Nick's Letter to Staff

May 6, 2020


CCB Team,

I am honored to be joining the team here at the Country Club of Buffalo.  When offered the position in January the COVID-19 pandemic had not escalated to the levels we are seeing now.  I did not envision starting at the Club with very little activity.  In normal times I would be walking the Club’s buildings and grounds and getting to know each of you.  Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, that is not possible but I look forward to meeting each of you in person upon returning to normal operations.  

In the spring of 2003 Tom Abt hired me to tend bar despite my relative lack of experience.  The relationships I built with fellow staff, and members, over the first year inspired me to change my major and pursue a career in Club Management.  After graduating in the spring of 2006, I spent several months helping a friend open a bar on the corner of Chippewa and Delaware while continuing to work at CCB.  It did not take long to realize I was not cut out for the downtown scene, and I began pursuing entry level jobs in Club Management.  Since then I have had the opportunity to lead teams at several top clubs in Atlanta, Georgia and Cleveland, Ohio, but my heart has always been at home here in Buffalo.  My dream has been to return to CCB as General Manager when the opportunity presented itself.  I am grateful for the opportunity to live my dream and will work tirelessly to support you achieving yours, regardless of the benefit to CCB.

I expect professionalism and attention to detail in all that we do here at the Club.  We will strive for perfection in all areas of the Club.  I understand we will fall short occasionally, and there is no shame in that as long as we take responsibility for where we can be better and learn from our mistakes.  We are in the hospitality business, and I expect gracious, member-focus service even from those who do not regularly interact with members.  With that said, respect for your teammates is vital.  We must be kind and helpful to each other.  I want to emphasize that I am joining a TEAM here at CCB.  No duty is beneath any position as we are all here for the same purpose – to make the members happy.  Please ask me for help when you need it, I am willing and able.  I will not overstep my bounds, and trust you each to carry out your role to the best of your abilities.  Also, I encourage you to teach me about what you do.  Although I spent time working here many years ago, I do not know most of what we do today and am anxious to learn.  Lastly, I encourage healthy confrontation – challenging each other, including me, helps us improve as long as it is done in a non-personal, non-confrontational way.  

We are closely monitoring the state and federal regulations which are changing often.  As soon as we are allowed to reopen amenities, and can do so safely, we will.  I want to thank all of you for your patience and we manage through these uncertain times.  For those who have been working throughout thank you for your dedication the Club, it does not go unnoticed.  We will continue to stay in contact with each of you, and if you have any specific questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Department Head, or myself at nmarkel@ccofbuffalo.org.  

Again, I look forward to meeting you all, and to working together to make special memories for the members of the Country Club of Buffalo.  Until then stay safe, and focus on staying well.


All the best,


Nick Markel

General Manager/COO