Frank Vain
Chairman
Mr. Vain provides consulting and planning services to private clubs throughout North America. Through use of specialized services including membership surveys, strategic planning, operational analysis and facility long range planning, Frank assists club in developing individualized strategies for their unique situations.
Mr. Vain joined McMahon Group in 1988 and has more than forty years of experience in the management and development of hospitality properties including country clubs, city athletic and dining clubs and residential communities. Frank is Past President of The Country Club of St. Albans, a 36-hole country club located in Missouri, and he is a former partner in Concord Sports Club, a 1,700 member family athletic club in St. Louis. Frank was elected to the Board of the National Club Association in 2011 and served as Chairman in 2019-20.
Mr. Vain is a native of Philadelphia and graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He is a featured speaker at the annual Club Managers Association of America World Conference, National Club Association National and Regional Conferences, Major Golf Associations and a regional chapter meeting of club managers and leaders.
Frank is a regular contributor to industry leading publications like Club Management, Club Director and BoardRoom. He was named the Gary Player Club Educator of the Year for 2012 and 2015 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 by BoardRoom. He is also a co-author of McMahon’s Club Trends, a recognized industry benchmark on the trends and issues affecting private clubs.
Posts by Frank Vain
Micromanagement in Private Clubs: A Problem We Made Ourselves
Private clubs often experience micromanagement due to unclear roles, weak leadership, and lack of strategic focus, which can be addressed by establishing proactive governance practices, clarifying titles, and providing ongoing training for leaders.
Read MoreBuilding COMMUNITY: The Essential Mission of Private Clubs in a Disconnected Age
Americans are more digitally connected than ever—now averaging over seven hours of screen time daily—yet record levels of loneliness and social isolation are reported.
Read MoreState of the Club Industry: City Club Trends
The city club model is demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. The most successful clubs are managing to honor their traditions while evolving to meet the changing needs of a younger, more diverse membership base.
Read MoreThe Capital Deficit: A Critical Challenge for Private Clubs
Today’s club industry presents a fascinating paradox. Nearly half of member-owned country clubs maintain waiting lists—double the historical norm.
Read MoreThe Evolving Landscape in Private Club Golf Facilities
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, explains how clubs can continue to deliver a first-class golfing experience and exceed member expectations as the landscape of private club golf continues to evolve.
Read MoreCasual Outdoor Dining and its Importance in Todays Private Clubs
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, highlights the trend of private clubs optimizing their existing spaces to create attractive outdoor dining areas. This can involve reimagining and repurposing underutilized areas to better suit member needs and preferences, or redesigning areas completely.
These changes ultimately boost member engagement and usage and foster a more vibrant and active club environment.
Read MoreClub Fitness Amenities: Enhancing The Member Experience
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, explains how the private club landscape and member opinions on fitness health has changed in recent years. Members are looking for engagement and a healthy club atmosphere with facilities tailored toward an active lifestyle.
Read MoreMaster Planning Success Brings Desert Horizons Back to Life
In just a few months after the grand opening and even before a full new season was in swing, plenty of evidence could be found for how the Desert Horizons project has injected new life into both the club and community.
Read MoreTrends and the Modern Country Club
By adapting to the changing needs of their members, modern clubs are positioning themselves as year-round destinations for multiple generations, offering diverse experiences that go beyond traditional club offerings.
Read MoreCreative Designs and Ideas For Clubs Evolving Towards a More Successful Future
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, explains how your club facilities should upgrade as the flexibility of member lifestyles and their families change – from fast casual dining options to fitness rooms, all the way to children and office spaces.
Read MoreThe Importance Of Detailed Survey Data Interpretation For Private Clubs
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, explains that the most important part of a member survey is being able to interpret the data, and make educated decisions for club success
Read MoreResort Style Pools For Private Clubs – Family Matters
In this video, Frank Vain, Chairman of McMahon Group, details and reiterates the importance of both a fun and relaxing private club pool experience for the family club member.
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