Management in Motion

Description

Bridging Leadership and Driving Performance: MiM channels the intensity of competitive driving at Monticello Motor Club to fast‑track the development of high‑impact leadership skills. Paired with focused leadership workshop briefings on leadership from club managers, immersive driving modules—drag racing, slalom/hard‑charger runs, driving the mushroom course, skid‑pad control, lead‑follow team racing, & high‑speed hot‑lap drifting— under guidance of professional drivers that demands rapid decision‑making, concise communication, adaptive problem‑solving, situational awareness, & deep team trust – management leadership evolves.

Experience the program through the perspectives of UMass students Derek Foley & Jack Sorensen, who are the recipients of two special workshop scholarships. The event convenes 50 CMAA members from across the country at MMC sponsored by CMAA & Private Club Radio, with industry partners MembersFirst, Eustis Chair, and Kennel Enterprises providing financial support. Organizational leadership & production are provided by Denny Corby, with host manager Ionel Porumb (GM/COO) and Derek Leonard, Director of Experience.  All made possible by the ownership group and partners of the Queally Family – Paul (Chairman & Principal Partner), Brian,  Erin & Anne-Maria; & Minority Partners – Ari Strauss & Bill McMichael.

This event provided another outlet for our students to experience and develop leadership opportunities in club management through an entirely original and well-presented and planned event -- Management in Motion presented by Denny Corby, Private Club Radio;  Industry Sponsors (three in particular -- MembersFirst,  Eustis Chair and Kennel Member Vetting. 

It was an "idea" just over a year ago when Denny Corby and Sean Bleyl approached us about participating.  Our comment was "Yes, absolutely" -- go all in for this unique and different idea.  We felt and still do that once done it would become very popular and would have great transferability to any number of other club events around the country; plus we also felt it would quickly develop a reputation to being an annual leadership workshop for all club managers and even more students in the future.

Implementation

Two students were recommended for scholarships for this event with funding for each at approximately $1500.  Students, Derek Foley and Jack Sorensen were recommended by faculty advisor and then selected through a competitive application and video submission process by the MiM steering committee and sponsored by three industry partners -- MembersFirst, Kennel Member Vetting, and Eustis Chair Company.  Both students won two of the top awards -- Jack Sorensen -- Team Leadership and Cart Racing Team; and Derek Foley -- Fastest Track Times - Skid Pad and Slalom Racing.  

The students both who are CMAA Members interacted with 50 different club managers from around the country and were delighted to learn and meet with each of them.   Jack started an Entry Level position as "Shop Success Manager" this past fall with "Tee Commerce" -- a pro shop retailer supporting the club industry and was able to connect with each of the clubs in attendance as both a leader in club management but a supporter of clubs through his new position.  Derek completed an PGA Tournament Internships in the Summer of 2024 and an Inspire Brands operational internship in the Summer of 2025 prior to completing this experiential learning experience. 

In the words of Derek,  "MiM was a true game changer in how I viewed leadership and development.  The combination of physical and team building feats was an incredible experience that I will be able to lean on and utilize in my personal and professional career".  Jack Sorensen said the following...."Wow, never could I have imagined such a great learning and edcuational event at a driving club.  It challenged us to do our best in real time and to work together as a team.  It involved strategy, planning and team support and individual challenges to contribute to the team and outcomes in every event!"   My personal comment was this -- "Just incredible....I have taught leadership for 10 years and never had I had a better learning experience in real time in real events.   We are so pleased to see two UMass CMAA Students receiving the scholarships and to learn and help them meet new managers, experience great events, co-mingle and partner with some of the very best managers, leaders and yes, high performance drivers in the racing industry and club industry.  Just imagine, this is a country club for automotive driven individuals and just goes to show how varied, unique and dynamic the club industry is today."  

The end result was a resounding exclamation for an "outstanding event" by all in attendance as it was well done and planned by Denny Corby, Private Club Radio and all of the sponsors and staff at Monticello Motor Club.