In this episode, Ed talks with Jason Becker, CEO and founder of Golf Life Navigators, about emerging trends in private club membership and why clubs should prepare for higher-than-normal attrition rates. Jason shares insights from his company's extensive data collection and explains why the real estate market is a crucial indicator for private club membership trends.

Key Moments:

• Setting the Stage [00:00:00]: Ed introduces the current state of private clubs, noting that over half still maintain waitlists with an average of 70 people.
• Golf Life Navigators Overview [00:03:26]: Jason explains how his platform matches prospective members with clubs using a dating app-like algorithm to reduce attrition rates.
• Waitlist Dynamics [00:05:27]: Discussion of consumer attitudes toward waitlists, revealing that 70% of prospects don't want to wait more than six months for membership.
• Real Estate Connection [00:08:15]: Jason explains why the increasing inventory of golf community homes signals coming changes in club membership.
• Attrition Predictions [00:09:23]: Analysis of why attrition rates might exceed pre-pandemic levels, particularly due to delayed resignations from older members.
• Member Services Evolution [00:15:13]: Exploration of how clubs need to align service levels with increased initiation fees and focus on time-saving amenities.
• Demographic Shifts [00:16:52]: Discussion of how clubs must cater to multiple generations while building for the future.
• Real Estate Strategy [00:21:11]: Jason shares insights on community "capture rates" and how clubs can better control their real estate destiny.
• Sales Process Evolution [00:25:35]: Examination of why modern membership directors need proper CRM systems and marketing automation.
• Final Insights [00:29:21]: Jason emphasizes the importance of transparency in club planning and investment strategies.