Michelle Riklan 2025

Michelle A. Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC, CJSS

Career Strategist, Search & Consulting Executive

Michelle is no stranger to the hospitality industry as she worked her way through college gaining significant exposure to front of house restaurant operations. She started her professional career in corporate human resource management as a generalist, then specializing in employment, employee relations, and training and development at Fortune 1000/500 companies. Breaking out on her own, she built a successful career management firm that specialized in personal career marketing, outplacement, and soft skills training. For more than 25 years, Michelle has leveraged her skills as a Human Resources Executive, Executive Recruiter, Career Marketing Strategist, Trainer, and Speaker to serve individuals and companies across multiple industries.

Michelle was introduced to the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) many years ago and was their resume writer for more than eight years, offering her time during annual conferences to assist their members and students. She has worked with hundreds of managers in the industry, helping them to refine their skills and presentation of credentials, and continues to offer these services as a member of the KK&W team. She has been a speaker at several CMAA conferences and is a requested speaker for chapter education meetings. Over the years, Michelle assisted and built strong relationships with many industry professionals. The opportunity to work with so many amazing individuals is how her passion for the Club industry grew and what prompted her desire to dive in deeper and do more.

Michelle understands that each club and each individual is unique and has different needs. She listens carefully, and approaches each search, training, workshop, coaching, and consulting assignment with this in mind to exceed clients’ expectations.

Michelle has a master’s degree in Speech and Interpersonal Communication, is an Academy Certified Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Employment Interview Consultant, Certified Job Search Strategist, and a Certified DiSC Trainer.

Michelle is a member of Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Hospitality Finance and Technology Professionals (HFTP), American Culinary Federation (ACF), Association of Talent Development (ATD, formerly ASTD), Career Directors International (CDI), Career Thought Leaders PARW/CC, and the National Resume Writer’s Association (NRWA).

Email: michelle@kkandw.com

Phone: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 717

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Resources & Insights from Michelle…

In the private club industry, the responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer continue to expand as clubs face increasingly complex operational and strategic demands. While the evolution of this role isn’t brand-new, it’s certainly not a long-established shift either. What has become clear is that clubs now need CFOs who contribute far beyond traditional financial oversight…

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During a recent visit to Desert Highlands Golf and Country Club, I facilitated a presentation and public speaking workshop titled “Step Up and Speak Out.” As part of the program, participants were given a tour of the property, led by CFO Nick Gerstner. What struck me most was not only his grasp of the financial aspects but also his profound knowledge of every area of the club. He was familiar with history, the evolution of facilities, the details of current operations, and the plans for future projects. He spoke about renovations, kitchens, golf course maintenance, member amenities, and back-of-house operations with authority and insight…

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In the private club industry, where member satisfaction is the ultimate priority, the role of Chief Financial Officer is evolving. Today’s CFO is expected to serve as a strategic leader, someone who contributes far beyond the balance sheet, shaping culture, fostering collaboration, and championing professional development across departments. They are no longer confined to traditional financial oversight—they’re helping to build the future of the club…

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Picture this: It’s the monthly Finance Committee meeting. The room is packed—some members scanning printed reports, others waiting for the bottom line. The CFO steps up, clicks to a slide full of numbers, and begins reading from a spreadsheet. Within minutes, attention starts to drift. The data may be accurate, but the message is lost.

Now, imagine a different approach. The CFO opens with a simple graphic, highlighting one key trend and tying it to a real operational impact, explaining what it means for the club today and what the team is doing next. Heads nod, questions follow, and decisions come more easily. The financials haven’t changed, but the delivery has…

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This year, HFTP held it’s first Club CFO Think Tank ahead of the 2025 Club Summit which featured an engaging discussion on the prevalent issue of inconsistency within the private club industry regarding financial titles, responsibilities, and compensation…

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Picture this: It’s the monthly Finance Committee meeting. The room is packed—some members scanning printed reports, others waiting for the bottom line. The CFO steps up, clicks to a slide full of numbers, and begins reading from a spreadsheet. Within minutes, attention starts to drift. The data may be accurate, but the message is lost.

Now, imagine a different approach. The CFO opens with a simple graphic, highlighting one key trend and tying it to a real operational impact, explaining what it means for the club today and what the team is doing next. Heads nod, questions follow, and decisions come more easily. The financials haven’t changed, but the delivery has…

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For member-owned private clubs with a capped membership, the ability to fund capital improvements becomes an exercise in strategy, foresight, and creativity. With no option to grow dues revenue through new members, clubs must look inward, toward more thoughtful planning and stronger financial leadership. That’s where the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a pivotal role…

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In the hospitality industry, where service is personal and relationships run deep, communication is everything. Words don’t just deliver messages—they shape tone, convey respect (or lack thereof), and either build or erode trust. Both what you say *and* how you say it leave lasting impressions…

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The role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the private club industry has evolved significantly, requiring a blend of executive leadership, financial acumen, and strategic foresight. However, many clubs lack a clear succession plan, leaving a thin pipeline of talent ready to step into the CFO role. Complicating matters, job titles do not always reflect the actual responsibilities performed — some with the CFO title lack true financial strategy expertise, while many controllers or directors of finance operate at a more advanced level than their title suggests…

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Based on the 2024 World Conference session, “Desperate to be Micro-Managed by Your Treasurer? Don’t Hire a True CFO” – Controller, Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer – these labels all describe the head of finance in a club. What capabilities should be expected in the person managing finance and accounting in a club? It requires finance skills, business acumen, and executive presence. What should you be seeking in a great financial partner?

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Riklan, ACRW, CPRW, CEIC, CJSS of KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE and Philip Newman of RSM. These two cover what the key capabilities and expectations are for someone in the role of a Head Finance Leader at a club and really dive in to what characteristics one should be looking for when hiring a CFO.

In the realm of private clubs, the importance of robust financial leadership cannot be overstated. As clubs navigate a rapidly evolving landscape and ramp up their capital expenditures, as described in other articles in this issue, it is crucial to redefine their financial leadership needs that will affect decisions regarding debt, assessments and other factors. Here are some of considerations that drive this reassessment trend…

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I have worked in the private club industry for about 12 years. A love of the industry and recognition of how unique and special the people and the clubs are spurred me to engage full time with KOPPLIN  KUEBLER & WALLACE.

The more clubs I visit and the more educational opportunities I attend, the more I know this is true. And I’m also aware of how many cultural issues mirror my previous corporate clients.

When I’m invited to a club to work on a search, coach, consult, or deliver team building or communications training, I observe first. One of the things I notice is the language they use…

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Career strategist and search executive, Michelle Riklan, offers advice on crafting a professional resume and LinkedIn profile that highlights your attributes, creatively communicates value and puts you top of mind.

Private Club Radio – The Perfect Resume with Michelle Riklan, KK&W
Michelle Riklan shares advice on how to write the perfect resume and how to make yourself the most appealing candidate you can be for your next club employer. 10/8/2019

Michelle A. Riklan’s career services background specializes in personal career marketing, outplacement and soft skills training leading to the enhancement in hospitality professionals’ personal career development. Her programs are designed to strengthen and enhance an organization’s Team.

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