Carl Manner
Asheville,NC
Summary
Accomplished Hospitality Executive with extensive experience with proven expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and team leadership, enhanced by the successful management of over $120 million in capital projects. Previous leadership roles in gated top-tier luxury communities underscore a strong track record in financial growth, rebranding, and transitioning ownership structures. Known for strategic initiatives that drive member satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainable community development. Certified in Culinary Arts and an active member of the Club Manager's Association of America.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
GENERAL MANAGER/CEO
Mountain Air Country Club
Burnsville, NC
01.2019 - Current
- Manage a substantial 1500-acre, 500-home fly in mountain community, generating revenue of approximately $12.5 million annually.
- Execute a detailed $12 million facility improvement plan, strategically optimizing budget and resources to substantially upgrade community infrastructure, successfully reintegrating savings into the club's budget over a 5-year duration.
- Supervise and lead a diverse team of 65 year-round and 120 seasonal employees, fostering a collaborative, efficient, and high-performance work environment.
- Strategically rebranded and revitalize relationships with previous developers, the property owners' association, and local officials, strengthening partnerships and enhancing community cohesion.
GENERAL MANAGER
East West Partners - Balsam Mountain Preserve
Sylva, NC
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Successfully rebranded and revitalized a 4,400-acre, ultra-low-density gated community nestled within a nature preserve, enhancing its market appeal and resident satisfaction.
- Supervised a workforce of 110 seasonal and 60 year-round employees, ensuring efficiency and high performance across all operations.
- Managed and optimized financial resources precisely, overseeing budgets exceeding $7.5 million to support community development and daily operations.
- Acted as the primary liaison for all contractors, architects, and land planners, directing construction projects for new amenities valued at over $50 million.
- Facilitated a seamless transition from developer-owned club to member-owned in June 2017, strengthening community governance and stakeholder engagement.
- Revitalized the club's financial status post-bankruptcy by strategically bolstering its capital reserves by several million dollars, ensuring long-term financial stability and operational resilience.
GENERAL MANAGER
The Cliffs - Walnut Cove
Arden, NC
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed a private 1600-acre community, executing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and financial outcomes.
- Oversaw an $8.5 million budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and financial health.
- Supervised a diverse team of 115 employees, fostering a high-performance and collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated with six other Cliffs Properties, sharing best practices and contributing to organizational growth.
- Successfully improved Walnut Cove's financial performance, achieving a $700,000 increase in 2015.
GENERAL MANAGER/CEO - MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB & RESORT
East West Partners
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Effectively led Maggie Valley Club & Resort, a master-planned, developer-owned community, optimizing operations and enhancing community engagement.
- Achieved a significant reduction in developer debt from $6 million to $1.4 million within the first three months by reorganizing the club's operational structure.
- Managed comprehensive resort operations covering real estate, financial performance, customer service, member satisfaction, employee retention, and community relations, ensuring seamless and efficient functioning across all facets.
- Implemented strategic operational controls, significantly reducing Owner/Developer subsidy by 80%, thereby improving financial sustainability.
- Successfully increased membership by an average of 50 new members annually since 2008, contributing to the club's growth and member engagement.
VP OF OPERATIONS & COMMUNITY MANAGER (VA, FL)
East West Partners
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Directed comprehensive club and golf operations and financial performance for four developer-owned, master-planned communities with two golf courses in North East Florida.
- Managed $20 million in annual operating budgets, ensuring financial efficiency and sustainability.
- Directed operations for four Community District Development (CDD) communities, effectively managing the collective needs of 12,000 residences and ensuring consistent service delivery to enhance community living standards.
- Provided strategic leadership and oversight to 18 department managers and more than 450 employees.
- Oversaw the construction of $25 million in state-of-the-art amenities for Eagle Landing, enhancing community appeal and resident satisfaction.
- Directed a $4.5 million infrastructure renovation project at Eagle Harbor, improving community facilities and living conditions.
- Led the successful turnaround of board-developer relationships, ensuring financial and operational control compliance, leading to contract renewal and extension.
GENERAL MANAGER/COO
Roaring Gap Club
Roaring Gap, NC
01.1993 - 01.2005
- Managed a 4300-acre, private member-owned residential community with over 100 staff members and annual budgets amounting to $6 million.
- Directed comprehensive infrastructure renovations to modernize this 110-year-old community, including bringing 42 club buildings up to code.
- Spearheaded a $4.5 million project for the complete replacement of the community's water system and wastewater plant, effectively coordinating efforts with state agencies, contractors, and homeowners.
- Achieved a 40% increase in revenue by boosting property sales and seasonal rentals by 35-40%.
- Led the development of a Master Strategic Plan for land development, aligning with board planning, real estate sales, and member demographics.
- Successfully obtained residential zoning through strong advocacy, gaining support from 580 property owners and securing approval from county commissioners.
- Amplified facility utilization and profits via strategic marketing, demographic targeting, diversified menu offerings, and enhanced staffing standards.
- Coordinated the transition to sustainable practices across the community, reducing environmental impact while optimizing operational costs.
Affiliations
- Club Manager's Association of America
- Carolinas CMAA
- Med West Hospital Foundation Board
- Haywood Regional Hospital Board
- Haywood County Tourism Development Authority
CONTACT
- 828.550.3299
- Cjmannerjr@gmail.com
- Asheville, NC
- LinkedIn Profile
PREVIOUS WORK HISTORY
- Forsyth Country Club Executive Chef/F&B Director
- Payson Art Enterprises/ Managed 8 residences & 175 Employees Estate Manager/Private Chef
- Jupiter Island Club Executive Sous Chef
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club Executive Chef / F&B Director
- Roaring Gap Club Executive Chef & F&B Director
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Achieved a 35% reduction in employment turnover across all affiliated clubs by implementing strategic employee engagement and retention initiatives.
- Fostered a strong positioning and branding strategy that emphasized personalized service and a community-focused approach, effectively transitioning the club's culture from a members-based mindset to an owners-oriented framework, thereby enhancing overall member engagement and satisfaction.
Affiliations
Club Manager's Association of America
Carolinas SMAA
*Education Committee
Med West Hospital Foundation Board
*Board Member
Haywood Regional Hospital Board
* Board Member
Haywood Country Tourism Development Authority
Expertise
Health and Wellness Programs
Project Management/Renovations
Fostering Company Culture
Stakeholder Relations
Member Retention and Engagement
Food/Labor Cost Management
Staff Development
Strategic Business Planning Marketing and Branding
Revenue Management
Community Involvement
Employee Relations
Relationship Management
Facility Management
Timeline
GENERAL MANAGER/CEO
Mountain Air Country Club
01.2019 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER
East West Partners - Balsam Mountain Preserve
01.2016 - 01.2019
GENERAL MANAGER
The Cliffs - Walnut Cove
01.2014 - 01.2016
GENERAL MANAGER/CEO - MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB & RESORT
East West Partners
01.2008 - 01.2014
VP OF OPERATIONS & COMMUNITY MANAGER (VA, FL)
East West Partners
01.2005 - 01.2008
GENERAL MANAGER/COO
Roaring Gap Club
01.1993 - 01.2005