Press Release Archives | KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

Private Club Executive Leader Of The Year – 2024

Damon J. DiOrio, CCM, CCE has been recognized as the 2024 KK&W Summit Executive Leader of the Year. A dynamic and accomplished industry leader, DiOrio is one of the few club executives in the world to lead two of the top ten platinum clubs in North America, Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, AZ and Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, NC. He is known for his strategic vision, leadership skills, and commitment to positive change in the club management industry, all of which encourage executive leadership at a higher level. DiOrio was joined by industry peers in early October during the 2024 KK&W Summit, hosted at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ to accept his award.

“As KK&W Partners we were unanimous in our selection of Damon as our Executive Leader at a Higher Level. Damon consistently encourages his team to imagine and achieve their goals with his leadership and clear vision. His ability to foster creativity and empower individuals is truly exceptional. Damon is a visionary leader who is focused on developing people, innovation, core values, strengthening his teams, and strengthening our industry as a whole. This is a great recognition to celebrate his achievements and recognize his impact. His performance is an inspiration to us all and he is one of the best mentors in the business!” agreed Dick Kopplin, Kurt Kuebler, and Tom Wallace.

Starting as a young man in his family-owned Rhode Island restaurant, DiOrio has dedicated his entire career to hospitality. Along the way, he has frequently spoken to numerous Fortune 500 companies on the winning ways of building dynamic teams and award-winning cultures dedicated to customer service excellence.

DiOrio has been recognized with every honor accorded to the very best in the profession, including the National Honor Society of the Club Managers Association of America, Club Manager of the Year for North and South Carolina, and National Club Executive of the Year. From serving on the USGA SE Green Section Committee to being recognized by the United States Professional Tennis Association for Club Manager of the Year in the Southeast, DiOrio’s vast leadership skills are well known in private club management. In 2022, DiOrio was inducted as a CMAA Fellow by the Club Managers Association of America.

(From left to right: Dick Kopplin, Damon DiOrio, Tom Wallace and Kurt Kuebler)

When asked about his philosophy and advice for other CEOs in the private club industry, he outlined:

“We’re in the business of forging positive, impactful, and lasting memories in the lives of our members and our teams, and as such, we do extraordinary things to achieve this vision. The most important role I have is developing and inspiring our team to achieve goals that they didn’t think they were capable of, and this starts by forging a safe, positive, and energized culture that enables everyone to thrive in their role.

As leaders, shaping our brand and making sure we are a best-in-class employer who values and invests in the people who make our club special will always be my highest priority. I am keenly focused on being an active listener as our best operating ideas come from our staff. We may make mistakes, but we’ll never make mistakes without a general level of care and a keen understanding of how our decisions impact our staff, and they have confidence in that. I feel indebted for having the opportunity to work for my team, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

Having received his BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1991, DiOrio began his career at Charlotte Country Club in 1990 as a service team member to support college tuition. Under his 26-year direction as general manager, the club hosted several national championships for the United States Golf Association including the 2000 US Men’s Senior Amateur Championship and the 2010 US Women’s Amateur Championship. He remains active in CMAA and served on the National Board of Directors and as a past president at both the local and national levels.

DiOrio and his wife Kim have three adult daughters. In addition to his work in the private club industry, he has served on the Board of Trustees and as Vice President of the North Carolina Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, receiving the National Chairman’s Citation Award for Exceptional Leadership, Service and Fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. As a two-time leukemia survivor, DiOrio is a frequent mentor to cancer patients, providing hope and encouragement to those impacted by cancer.

(From left to right: Damon DiOrio and 2022 recipient Greg Wolf, CCM, CCE, General Manager/COO at Scioto Country Club)

Private Club Executive Leader Of The Year – 2024Roxanne2024-10-16T16:50:11+00:00

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

For nearly 30 years, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE has continued to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to our team to better serve our Clients and Industry Leaders. We would like to officially welcome Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM as a Search and Consulting Executive. Brad is a distinguished professional in community association management with extensive expertise in managing large-scale property owners’ associations, condominium associations and homeowner associations.

With a career spanning several decades, Brad has honed his skills in overseeing some of the most prestigious communities in the country. Brad is one of the few to hold the PCAM (Professional Community Association Manager) designation which the highest recognition available nationwide for those who specialize in community association management. In addition, Brad also holds the AMS (Association Management Specialist) and CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations), while also being an LCAM (Licensed Community Association Manager) in the state of Florida.

He is also active in Community Associations Institute (CAI) local chapters and the national level.

