James Capek has over 20 years of experience as a General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for private golf clubs. He has a proven track record of strategic planning, financial management, staff development, and using technology to improve operations and membership. As General Manager of Elgin Country Club from 1996-2016, he oversaw $10 million in capital improvements, created a successful guest program that increased revenue, and raised member satisfaction levels. He is skilled in all aspects of club administration and providing an exceptional member experience.

1. James F. Capek
13275 Cherry Rd. Genoa, IL 60135  847.624.7626
Jcapek61@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcapek
Summary
Service-oriented General Manager / Chief Operating Officer with 20+ years of experience as a General
Manager and additional progressive experience with premier private golf clubs. Well versed in all aspects of
club administration with special focus on strategic planning, financial management, staff acquisition and
development, innovative uses of technology to improve operations and increase membership while creating a
culture of exceptional, personalized service for members and guests in a fiscally responsible manner. Served
twelve different Club Presidents as a General Manager. Recognized for ability to serve as a bridge among
Board of Directors, staff, members and guests, gathering input, praise, and feedback from others. No legal
action against the club from employees, members or regulatory agencies throughout entire tenure.
Core competencies include:
 Recruitment, Retention of Staff
 Financial Management
 Legal Compliance
 Ethical Leadership
 Talent Development
 Food and Beverage Mgt.
 Golf Management
 Technology Adoption
 Vendor Negotiation
 Event Management
 Facilities Management
Professional Experience
ELGIN COUNTRY CLUB, Elgin, IL 1990 – 2016
The Club, the premier course in the Fox Valley, is a community of members and staff that strive for a synergistic
balance to enhance each other’s lives. It is an 18-hole member-owned private facility, founded in 1901,
located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with 220 golf members, 400 total members and 100 staff. Gross
revenues are $5M, food and beverage revenue of $2.1M. The Club has formal and informal dining rooms,
banquet facility, snack shop, pool, halfway house, card room, tennis and pickle ball courts for the enjoyment of
the members and their guests.
General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, 2013 – 2016
Reported to the Board of Directors, responsible for oversight of all operations and capital improvements. Added
title of Chief Operating Officer to designate scope of responsibilities and high level of achievement in all facets
of private club administration. Focused on providing a first class golf and social experience for all members and
guests.
 Created unique guest program that increased guest rounds of golf by 75% and revenue by $165K.
 Oversaw creation of a contemporary web site designed to optimize SEO and enhance members’
experience.
 Responsible for new construction and renovations including $10M in capital improvements.
 Developed formal annual operating plan in correlation with the budget.
General Manager, 1996 – 2013
Led all facets of club administration providing oversight for operations and capital improvements. During this
time, able to balance operating budget despite recession driven decline in membership.
 Staff recruitment and development:
o Promoted seven current department heads who were originally hired as front line employees.
o Led two successful searches for a Head Golf Professional and two for a Superintendent.
 Financial achievements:
o Increased restaurant operation performance to over $300K profit.
o Negotiated an annexation agreement with the city that was $65K more favorable than
expected.
o Reduced expenses 12.8% over two years in 2008-2010 with minimal sacrifice to service.

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 Membership enhancements:
o Raised overall membership satisfaction levels from 90.4% to 97.2%.
o Initiated on-line tee times, dining reservation systems, and the club’s first, extensively used app.
o Developed e-mail marketing campaigns that increased member participation by 18%.
General Manager, 1990 – 1996
Responsible for all aspects of operations and capital improvements excluding grounds and golf.
 Created a self-perpetuating service culture that defined the Elgin CC and reduced staff turnover to 7%.
 Led $1.2M infrastructure renovation yielding operational efficiencies and enhanced member
experience.
 Implemented POS and internal accounting systems to increase efficiencies raising net income $50K.
 Was at the forefront of the club industry by initiating a club website in 1993.
 Increased restaurant profitability from a loss to over $100K in profit.
SKOKIE COUNTRY CLUB, Glencoe, IL 1987 – 1990
A member-owned private club with 300 members and $4M of gross revenue that features a formal and
informal dining room, a halfway house, swimming pool, snack shop, men’s grill, golf shop, tennis shop, clay
tennis courts, curling lodge and paddle tennis.
Assistant General Manager
Reported to the General Manager and responsible for all clubhouse and food and beverage operations
including a staff of 60 employees.
 Developed service manuals resulting in lower staff turnover and consistency of service.
 Trained staff to provide excellent customer service that was revered and noted by members.
 Purchase, issued and inventoried all beverages reducing cost of goods by 3%.
 Booked all private parties and club functions.
 Oversaw the execution of a la carte and banquet dining on a daily basis.
NORTH SHORE COUNTRY CLUB, Glenview, IL 1977 – 1987
North Shore Country Club is a member-owned private facility consisting of formal and informal dining rooms,
halfway house, swimming pool, snack shop, men’s grill, golf shop, tennis shop, clay tennis courts, curling lodge
and paddle tennis.
Assistant Manager, 1983 – 1987
Reporting to General Manager and responsible for all food and beverage operations, supervised staff of 40
and ran the formal dining room on a daily basis.
 Arranged and executed all private banquets while raising the bar for service standards.
 Reduced labor cost 20% by efficiently scheduling restaurant staff.
Busboy, Waiter, Banquet Captain, Maître D’, 1977-1983
Progressed through positions while attending high school and college.
 Provided exceptional service to the members and demonstrated leadership skills which led to
promotions.
 Provided foundation in career for understanding and appreciating all aspects of a well-run club
experience.

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Education
Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL
BA, Business & Economics
Professional Development
CMAA Business Management Institute I, II and III
Completed >550 hours of Continuing Education through the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA)
CMAA Certification (in progress)
Technical Skills
Adept in using Club Select and Northstar software for email marketing, accounting, POS
Microsoft Office Suite
Website content maintenance- with links to Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Google+
Association Activity
CMAA Member since 1989
CMAA Board of Directors 2000-2003
CMAA Strategic Planning Committee 2003-2004