Three things are clearly apparent when you meet Michael Bruni, NCA Chair and past president and current member of Olympia Fields just outside of Chicago: He has strong family ties, embraces a strong work ethic, and knows that communities are important to success and happiness. Oh, and he’s Italian.
“My grandparents came from the Adriatic Coast of Italy to start a grocery store and landed in Chicago Heights, where they raised my father and uncles in the back of the store. My mom’s family were also Italian immigrants from a region south of Rome,” says Michael. “Both families moved to the same area of the South Suburbs, my parents met in high school, married young, and decided to call the South Suburbs home for the rest of their lives.
“Neither family had much growing up so the idea of playing golf, let alone joining a private club, was a foreign concept. But through hard work, tenacity, grit and a bit of good luck, my parents grew the business to the point of making some of their wildest dreams become a reality, including becoming members at Olympia Fields Country Club. My 86-year-old mom, who’s been widowed for 20 years and who still plays golf at Olympia at least once a week, considers the club, the employees and her friends an extension of her family.”
Michael shared a story about his parents and the lessons learned from them:
“Never Forget Where You Come From”
At Olympia Fields, the children of members could not be employees or work at the club, but many of my friends from the area were caddies so I would frequently hang out at the “shed,” where I learned how to play poker. During one of our many games, the conversation turned to the members for which they liked to caddy, and those that were not all that pleasant. Somewhat surprisingly, my parents and their peers—many from the same high school and community—were mentioned as being among their favorites. At dinner that evening I was sharing the interaction with my parents and inquired as to why their group was looked upon so favorably (they certainly weren’t the best of golfers).
It was then they shared some of the most valuable advice that I haven’t forgotten. Without hesitation my father answered, “because we have not forgotten where we came from.” They knew the hardships and importance of working as young people. They knew the importance of mentoring others and tried to treat everyone with respect. It was incredibly important life lesson and something I hope I never forget. It served them well and it has served me and my family well as it’s a reminder to be grounded, never believe your own PR and treat others with the upmost respect, regardless of their backgrounds.
Communities
Michael is the Managing Director at HPS, a Chicago-based nonprofit consulting firm, providing services for fundraising initiatives, annual fund development and improving development operations and volunteer board leadership. Michael has helped clients raise more than $1 billion dollars for health care, education and social service nonprofits, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Franciscan Alliance and Old St. Patrick’s Church, one of Chicago’s landmark churches. He has also counseled clients on strategic initiatives, board development, executive coaching and recruitment and public affairs. Active in his community, Michael volunteers with numerous community organizations and serves on the board of directors for the Community Memorial Foundation, a community foundation established to provide much needed resources for area nonprofits, in Hinsdale, Ill., Olympia Fields Country Club, Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, and University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill.
Michael considers his membership at Olympia Fields Country Club a privilege which serves as an extension of his family. “When we lost our dad prematurely in 2001, I saw my mom’s friends and her extended family at the club envelope her with love, concern, compassion and companionship. They helped her through her darkest days and this specific group continues to offer that kind of support for other friends that experience the loss of a loved one,” says Michael. “It’s so much more than golf or the activities offered at a club; it is the relationships that are formed through those activities.
“I also think it’s inspiring to see so many incredibly gifted employees and managers, that could be successful in any career, choose the club or hospitality business. It is humbling to see all they go through and the sacrifices they must make for our benefit.”
Michael continues, “Maybe it was the ‘never forget where you come from’ mantra that my parents taught me, but it is truly humbling to know others work so hard so that we can enjoy the benefits of being in a club. It takes a very special person to be in the hospitality business and we are very fortunate to the beneficiaries of their talents.”
Governance in Nonprofits
Michael was recruited to serve on the National Club Association (NCA) board by Chicago District Golf Association CEO Robert Markionni, whose term on NCA’s board was ending in 2015. Markionni hoped to ensure a continued Midwest presence on the board, and because he and Michael had grown up in the same Chicago Heights parish and shared a mutual love of golf, Markionni believed Michael would be a good fit.
As a consultant for large nonprofits for the past 23 years, Michael sees a significant number of similarities between his clients and the private club community. “Just like successful and strong nonprofit organizations, private clubs that have a clear and concise strategy coupled with effective, strong governance practices tend to be leaders among their peers and most importantly, financially successful and sustainable,” he says.
Michael also points to another trend that has been incredibly positive for the private club community: the emergence of foundations within clubs. Many of these foundations benefit either the club employees or the surrounding communities where the club is located. “It has been very impressive to see the impact that clubs have had on others and highlights the role clubs can have in impacting education, health care and many other social service organizations in their communities,” says Michael.
As a volunteer leader at both his club, Olympia Fields Country Club, and at the National Club Association (NCA), Michael advises any leader to “let the leaders lead.” He continues, “Too many times, volunteer leaders get distracted by getting too involved in the routine operations. That’s the CEO/executive director’s job or in the club industry, the general manager’s job, not ours as volunteer leaders. We are best as volunteer leaders when we partner with our CEO/executive director/general manager and not parent them. It is not our job to manage the day to day; it is our job to partner with them and focus on strategy and vision that allows them to execute the day to day.”
Speaking as a long-term board member, Michael recommends that directors should constantly evaluate themselves on how well they are focused on strategy, growth and sustainability versus tee times, menu items and green speeds. “Focusing on the day to day gets boards in trouble and there are remarkably talented individuals managing clubs that are far better equipped to handle these issues.”
Vision for NCA
“At the time I joined the board, I didn’t have the appreciation I have today for the important work that NCA does, and it clearly was accentuated by COVID-19 and the information private clubs were starving for in those early and scary days,” says Michael. “NCA truly responded both impactfully and impressively to help members and nonmembers navigate the pandemic, and I couldn’t have been prouder to be associated with the organization.