Brad shared, “I am truly excited to join KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and contribute to their esteemed legacy in executive search and consulting. The opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team and leverage my experience in managing community associations aligns perfectly with my passion for excellence and service. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the table and collaborating on innovative solutions that will continue to enhance the communities we serve.”

His notable experience includes managing Boca West, one of the largest and most renowned country club communities in the United States. In addition to his work at Boca West, Brad has a proven track record in managing various condominium and homeowner associations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale community association management.

“Brad Baecht is a fantastic addition to the KK&W team. He is an ambitious, operational focused business development expert, one in complete alignment with our core values. His experience in creating strategic alliances as a progress-driven planner, streamlining operational processes for residential communities and implementing training programs will significantly add to our resources as a team. Through his network, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support our community association search roles. We’re excited to partner with Brad, and add to the success of our clients and professionals we place,” expressed the Partners.

Most recently, Brad served as a Regional Vice President with KW Property Management & Consulting, leading business development strategies and operational processes for communities throughout Florida. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in ensuring the successful operation and growth of these communities. He continues to support Ray Engineering, Inc. as a Business Development Executive.

A decorated military veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Brad’s service has instilled a strong sense of discipline and dedication, qualities that have greatly contributed to his success in the field of community management. His commitment to excellence is matched only by his passion for serving the communities he managed.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Brad enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family, pursuits that reflect his appreciation for diverse experiences and meaningful connections.

Brad can be contacted at: brad@kkandw.com or (703) 727-0964. Please join us in welcoming Brad Baecht to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team.

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE specializes in GM/COO, CEO, Assistant General Manager/Clubhouse Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Executive Chef, Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy, Director of Tennis/Director of Racquets, Fitness and Wellness Director, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Controller, HR Director, Membership and Marketing Director Searches, Activities Directors and Directors of Recreation and Consulting Services for Private, Resort and Developer – Owned Properties, Clubs and Communities as well as Senior Living Communities and Property Owners Associations.

News Home

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Brad Baecht, LCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAMRoxanne2024-10-02T14:00:03+00:00

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Ben Lorenzen, CCM

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE continues to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to the team. We are pleased to welcome Ben Lorenzen, CCM to the KK&W team in July 2024.

Ben is actively the Creative Director of Champions Run in Omaha, Nebraska, where he leads the industry in innovation and creative club concepts. Champions Run will remain Ben’s full-time primary focus upon joining the KK&W team. He will support KK&W search assignments for Marketing/Communications roles, Activities Directors and Directors of Recreation as a search and consulting executive.

As a national speaker, Ben focuses on member engagement, technology, creativity, marketing, fitness, aquatics, sports and recreation, sharing his expertise and setting new standards for excellence in the club industry. His dynamic leadership at Champions Run and his influential speaking engagements make him a trailblazer shaping the future of private clubs nationwide.

Ben merges his skillset in recreation with the power of storytelling through video communication and digital platforms. His expertise in developing creative marketing content and leveraging that across mediums is instrumental in driving member engagement and participation.

Fittingly, Ben is also a past KK&W Summit legacy participant.

What began as a small group of elite club managers looking to challenge and learn from one another became a catalyst for the KK&W Summit. Over time, the founding group has hosted events for Golf Professionals, Racquets Professionals, and other niche segments. They have also introduced legacy programming to encourage young rising stars and most recently added SheLeads to enhance programming specific to women in executive positions.

Ben shared, “I remember attending a KK&W Summit back in 2019, where I met incredible people who are still friends today. Now, stepping into the KK&W team feels like coming full circle —it’s like reuniting with old friends while embarking on a vibrant journey at the forefront of club and hospitality search. With boundless enthusiasm, I’m ecstatic at the chance to collaborate with KK&W, bringing my expertise and passion to their dynamic mission. This isn’t just about deepening my understanding of marketing, membership, and sports and rec; it’s about reigniting the spark within me to connect with individuals worldwide.”

Expressing their mutual excitement, the KK&W partners commented, “Ben’s ability to think creatively and his proven success with the nuances of implementing effective club communication adds to our dynamic service offerings. He’s energetic, and his enthusiasm is contagious. With the addition of Ben, it really has come full circle, and we couldn’t be happier with the evolution of this alliance,” continued the partners. “Ben represents the continued organic growth of our firm and is a bright young leader in complete alignment with our core values. Our practice has been to add quality people, not only when there is a need, but also when we think their skill set and personality would be additive to the KK&W team and culture. He is doing remarkable things in the industry, and we believe his skills, experience and personality will prove to do the same for our clients and candidates.”

