Throughout a long and remarkably successful career in country club management, Michael J. Mally has consistently demonstrated the value of a deep and vigorous commitment to exceptional leadership along with the benefit of instilling a deep sense of community among members. In his current responsibility as the general manager and CAO of The Carriage Club, Mally is in charge of overseeing the club’s daily operations and performing comprehensive data analysis, but he also views it as a part of his professional obligations to foster camaraderie and community among club members as well as their families and any guests visiting the club.
As a result of his leadership efforts, The Carriage Club has developed a tremendous reputation within the Kansas City area and has become an immensely popular choice for a variety of events, particularly weddings. The club’s facilities offer opportunities to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including, but certainly not limited to, tennis, swimming, diving, figure skating and hockey. With exceptional dining and catering services available on its immaculately maintained grounds, The Carriage Club has certainly benefited from Mally’s continued leadership and his clear dedication to the wide range of responsibilities that are part and parcel to his professional role.
For more than 20 years, Mally has held leadership positions with a number of highly regarded country clubs, serving in the role of general manager and COO several times over. Before going on to lead these exceptional clubs, Mally studied business administration and earned a degree from the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. He is also a Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) Honors Society Member and a Certified Chief Executive, and his involvement with CMAA was recognized and rewarded by the Mid-America Chapter of CMAA when it named Mally as the recipient of the Richard Aubin Memorial Grant in 2012.
What was your best/favorite subject in school?
I was reluctant to take it at first, but my high school accounting course proved to be an important foundation for my future responsibilities relating to financial management.
What was your first job?
I worked as a ware washer in the restaurant of my father’s best friend that was in my hometown.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
After my experience in many facets of the first restaurant I worked in, I immediately knew that I would enjoy being involved in the operational side of the business.
How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
I have a deep understanding of how much hard work is involved with making sure customers or members are happy, and how important a role each and every employee plays in ensuring our members enjoy their experience at the club.
Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
It’s incredibly rewarding any time one of our members expresses their appreciation for the work we’ve done.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
The Carriage Club means so much to so many people, and I feel like it is my responsibility to ensure it continues to be that way. It is literally their home away from home!
What kind of business ideas excite you most?
More than the idea, I find that I am more excited by the energy of the individual presenting the idea. If they believe in the idea to such a degree, I feel it is more likely for the idea to have merit.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
We don’t necessarily require a mass marketing strategy, but we have found that feature articles in a variety of publications have generated a greater degree of interest in our facilities and services.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am quite proud of contributing to the establishment of the strong sense of community our members feel toward the club, including all of its members and employees.
What wisdom you would have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
I live by the Four Agreements taught by Toltec philosopher, Juan Miguel Ruiz. They are 1) Always do your best 2) Don’t take anything personally 3) Don’t make assumptions and 4) Be impeccable with your word. The agreements are part of my core values.