. “For the past 15 years, I’ve focused on philanthropy and helping others,” says the member of La Cima Club near Dallas. “I was really inspired by the work of people like Princess Diana.” While visiting Great Britain in 2005, Adams attended an exhibit about the royal family. After learning more about the late princess’ contributions, Adams knew she had to do more. So she turned to her television background for answers. “I thought, what if we combine TV with philanthropy and create programming with a conscience? There are so many great causes out there that are truly changing people’s lives every day.” She returned to Texas and founded Luminary Productions, a television production company whose first project is the series, The Brightest Light. The 13-week series will combine reality TV’s best attributes with documentary-style information on national organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of others. Adams says she is looking at the fall network and cable TV schedules for airdates. “We feel like the stories we tell will teach others that it’s fun to give back,” she says. “Our mission is to show others that they can make a difference in the world.” — Paula Felps
- Photography by Lisa Means
CLEAR SAILING
David Napora was enjoying a thriving dental practice when a new opportunity appeared. “I’d owned a couple of boats that were maintained by Annapolis Bay Charters,” says Napora, a member of Treesdale Golf & Country Club in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. “When the company was put up for sale about five years ago, I bought it.” Balancing a charter yacht company with his dental practice and a family that includes two small children proved to be a challenge, but he eagerly took it on. When Poland-based Delphia Yachts was looking for a U.S. distributor last year, he added that to his “to-do” list, too. “Most of the market’s European newcomers are selling one or two yachts a year; we sold 12 our first year,” Napora says. “Having a boat in our charter yacht company lets us offer people the chance to sail a Delphia before they buy one. I think that helps.” With three thriving businesses, Napora says he depends on good staffs to keep things sailing smoothly. But he doesn’t see much difference between what he does at his day job and at his “bay” job. “Basically, I’m there to make people smile,” he says. “Whether they’re in my office or on a boat, that’s all I want to do.” — Paula Felps
HONEST ABE
Gene Griessman doesn’t just love history; he lives it. Griessman, a member of the Buckhead Club in Atlanta, has appeared onstage as Abraham Lincoln since 1990. But unlike other look-alikes and impersonators, Griessman’s mission is strictly business. His one-man show began when he was asked to speak on leadership at a conference. Instead of a speech, he penned a play that divulges Lincoln’s leadership secrets and turns Abe into a motivational speaker. Honest. “I come back as Lincoln’s ghost and tell what I learned. That gives me the opportunity to incorporate the past, present, and future,” says Griessman, author of two books about Lincoln, with a third in the works. “There’s so much we can learn from him. He shows us you don’t have to know everything; you just have to surround yourself with the right people.” Through Griessman’s Web site, www.presidentlincoln.com, he attracts organizations looking for a unique way to challenge and inspire their members. He has taken his show across North America, even performing it at Ford’s Theatre — twice. “Standing on the stage near where Lincoln was shot, appearing as his ghost, was a surreal experience,” Griessman says. “I really felt like he was there with me.” — Paula Felps
- Photography by Marc Climie
reMEMBER
For John Milano, it all comes down to living life the right way. When Private Clubs last checked in with the Italian-born hatmaker [“Clubs & Members,” July/August 2002], he was chairman and CEO of his family owned western hat business, Milano Hat Co. Since then, Milano, a member of Canyon Creek Country Club near Dallas who was mentored by Norman Vincent Peale and is a Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans recipient, sold his business to Dorfman Pacific. He also penned his business success story. Aptly titled Doing It the Right Way, his autobiography traces his early days in Sorrento, Italy, his rise to president of the maker of Resistol hats, and eventually the founding of his own company. The work grew from scribbled notes on a yellow legal pad — a grandson’s request to share his life story. “When I went back through my life choices, I made it the primary objective of my decision making to study each problem and make sure whatever decision that I made was not only for my personal interest, but in the interest of doing things the right way,” says Milano, whose son Richard now runs the company. The consummate salesman plans to keep busy traveling with his wife, Maria, and spend time with his grandchildren. Now that’s living. — Helen Bond
- Photography by Christophe Randall
STAR WARS RULES
Philip Wise is the first to admit that his hobby-fueled career has gotten out of control. “Ten years ago, I started a family Web site, and my daughter was collecting Star Wars figures,” explains Wise, a member of Trophy Club Country Club near Dallas. “I put some pictures of those figures on the site and wrote a little bit about them. People wrote back, and before I knew it, the site had taken on a life of its own.” As interest grew, Wise launched rebelscum.com, a site devoted to Star Wars collectibles, and then five years ago acquired theforce.net, which covers all things related to the Star Wars movies. While his daughter moved on to other interests, Wise became a subject matter expert. Behind the sanctioned StarWars.com site, his are the second and third largest Star Wars sites in the world, drawing 300,000 and 500,000 hits per month, respectively. The hobby has evolved into a full-time job for Wise, and his collection has grown along with his reputation. In January, he completed a building with 2,000 square feet dedicated to the collectibles. He also creates and sells collectibles display cases and has a licensing agreement with Lucasfilm Ltd. to sell autographed Star Wars photos. “That’s been fun, because I’ve been able to meet almost everyone who was in Star Wars,” he says. “This has become my career. I’m a professional Star Wars fan.” — Paula Felps