According to Michael, COVID-19 reinforced why one should be an NCA member. “Clubs needed a voice and a resource to rely upon during the uncertainty presented by the pandemic. NCA provided that resource. The transformative information disseminated to managers and board members has been incredibly important for those in the club community and has provided substantive data for general managers and other club leaders to draw upon. It makes board members better and more informed and gives assurances that the issues that are relevant for their club are also shared by others throughout the country.”
Michael applauds NCA for being the information hub for the club community, not just during the pandemic but always. “The important platforms NCA provides (website, town hall webinars, magazines, newsletters and the National Club Conference), allowed clubs to share experiences and challenges during a difficult time in our country’s history. “It proves they are not alone and NCA provides a significant amount of support and guidance for clubs everywhere.”
Michael strongly advocates members to be engaged. “If members actively engage and put a lot into their membership, they will undoubtedly get a lot in return because the information they get is simply that good!”
Looking to his term as chair, Michael notes, “NCA’s vision is to be the preeminent voice for the private club community. As chair, our goal this year is to solidify a five-year strategic plan that executes that vision. We saw first-hand how important it is to be the voice of the private club community during the early days of COVID-19 and how essential it is for the private club community to have access to that voice. Additionally, the information and communication materials produced for the private club community by NCA is second to none, and we must continue to push ourselves to retain this high standard we have set for ourselves,” says Michael. “During my tenure as chair, it is my sincere hope that we, as an organization, finalize a five-year plan that clearly outlines the strategy to ensure this vision and strengthens our voice. We look forward to unveiling this plan at the 2022 National Club Conference in Charleston, S.C.”
Cindy Vizza is NCA’s Vice President of Communications and editor of Club Director. She can be reached at 202-684-8751 or [email protected].
Mike’s Passions
Family: Michael has three children: a 24-year-old son that played football at University of Dayton, a daughter in her senior year at College of Charleston, and a 19-year-old son starting his sophomore year at Loyola University in Chicago. They also have three dogs.
Sports: He enjoys both skiing and golf, and when asked which he preferred if it was his last day on earth, he answered, “ski.”
“As much as I love golfing (and I really do!), I enjoy the serenity and challenge presented by skiing. Both are very similar, they challenge you, you can experience it with family and friends, regardless of their skill level, and both have one very basic rule: ‘don’t hit the trees!’”
Books: “Rocket Men” by Robert Kurson. “One of my favorites, this fascinating book is about the incredible bravery and courage shown by the crew of Apollo 8. What I found most fascinating was the way the Russians (who were obviously in a race against the United States to see who would be the first to the moon) showed admiration and respect to the crew and what they were able to accomplish. The astronauts of the two countries put their differences aside because they knew the risks, dangers and incredible skills it took to pull off such an accomplishment.”
Another favorite book is “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight. “His persistence and endurance to start and bring Nike to life and its overall success was truly fascinating. It was a remarkable example of the American dream and the fortitude, commitment and passion it takes to be successful at whatever drives us.”
Travel: Italy is, understandably, a favorite destination—especially with family members. “In 2017, I had the privilege of taking my kids, niece and mom to Italy where we celebrated my children’s birthdays, my niece’s high school graduation and my own 50th birthday. My mom came along because without her, none of us would be having birthdays.
“Two years later, I had a chance to surprise my mom with her own trip to celebrate her 85th birthday (this trip my sister got to go). It was magical to see my own kids reconnect with their ancestry and meet family members that live in Italy whom they had never met but bond with them as if they’ve known each other their whole lives. Setting the foundation for them to continue important, family relationships like that means the world.”
Read Bruni’s account of preparing for the BMW Championship in our Fall 2020 Issue of Club Director. Scan the QR code to access it.
Tournament Chair Michael Bruni Steered BMW Championship Through a Pandemic
By John Kaczkowski
Western Golf Association’s relationship with Olympia Fields Country Club dates back 100 years to when the club hosted its first Western Open in 1920. That tournament was conducted just months after the nation declared victory over the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic.
In 2020, the event—now the BMW Championship—returned to Olympia Fields, marking the prestigious Chicago-area club’s 100th anniversary of hosting championship tournaments. It would not have been possible without the leadership, creativity and hard work of Tournament Chairman Mike Bruni.
Just as preparations were put into high gear to host this world-class event, history repeated itself with a new pandemic. During weeks of shifting scenarios and general uncertainty, Mike’s steady hand helped make sure the Olympia Fields members never wavered.
He rallied the membership to focus on the spirit of the championship—and its charitable beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation. The result was a championship that was tough and fair. We congratulated a worthy champion in Jon Rahm, who went on to win the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California.
Mike provided invaluable expertise and insight as we planned for the 2020 BMW Championship, the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs.
Without spectators, he knew that the Western Golf Associations’ Evans Scholars Foundation would lose millions of dollars. He inspired the Olympia Fields members to give our cause their full support, asking select ticket buyers, sponsors and fellow club members to donate to the Evans Scholars Foundation rather than receive a refund.
Thanks to Mike’s influence, Olympia Fields members raised nearly $500,000 for the Sam DiGiovanni Endowed Evans Scholarship—named in memory of a beloved member of the Olympia Fields Country Club community and a past WGA Chairman.
As Mike noted at the end of a successful championship week, we were able to crown a champion, honor a great man’s legacy and send more caddies to college. What could be better than that?
John Kaczkowski is president and CEO of Western Golf Association. He can be reached at 847–724-4600.