FORT MYERS, FL - May 13, 2025
The private club industry is set to experience a transformative shift with the launch of the Club Innovation Hub, an initiative founded by industry leaders Club Benchmarking and KOPPLIN, KUEBLER & WALLACE (KK&W). This groundbreaking platform is dedicated to accelerating innovation by connecting entrepreneurs, seasoned mentors, and forward-thinking investors within the private club sector. The Club Innovation Hub aims to foster fresh thinking, innovative business models, and scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of private clubs. By leveraging the extensive expertise and networks of its founding organizations, the Hub is poised to become the epicenter of entrepreneurial activity in the industry.
Kurt Kuebler, CCM and CMAA Fellow shares, “We are proud to announce the launch of this program, promoting creative opportunities within the private club industry. This initiative empowers visionaries to partner with us in shaping the future of elite club experiences. Together, we will identify new paths of growth and excellence, ensuring our private clubs remain at the forefront of luxury and innovation.”
Inaugural Masterclass: Applications Now Open for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs operating within or adjacent to private clubs are invited to apply for the first-ever Club Innovation Hub Masterclass. This immersive program is designed to guide early-stage founders and club staff with groundbreaking ideas through a structured framework, helping them refine, validate, and scale their business models under the mentorship of industry veterans.
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Mentor Opportunities: Shape the Future of the Private Club Industry
The Hub is seeking experienced club leaders, operators, consultants, and business professionals to join as mentors. Mentors will provide strategic insights, share real-world experiences, and offer critical feedback to emerging entrepreneurs, playing a pivotal role in transforming innovative concepts into impactful ventures. Learn More
Investor Engagement: Early Access to Pioneering Club Innovations
Investors with an interest in hospitality, sports, wellness, and lifestyle markets are invited to become part of the Club Innovation Hub’s Investor Directory. Members will gain exclusive early access to a curated pipeline of vetted startups and innovative concepts emerging from the private club space, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of industry advancements. Learn More
“The Club Innovation Hub represents a significant evolution in club industry development, combining the extensive expertise of Club Benchmarking and KK&W to drive innovation and excellence,” said Ray Cronin, Chairman of the Club Innovation Hub. “This initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement to connect ideas with resources, expertise, and capital, propelling the private club industry into a new era of growth and innovation.”
How to Get Involved
Applications and interest forms for entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors are now open at clubinnovationhub.com. Spots in the masterclass are limited and will be selected based on the strength and viability of the applicants’ concepts.
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: info@clubinnovationhub.com
The Club Innovation Hub is an entrepreneurial accelerator and community dedicated to shaping the future of the private club industry. Founded by industry leaders Club Benchmarking and Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace (KK&W), the Hub empowers club professionals and innovators to launch meaningful ventures that elevate club life and operations through mentorship, education, and early-stage support.
Club Benchmarking is the industry’s leading provider of data analytics and business intelligence software and related services for private clubs. Since its founding in 2009, the company has been committed to serving the full spectrum of club industry stakeholders – staff, management, boards, committees, members, owners and associations. Leadership teams across the country rely on Club Benchmarking and their Financial Insight Model ™ and Key Performance Indicators recognized as the cornerstones of a common industry framework for understanding club finance.
KOPPLIN, KUEBLER & WALLACE is an award-winning executive search and consulting firm specializing in the private club and hospitality industry. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and long-standing industry support, KK&W offers comprehensive services including executive search, governance guidance and development, and operational consulting.