McMahon Careers

5 lessons learned as a new director of racquets

While serving as a Director and observing other well-respected leaders, I quickly came to realize that they don’t always have the answer but possess a commitment to learn and seek out information.

If you are currently serving as a new Director of Racquet Sports, or you are on your way to the role, then my hope is that you find these lessons learned useful on your journey.

McMahon Careers Launches Initiative to Help Develop & Support Young Professionals as Directors in the Racquet Sports Industry

To help McMahon Careers serve young racquet sports professionals as they navigate their career path, McMahon Careers has engaged Ryan Johnson, JD, USPTA, CRSE to serve as the firm’s Young Racquet Sports Professionals Liaison. In his role, Ryan will connect with and support young racquet sports professionals who currently work, or aspire to work, as a Director of Racquet Sports. Johnson will also help young professionals identify relevant career-advancement opportunities when positions open, and help establish, curate, and maintain regular and relevant communication with young professionals through a variety of communication and outreach activities.

Cross Generational Communication and Why it Matters

As humans, we spend our lives communicating, and as leaders we are expected to use thoughtful communication to convey messaging that’s easy to understand, allays concerns, and is constructive in nature. The most effective way to communicate is to keep in mind who you are communicating with—in other words, know your audience! We live in an unprecedented time in which our society is comprised of five generations—all shaped by the times in which they were raised. Each generation has communication style preferences that dictate how best to manage and effectively relate to them—both personally and professionally.

The Art of the Job Application and Interview

Interviews can be one of the most stressful and daunting experiences in your professional life. Anytime the unknown is obscure, there will always be indecision, doubt, intimidation, nervousness, and a feeling outside one’s comfort level.

To counter these characteristics, one should begin with the application process by gaining as much information on the position, the facility, and the hiring entity as you can. I am always amazed when a candidate has not properly researched the club/facility and properly prepared for the process.

McMahon Careers Announces 2021 CRSE Graduates

The CRSE Program is a 10-month invitation-only intensive study and experiential continuing education program designed for certified tennis and racquet sports professionals who aspire to manage, administer, and direct a private club program more effectively, professionally, and confidently. Upon successful completion of the course work and 100-point exam, graduates receive the respected CRSE designation. Graduates who are also USPTA Members are awarded 22.5 USPTA Continuing Education Credits.

North Hills Club Announces Appointment of Jason Kinder as Director of Tennis

North Hills Club; located in Raleigh, NC, is pleased to announce the selection of Jason Kinder, USPTA Elite Professional, as the club’s new Director of Tennis. USPTA DIRECTORSEARCH Powered by McMahon|10s managed the search for the club. McMahon|10s president Mark McMahon, USPTA, and Search Consultant Tom Daglis, USPTA, worked with the club’s Interim General Manager, John Wilkening, CCM and the club’s search committee to select Kinder from among a national slate of exceptional candidates.

What GMs expect from their Director of Racquet Sports

An astute General Manager will understand how the Director of Racquets sees the club’s racquet program currently and where the program should move into the future, and trust the Director of Racquets to act on his/her behalf.

Tips to Differentiate Yourself from the Competition

When applying for a position, you’ll be competing with professionals or similar skills and experience. The question is – “how do I stand among my competition”? One idea is to define yourself as a professional who is committed to mentoring, teaching and guiding other younger professionals in advancing their careers. This article by former USPTA President and Master Professional Will Hoag recently appeared in ADDvantage Magazine speaks about this opportunity to differentiate yourself as a professional, and help prepare the industry for the next generation of Directors.

Creating the Desired Relationship

Most GMs of a full-amenity club spend time with their Chef and their F&B Department by spending time "working the dining room" or "helping in the kitchen." It is widespread, if not expected, that the GM spends time with their Superintendent on the golf course--what GM hasn't heard; "The golf course is our greatest asset." A good GM walks the buildings with their facilities engineer often to address issues. A good GM spends time with the Golf Pro.

Look the Part - “Pearls of Wisdom” for the post-COVID Tennis Professional

The tennis and racquet sports industry has  changed rapidly as a result of  COVID  Professionals, and particularly directors who have remained successful over the past year have had to  stay ahead of these changes by being  more engaged in their business, and practicing some basic concepts that are relevant to any industry. 

McMahon Careers Announces Executive Program Graduates

Firm’s Inaugural Certified Racquet Sports Executive Program is Completed. USPTA Member Graduates to be awarded 22.5 Continuing Education Credits from USPTA

Seagate Country Club Announces Appointment of John Phillips as Director of Tennis and Racquets

Seagate Country Club; located in Delray Beach, FL, is pleased to announce the selection of John Phillips as the new Director of Tennis and Racquets. The team at McMahon | 10s; led by president, Mark McMahon, USPTA Master Professional, and supported by Executive Search Consultant Stefan Laporte, USPTA Elite Professional, led the search and worked with the club’s General Manager, Karl Bublitz, PGA, to select Phillips from among a national slate of candidates.

Gulf Stream Bath & Tennis Club Announces Denzil Pieters, USPTA, PTR as New Director of Tennis

Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club located in Delray Beach, FL, is pleased to announce the selection of Denzil Pieters as the new Director of Tennis. The team at McMahon | 10s; led by president, Mark McMahon, USPTA Master Professional, and supported by Executive Search Consultant Stefan Laporte, USPTA Elite Professional, led the search and worked with the club’s search committee and General Manager Mike Territo, CCM to select Pieters from among a national slate of candidates. “It was a pleasure to have worked with Gulf Stream Bath and Tennis Club and support Denzil Pieters throughout the selection process,” says McMahon | 10s President, Mark McMahon.

Watch Master Professional Mark McMahon's presentation on Managing Your Career Pathway, at the USPTA Southern Business Workshop

McMahon | 10s President, Mark McMahon, USPTA Master Professional, presented at the Southern Business Workshop in Atlanta. You can watch his presentation by clicking on the image. The title of Mark’s presentation is The Purposeful Development of Your Career Pathway.

Mark McMahon to Speak at USPTA World Conference on Tennis

Before launching his tennis consulting practice in 2008, McMahon served for over 20 years as Director of Tennis for two of America’s largest private club tennis programs, at Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, FL and at Dunwoody Country Club, in Dunwoody, GA.

McMahon’s presentation is a must for all tennis professionals intent on being proactive in taking the next step in their careers. Titled “The Purposeful Development of Your Career Pathway”, Mark will guide attendees through the specific actions they can take now, that will help them prepare to compete for their next professional opportunity.