Over a span of 10 years, Ben has had a direct impact on Champion Run’s growth and success. He currently oversees the operation, management and training of a seasonal staff comprising 100 employees. Prior to assuming the Creative Director position at Champions run, Ben held roles as Web and Media Director and Aquatics Director for several institutions, responsible for web design and development, producing media content and implementing social media strategies.

Active in the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) and his CMAA Chapter, Ben has served as Chapter President, Vice President and Education Chair since 2017. He is also the founder and organizer of the annual Creative Summit held each summer in Omaha to a sell-out crowd.

Ben received his CCM (Certified Club Management) Designation in 2021. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a major in Broadcasting-Video Production, minoring in Communications. His community service contributions include This Is Me Talent Show for children with disabilities, Miss Amazing Pageant, a beauty pageant for children with disabilities and VSP club volunteer, working with handicapped children.

A self-proclaimed “Director of Vibe,” Ben can be contacted at: ben@kkandw.com or (402) 321-3083.

Please join us in welcoming Ben to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team.

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE specializes in GM/COO, CEO, Assistant General Manager/Clubhouse Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Executive Chef, Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy, Director of Tennis/Director of Racquets, Fitness and Wellness Director, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Controller, HR Director, Membership and Marketing Director Searches and Consulting Services for Private, Resort and Developer – Owned Properties, Clubs and Communities as well as Senior Living Communities and Property Owners Associations.

News Home

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Ben Lorenzen, CCMRoxanne2024-06-30T19:16:26+00:00

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Renews CMAA Partnership

Alexandria, VA – May, 2024 – KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, a leading club industry recruiting and consulting firm, has renewed its partnership with the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) through December 2026. KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE (KKW) has been a long-time partner and a valued supporter of CMAA.

As a CMAA Executive Partner, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE will continue to be the presenting sponsor of the Governance and Leadership Symposium that they helped to develop in 2016. To date, Principals Richard Kopplin, CMAA Fellow; Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow; and Thomas B. Wallace III, CCM, CCE, ECM, have shared their expertise with more than 500 club management professionals and club board members through these in-person and virtual events, helping to create a better-educated club industry.

CMAA’s President & CEO Jeff Morgan, FASAE, CAE, explains “We are pleased to continue our partnership with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, and extend their expertise to CMAA members and their volunteer leadership through board education.”

“Dick Kopplin, Kurt Kuebler, and I are honored to continue our involvement and support of Club Management Association of America through our renewed partnership commitment. Much of our team has an invested history with the association and we are dedicated to advocating for CMAA’s continued success. The pillars of CMAA that support professionalism, education, and leadership align seamlessly with KK&W. We look forward to engaging with the membership and their team members, sharing our experiences in private club leadership, governance, and best practices. The coming years are sure to be exciting for CMAA and we are thankful to be a part of their mission,” shared KK&W Partner, Tom Wallace.

Further, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE will support BMI International as an event sponsor along with a wide range of other educational resources available to the CMAA membership across a variety of platforms. Previous collaborations through the Let’s Talk Club Management podcast and Club Management magazine include:

• Putting The Human Behind The Resources [read more] • Evolving Workplaces [read more] • Secrets to Acing the Interview [launch podcast]

About CMAA

Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 7,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 40 professional chapters and 40 student chapters and colonies. Learn more at cmaa.org.

About KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE

People Focused & Quality Driven. When you work with KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, you can expect an experience that will be centered around the well-being of their clients, the candidates they place, and the industry as a whole. Their process has been fine-tuned for 26 years and involves merging more than 500 years of combined expertise with a comprehensive understanding of stakeholders’ needs. They are an award-winning executive search and consulting firm and a trusted partner dedicated to the success of the organizations they work with. Executive search expertise includes: GM/COO, CEO, Assistant General Manager/Clubhouse Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Executive Chef, Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent/Director of Agronomy, Director of Tennis/Director of Racquets, Fitness & Wellness Director, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Controller, Human Resources Director, Membership and Marketing Director Searches, and Consulting Services for Private, Resort and Developer Owned Properties, Clubs and Communities as well as Senior Living Communities and Property Owners Associations. For more information, visit kkandw.com.

Blog Home

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Renews CMAA PartnershipHannah2024-05-22T15:57:20+00:00

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Renews Executive Partnership with National Club Association

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE renewed its Executive Partner status with the National Club Association for the seventh consecutive year. The company also renewed its sponsorship of the Excellence in Club Management^® Awards Gala for the third year. KK&W is a leader in private club executive search, governance, education, training, consulting, and planning.

