Elevating Resort Experiences through Leadership and Teamwork

Jeff Minton, Director of Sports at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, is a seasoned hospitality leader driving excellence in resort recreation, club operations, and guest experience. With nearly 20 years at the resort, he oversees $13 million dollars of annual revenue, delivering innovative, high-touch sports and leisure programming that engages over 78,000 golfers and 1,100 club members while cultivating a culture of service and performance.

1. Looking back on your career journey, from your early roles to now leading all sports operations at Wild Dunes Resort, what key experiences or turning points have shaped your path in hospitality and sparked your passion for sports and recreation management?

Early in my career I had a mentor that instilled in me that in hospitality whether it is sports and recreation or resort operations, we as hospitality leaders have an obligation to create special memories for guests choosing to spend their precious leisure time and dollars at our facilities. I always make it a point to be sure colleagues I work with understand that responsibility we owe our guests.

2. As someone overseeing all Sports, Retail and Club operations at a resort that generates over 13 million dollars annually and supports more than 78,000 golf rounds and 1,100 club members each year, how do you blend efficient operations with exceptional guest experience to deliver a truly memorable sports and leisure offering?

There a few key areas that allow efficiencies and exceptional service. First the operation must have systems that allow for efficiencies including, a fully integrated tee-time booking system, club membership management tools, and an empowered team to handle the many requests that occur. It is also important to create signature experiences and touch points as part of our culture. To achieve exceptional guest service invest in the people taking care of your guests. Train them, empower them and always recognize them when warranted. Lastly, regularly communicate how operational excellence supports the guest experience and vice versa.

3. What are some of the unique challenges you have observed in the sports tourism and hospitality industry, whether it is shifting guest expectations, staffing issues or seasonal demand? How have you helped Wild Dunes Resort navigate and overcome those challenges effectively?

Guests are now looking for much more personalized golf and sports focused experiences to include family friendly offerings, wellness offerings, it is important to cater to all levels of participants when looking to exceed guest expectations. Wild Dunes uses the international J1 and H2B employment program to assist in the staffing challenges and seasonal demand.

4. The hospitality industry is evolving to focus more on wellness and active experiences. How have you adapted your sports programming to meet these changing trends?

At Wild Dunes we have used our natural habitat to create offerings and activities that are true to our place such as Beach and Nature walks, local oyster experiences and industry leading spa and wellness services that shift seasonally to meet our changing customers. Pop-up experiences like sound baths, meditation domes and inferred saunas are been very popular at Wild Dunes.

5. What skills or mindset do you believe are essential for long-term success? Based on your experience managing large-scale sports and club operations, what practical advice would you offer to someone aiming for a leadership role in sports and recreation at a resort or within the broader hospitality industry

It is important to think beyond the day to day operation. Envision how your operation can evolve to meet the future guest expectations and industry trends. Focus on innovation, in programming, facilities and guest engagement. Remember that your team is your greatest asset and always strive to create a culture of enthusiasm and accountability.