Private Club Associates, a consulting firm that has worked with more than 250 private clubs, will move forward despite the loss of partner Steve Paris, who passed away in May at the age of 72. Partner Tim Dunlap has assumed most of Paris’ responsibilities.
This story was first reported by Golf Inc. magazine.
Paris and Ted Robinson joined their consulting practices in 2009 and grew the company by working with banks and golf lenders to revive or sell troubled clubs and golf operations.
“Steve was a superb strategist,” Robinson said. “He could cut through the clutter and very quickly identify a club’s components, processes, facilities and personnel issues that if successfully addressed could move the business to profitability.
“His great intellect, integrity, and quick thinking continually inspired and encouraged me personally, and contributed to the reputation PCA enjoyed.”
Prior to PCA, Paris was a senior vice president and COO of American Golf from 2004 to 2007, where he oversaw 135 golf courses in 18 states and managed 11 regional directors. He helped with American Golf’s financial turnaround by upgrading management teams, launching revenue-driving initiatives, and improving functional processes.
Prior to American Golf, he held executive positions, including 12 years at PepsiCo. Paris graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, and lived in Panama City, Florida at the time of his death.
“Steve was an excellent golfer with a 4 handicap – and gave lessons to me out of self-defense,” Robinson said. “He was fun to be around, an extraordinary presentation partner as we could almost read each other’s minds, and a truly caring friend.”