Brian Trout
Ocean View,DE
Summary
Results-driven General Manager with a strong track record in leading diverse teams and enhancing operational efficiencies in dynamic environments. Expertise in strategic planning and business development has consistently driven revenue growth while prioritizing customer satisfaction. Recognized for cultivating innovative team cultures that foster collaboration and openness.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager & Chief Operating Officer
Cripple Creek Golf & CC
Dagsboro, DE
02.2022 - Current
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
- Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Conducted employee evaluations to provide adequate feedback and recognize quality performance.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
General Manager & PGA Head Professional
Cripple Creek Golf & CC
Bethany Beach, DE
01.2007 - Current
- Report directly to the Club President
- Oversee all Department Heads including the Grounds Superintendent, Food & Beverage Manager, and Controller
- Prepare overall club budget for submittal to the Board of Directors
- Work closely with the President and Executive Committee on all club matters
- Attend all meetings at the club and work closely with committee chairs and their committee members
- Maintain the ability to run the golf operation at the highest level possible, while fulfilling all the job requirements of a General Manager
PGA Head Professional
Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club
Bethany Beach, DE
01.2005 - Current
- Company Overview: Cripple Creek is a private club located outside Bethany Beach, DE and is primarily a secondary club
- Members mainly come from the Washington, DC / Northern Virginia, Baltimore and Philadelphia regions and are members at clubs such as Congressional, Caves Valley, Columbia Country Club, Baltimore Country Club and Wilmington Country Club
- The club offers full country club amenities which include swimming, tennis, fine dining and banquet facilities
- It is known as one of the finest private clubs in southern Delaware
- Plan, buy, merchandise and display all inventory in the Golf Shop
- Turned Golf Shop sales from a historical high of $75,000 to $150,000 in first year
- First year profit exceeded $45,000; the club owns the Golf Shop
- Projected sales for the 2006-2007 fiscal year over $200,000
- Manage a staff of 13; two assistant professionals, four shop assistants, one shop attendant and six outside operations staff members
- Work closely with the three department heads: Controller, Food & Beverage Manager and Grounds Superintendent
- Report directly to the Golf Chairman overseen by the Board of Directors
- Develop and administer entire golf program: men’s, ladies and junior groups; all levels of instruction; tournaments and outings
- Attend and participate in all committee meetings and Board of Directors meetings
- Produce budgets for the golf department and maintain financials within the department
- As the teaching professional at the club plan, promote and administer the entire lesson program
- Total number of lessons for 2005-2006 in excess of 200, not including clinics
- Hosted the 2005 Delaware State Open Championship; the premier state tournament for both professionals and amateur players
- Attend PGA Merchandise Show each year, as well as attending local section events
- Currently a Class “A” member of the PGA of America and working to specific certification
- Cripple Creek is a private club located outside Bethany Beach, DE and is primarily a secondary club
- Members mainly come from the Washington, DC / Northern Virginia, Baltimore and Philadelphia regions and are members at clubs such as Congressional, Caves Valley, Columbia Country Club, Baltimore Country Club and Wilmington Country Club
- The club offers full country club amenities which include swimming, tennis, fine dining and banquet facilities
- It is known as one of the finest private clubs in southern Delaware
Senior Assistant Golf Professional
Wilmington Country Club
Wilmington, DE
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Company Overview: Wilmington Country Club, known as a “top 100 club” is one of the finest country clubs in the nation; a family club deep with tradition
- A 36 hole facility designed by Robert Trent Jones and Dick Wilson, it has hosted six USGA major championships in total including the USGA Junior Boys and Girls Championships, the USGA Amateur Championship and most recently the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship
- It has the full amenities of a top country club including, swimming, squash, tennis (indoor/outdoor), croquet, fine dining and banquet facilities
- Merchandising and Inventory Control: Manager of golf shop inventory with sales in excess of $500,000 annually; participate at the PGA Merchandise Show ordering and purchasing products and keeping abreast with the upcoming trends in golf merchandise and attire; meet with sales representatives from companies such as Titleist, Callaway, Polo and Sport Haley ordering and purchasing golf attire and equipment for the current and upcoming seasons
- Golf Shop Supervisor: Manage 20 golf staff and bagroom employees, including supervising and scheduling
- Oversee active caddie program with over 100 caddies
- Attend and participate in committee meetings of all levels
- Tournament Operations: Direct and manage over 25 golf tournaments a season, which includes working closely with the event chairperson of the tournament to coordinate the financial aspects and format of the event; direct and manage corporate business golf outings such as Wilmington Trust, PNC Bank, American Cancer Society, etc.; directly in charge of coordinating the corporate contributions for the 2003 U.S
- Mid-Amateur Championship
- Teaching Instructor: One of the club’s golf teaching instructors, with over 100 different clients; organizing golf clinics for various age groups; custom golf club fittings
- Wilmington Country Club, known as a “top 100 club” is one of the finest country clubs in the nation; a family club deep with tradition
- A 36 hole facility designed by Robert Trent Jones and Dick Wilson, it has hosted six USGA major championships in total including the USGA Junior Boys and Girls Championships, the USGA Amateur Championship and most recently the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship
- It has the full amenities of a top country club including, swimming, squash, tennis (indoor/outdoor), croquet, fine dining and banquet facilities
Assistant Golf Professional (seasonal; summers)
The Kahkwa Club
Erie, PA
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Merchandising and Inventory Control: Assisted in inventory control with shop sales in excess of $250,000; organized inventory and created displays, which contributed to the Head Professional receiving “Merchandiser of the Year” award in the Western New York section
- Tournament Operations: Organized and coordinated tournaments for a membership of 350
- Helped organize the Greater Erie Charity Golf Classic
- Teaching Instructor: One of the club’s golf teaching instructors, primarily responsible for a Junior Golf Program of over 100 students
Assistant Golf Professional (seasonal; winters)
Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club
Jupiter, FL
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Merchandising and Inventory Control: Assisted in inventory control with sales in excess of $500,000 annually; worked closely with the Golf Shop Manager organizing and ordering inventory, also creating displays
- Tournament Operations: Organized and coordinated tournaments for a total membership of 2,200
- Outside Operations: Assisted in directing and scheduling of 12 outside employees
Education
Bachelors of Science - Natural Science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, minor in Biology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA01.2003
Skills
- Advertising and marketing
- Branding
- Sales
- Budget allocation
- Policy/program development
- Budget analysis
- Sound judgment
- Operations oversight
- Event management and promotion
- Customer relationship management
- Leadership and team building
References
- Joe T. Guillebeau, PGA Head Professional, Wilmington Country Club, Wilmington, DE
- Fred Harkness, PGA Director of Golf, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club, Jupiter, FL
- Philip Iannelli, CCM, Wilmington Country Club, Wilmington, DE
Other
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, America Online, Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer, Trained in CPR, Basic First Aid, AED, Oxygen Administration and Bloodborne Pathogens, Member of AMF Golf Management Services, Titleist staff member, Kim, Emily, 8, Brayden, 5
Timeline
General Manager & Chief Operating Officer
Cripple Creek Golf & CC
02.2022 - Current
General Manager & PGA Head Professional
Cripple Creek Golf & CC
01.2007 - Current
PGA Head Professional
Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club
01.2005 - Current
Senior Assistant Golf Professional
Wilmington Country Club
01.1999 - 01.2005
Assistant Golf Professional (seasonal; summers)
The Kahkwa Club
01.1996 - 01.1999
Assistant Golf Professional (seasonal; winters)
Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club
01.1996 - 01.1999
Bachelors of Science - Natural Science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy, minor in Biology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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