- Photography by Lisa Means
ALL ABOUT GOLF
Some entrepreneurs follow their heads; others their hearts. Following both, Trevor Hewes helped found the company 1Stop4Golf as a provider of real-time scoring and tournament management. Seven years later, the company is now a diverse marketing enterprise, but is still guided by Hewes’ passion for the game and his original vision of marketing products and services exclusively to the golfer. “Golfers want to see unique things, things that are fun, things that they’re willing to pay for,” says Hewes, company president and a member of the Renaissance Club in Detroit. “We use our company as a directory of information to enhance unique product sales.” The face of the vertically integrated company is its Web site, 1stop4golf.com, serving as a portal to the golf universe. It features a wealth of products and services such as eGolfScore’s Event Scoring Program, providing wireless real-time scoring for golf tournaments. “We’ve spent the last several years proving that these products work,” he says. “By managing tournaments from start to finish and providing products that are unique to 1Stop4Golf like the real-time scoring system, I think it gives us a leg up. Yes, there are companies out there that run tournaments, that offer hole-in-one insurance, that offer promotional items, and such. But our unique products take it a step further.” — Steve Wilson
AIR APPARENT
Joe Leonard says most people thought he’d lost his mind when he took the helm of AirTran Airways in 1999, two years after the financially strapped ValuJet merged with it and acquired its name. “I wasn’t so sure I hadn’t,” he says. “But I saw a little gem in the rough, quite frankly.” With new planes on order, 31 gates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and a dedicated workforce, Leonard felt confident that, as chairman and CEO, he could make the low-fare carrier successful — and he has. In seven years, AirTran’s fleet has tripled in size, and service has grown from 29 to 52 destinations. AirTran also is one of only two U.S.-based airlines that have been profitable the last seven years, with sought-after amenities including assigned seating and business class on every flight. New security rules have presented challenges, but “we have a philosophy of keeping things as simple as we possibly can,” says Leonard, former chief operating officer of Eastern Air Lines and a member of One Ninety One Club in Atlanta. Last year, Leonard was recognized by the 43-year-old Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation Society for his 30-plus years of excellence in commercial aviation. He credits AirTran’s 8,000 employees for his job satisfaction. — Janet Mefferd
- Photography by Terri Hanson
… SHORT TAKES …
The Stonebriar Country Club Women’s Golf Association contributes proceeds from its cookbook, Puttering in R Kitchens, and its “Queen’s Quest” member-guest golf tournament — that’s more than $20,000 — to the under-construction Children’s Medical Center Legacy hospital in North Texas. The cookbook features 600 recipes and original golf-themed artwork by SWGA member Allison Beck. For more information, or to order the cookbook, e-mail cookbook@Sonnyland.com. … Asked to name their favorite golf holes in Texas for Texas Monthly magazine, several golf notables pick Associate Club holes: 2004 British Open victor Todd Hamilton likes the 9th hole of the Stonebridge Dye course, while 1995 and ’96 U.S. Amateur champ Kelli Kuehne picks the 18th of the same course; and former LPGA champ (1965 and ’74) Sandra Haynie touts Timarron’s 18th, while former LPGA player of the year (’76 and ’77) Judy Rankin has a hankering for Stonebriar’s No. 6. The article features their comments about the respective holes. … The annual charity tennis event at California’s StoneRidge Country Club honors the club’s late tennis shop manager Katie Hamill and raises $15,000 for the National Brain Tumor Foundation. More than 100 golfers played in the tournament, which was held in memory of Hamill, who died at age 47 from a brain tumor last summer. … Meghan Hawthorne and Tony Cox, members of Porter Valley Country Club’s Aquatics swim team, qualify for the U.S. Junior National swimming championships. Both rank in Southern California’s top 16. The team is coached by Kevin Blum and Adrian Dinis. … Golf phenom John Daly stops by Shadowridge Country Club, also in California, for a round of golf. … Devils Ridge Golf Club in North Carolina serves as the backdrop for a photographic bridal layout in the regional publication, Weddings Magazine. Editors from the magazine, owned by member Robin Mangrum, selected the clubhouse for its setting after touring several other sites in the state. … John Cardinal, a visiting member from Canada, journeys to Indian Wells Country Club in sunny California and nails not only his first hole-in-one ever, but a second ace in the same round. He first aced the 145-yard No. 4 of the Classic Course using a 7-iron, then followed suit on the 133-yard 15th with an 8-iron. ... The golf team from Laurel Springs Golf Club captures its first Georgia Team Championship. “It is so satisfying to set out to do something for Laurel Springs Golf Club and then get it done,” says team captain Lee DeNoya. “This Team Championship trophy has been awarded since 1927. We may never win it for Laurel Springs again, or we may win it 10 more times, but this is the only time we will ever set out intending to win it for the first time and win it. That makes this one extra special!” … California’s South Bay Association of Realtors names City Club on Bunker Hill member Carol Olney Realtor of the Year. Olney has been a Realtor for 10 years and is president-elect of the SBAOR. … The Metro Detroit chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association selects Skyline Club member Rick Golding as Property Manager of the Year. Golding is the property manager of the Southfield Town Center. The award is given to property managers who exemplify outstanding leadership and achievement in commercial real estate management. … Gleneagles Country Club member Don Kelly convinces members to place bets on whether he can run a mile on the Queen’s Course in less than 7-1/2 minutes; despite missing the mark, he matches the pot and donates $26,000 to Special Care & Career Services. The charity supports families, children, and adults with developmental disabilities. …