Concert Golf Partners - White Manor Country Club
When I joined White Manor, it felt like coming home. David Ford, whom I respected deeply as a mentor, had invited me to step in as General Manager. He knew I could help steer the club through what was already shaping up to be a challenging period. Then COVID-19 hit, and nearly everything changed.
Despite the pandemic's impact—severe limitations on private events, reduced dining services, and unpredictable revenue—we managed to exceed budget expectations. By implementing innovative service solutions, we kept the membership engaged and satisfied, even under restrictions. My focus was on stability and open communication, which strengthened members' trust in the direction we were taking. Together, the team and I built a foundation of adaptability, laying the groundwork for continued growth once restrictions lifted.
Then came an abrupt turn. On New Year's Eve 2020, I received a call from Joseph Nowell, Vice President of Operations at Concert Golf, who notified me of my termination. The dismissal came without much warning, which, due to pandemic restrictions, left us with minimal opportunity to build rapport. Notably, I received an unusually high severance package, which, while appreciated, raised questions about the situation’s complexity.
In terms of diversity and inclusion, White Manor had a truly diverse, engaged team that prioritized mutual respect and collaboration. I’m proud of what we accomplished together, showing how an inclusive environment leads to success and member satisfaction.
**Note:** Regarding Joseph Nowell, who is Black, our professional relationship was limited, but it was clear there was friction. His abrupt dismissal felt disconnected from my performance and results. While I signed an NDA as part of my severance, I believe that shedding light on key elements of this story may become necessary, as the broader issues of race and inclusion are essential to the overall narrative.
Interestingly, I had a memorable interaction with Mr. Dennis Maple, a member at WMCC and a distinguished professional. While he may not remember the exact context of our single exchange, I’ve reached out with a request to share the story. I'm currently awaiting his reply before disclosing details, but it loosely ties into the broader context of this situation.