“NCA is delighted to have industry leader KK&W as an executive partner,” said NCA President & CEO, Joe Trauger. “Their partnership and sponsorship of the ECM Gala are fitting demonstrations of their commitment to excellence in the private club community. We’re looking forward to another fantastic year as partners.”

KK&W Partner Tom Wallace shares, “Dick Kopplin, Kurt Kuebler and I look forward to our ongoing commitment to NCA and supporting the association’s initiatives centered around advocacy, insight, and governance best practices for private clubs. Together, we can pave pathways for sustaining and shaping a thriving industry landscape.”

KOPPLIN KUEBER & WALLACE’s Executive Partnership benefits NCA members through education initiatives and investments across NCA’s platforms and services. Firm executives are regular contributors to Club Director and Club Trends magazines in addition to NCA’s annual webcast series and multiple committees. Recent contributions include:

In 2022, KK&W was the inaugural sponsor of the Excellence in Club Management® Awards Gala, recognizing the extraordinary industry contributions of private club general managers, managers, and chief operating officers who have exhibited outstanding skills in managing their clubs.

“We are proud to continue our sponsorship of the Excellence in Club Management® (ECM) Awards Dinner in 2024,” agree the KK&W partners. “As advocates for growth and leadership, we recognize the transformative power this recognition can have on elevating standards and fostering a culture of excellence within private clubs.”

Past ECM winners within the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team include:

The Mead Grady Award – Michael G. Smith, CCM, CCE, ECM
The Lifetime Achievement Award – J.G. Ted Gillary, CCM, CCE, ECM, CMAA Fellow
Country/Golf Club with Under 600 Full-Privilege Members – Thomas B. Wallace, CCM, CCE, ECM
Specialty Club – John“Jack” Sullivan, Jr., CCM, ECM
City/Athletic Club or City/Dining Club – J.G. Ted Gillary, CCM, CCE, ECM, CMAA Fellow

About NCA

The National Club Association (NCA) has been the advocate for the private club industry in Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. As the voice of private clubs on Capitol Hill, the NCA ensures that club concerns are forefront when legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry are being decided. In addition, NCA provides club leaders with an outstanding array of resources on club industry trends, governance best practices, legal and operational matters, and ways to strengthen club leadership. nationalclub.org.

Blog Home

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE Renews Executive Partnership with National Club AssociationHannah2024-03-27T15:36:31+00:00

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Chris DeChillo

KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE continues to methodically add the brightest and most accomplished industry executive talent to the team. We would like to welcome Chris DeChillo as a hospitality trainer and leadership coach.

DeChillo comes to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team with extensive training and facilitation experience from within both the hospitality and healthcare industries. In the last 10 years, he has trained or facilitated meetings with thousands of professionals on behalf of dozens of pharmaceutical companies and hospitality teams.

His background in luxury hospitality service and leadership provides a strong operational and training foundation for his consulting and coaching clients. His formal coach training is through the Co-Active Institute (CTI). Audience engagement, emotional intelligence, and leadership coaching are topics about which DeChillo is passionate, and well-versed, that add tremendous insight and value. His energy and enthusiasm make learning exciting for executives and line-staff.

Prior to pursuing a career in coaching and consulting, DeChillo worked with luxury brand, Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts, with assignments throughout Texas, California, and Colorado. As director of F&B, DeChillo held leadership positions with expertise overseeing budgeting, operations, dining, and recreational outlets.

“What an incredible addition to the KK&W team. Chris represents a hospitality leader, trainer, and coach whose skills are in complete alignment with our core values. We recognize our industry can benefit greatly by having Chris partner with club leaders in a thought provoking, creative coaching process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. His coaching and exemplary skills in hospitality team training elevate our firm on many fronts and we are thrilled that he has joined us,” expressed the Partners.

“The best way to express my excitement about joining the team at KK&W is summed up by this quote from my wife Jennifer. ‘In your 20 years working in the hospitality industry I have never seen you happier or having more fun at work.’ It is with sheer delight that I get to work with this amazing group of professionals as we provide best in class service to our many clients,” DeChillo responded.

DeChillo resides in Castle Rock, CO where he enjoys hiking, biking, and anything outdoors, along with experiencing the local food wherever his travels take him.

Chris can be contacted at: chris@kkandw.com or (720) 258-5937. Please join us in welcoming Chris DeChillo to the KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE team.

Blog Home

Private Club Search & Consulting Executive – Chris DeChilloHannah2024-09-06T17:21:10+00:00

12 Next