2007 Private facility of the year: Meadow Creek Tennis and Fitness

By Cynthia Sherman

When Adam and Debra Kahn took over Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club three years ago, they were already well known in the Lakewood, Colo., tennis community as players, team captains and, in Adam’s case, a USPTA-certified pro. As the new owners, the Kahns felt the club could stand to be remodeled and updated to help ensure members have a great experience. But one thing that they didn’t want to do was fool around with a successful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff.

Keeping that staff in place, says Adam Kahn, not only was instrumental in a successful transition to new ownership, but it is also why Meadow Creek is thriving today, with nearly 1,000 members on its seven indoor and three outdoor hard courts. Add in a fully stocked pro shop, fitness center, and plethora of programs for all ages and levels, and you have an award-winning facility. And that’s why the Meadow Creek Tennis and Fitness Club is RSI’s 2007 Private Facility of the Year.

A big key to membership retention, insists Kahn, is due to a superlative staff. “In semi-annual meetings, we discuss current programs, new programs, and ways to improve,” he says. “There is always total staff involvement.”

For instance, Program Director Robin Dann, who’s been with Meadow Creek for 11 years, makes sure new and current members get to participate in programs that are exciting to them. By inviting new members to different functions, says Kahn, “They are integrated into the club and become part of the family.” Club socials revolve around holidays and Grand Slam tournaments.

Opportunities to play abound, including leagues, clinics, Cardio Tennis, and other instructional programming, including a strong junior program. In 2006, the TIA named Meadow Creek one of the Top 50 Tennis Welcome Centers in the country. The club’s QuickStart Tennis program reaches nearly 300 students a year.

“Once new tennis players get involved in QuickStart, club drills and teams, it encourages camaraderie and new memberships,” says Kahn. There are 25 USTA teams and a number of interclub league teams.

“Adam is exemplary in how he approaches tennis and takes advantage of the tools out there to help him grow his business,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “He completely gets it.”

But Kahn credits his staff for “making it fun for people to learn tennis.” With over 30 years of experience, Director of Tennis Alden Bock runs the racquet and stringing section of the pro shop and makes sure programs are available for every level of play. USPTA pro Gary Alpert is a tennis stroke specialist and the “technical analyst,” with a degree in Applied Science in Professional Tennis Management. USPTA pro Ashley Tindle, a former all-American in college, specializes in junior development. Tindle has won the Denver Post’s Adversity Conquered through Excellence award and has been nominated for ESPN’s ARETE Award for courage in sports.

Other key staff include Susie Nelson, Meadow Creek’s marketing manager, and Margaret Nuccio, the front-desk manager. Debra Kahn runs the pro shop, which boasts one of the largest shoe selections in the Denver area.

Whether it’s through new and innovative programs, better ways to interact and communicate with members, or updating club facilities, “We’re constantly trying to find ways to enhance the experience for members and guests,” says Kahn.

Tips for success

Invest in your staff. It’s critical to have the best staff possible. Take good care of them and they’ll take good care of the customers.
Keeping members happy should be a top priority. Update your facility and have a clear idea of what customer service is all about.
Innovate! Do something new every year — keep things fresh!

See all articles by Cynthia Sherman

About the Author

Cynthia Sherman is a contributing editor for RSI magazine.

2007 Private facility of the year: Meadow Creek Tennis and Fitness

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