Navigating Career Choices in Club Management

In this episode of Private Club Radio, we chat with Rollie Carlson, 
Managing Director of the Upper Midwest CMAA Chapter and a longtime leader in the private club industry. 

With a career spanning from senior-level retail marketing to general management at top clubs, Rollie brings a rare mix of operational insight, people-first leadership, and a deep passion for mentorship.

We talk what makes a great club professional, not just in skills, but in mindset.

Rollie shares lessons from his time with American Golf Corporation, his years running Hudson Golf Club and St. Cloud Country Club, and how he’s spent the past decade growing one of CMAA’s most respected regional chapters.

Key themes include:

• Why “yes” should always be your starting point
• The biggest career mistake young professionals make
• How to build trust across teams and generations
• And why Rollie’s “management by wandering around” philosophy still works

You’ll also hear powerful insights on work-life synergy, creating culture from the ground up, and how to spot (and be) a great mentee.

Whether you’re a student, a mid-level manager, or a seasoned GM, this episode is full of real-world wisdom and practical leadership takeaways—delivered with warmth, wit, and Rollie’s signature sincerity.

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