KemperSports

We are excited to share that KemperSports has been recognized as one of Crain's Chicago Business' 2024 Best Places to Work! This is a true testament to our family culture, our love for what we do and our commitment to creating opportunities that allow our team members to grow and succeed. Super grateful for everyone within the KemperSports family who helped us earn this recognition. Interested in a career with KemperSports? Visit kempersports.com/careers. #ThisIsKemperSports

🏆 Emil Esposito Golf Professional of the Year: Holly Hills Country Club's Andrew Blockinger In two short years, Holly Hills Head Golf Professional Andrew Blockinger has transformed Holly Hills' golf program into a vibrant and inclusive cornerstone of the greater club community, completely revitalizing the golf offerings and building several programs from the ground up while also taking existing events and services to new heights. Notably, he's built a dynamic women's golf program comprised of tailored clinics, social outings and competitive events, fueling increased participation and greater engagement. He's also redefined what it means to be part of a true golf community, ensuring there's something for every member to enjoy and that golf is at the forefront of their overall club experience. According to his peers, he's had a bigger impact on Holly Hills than any head pro before him and truly exemplifies the values of this award's namesake, KemperSports and Illinois Section PGA Hall of Fame PGA Professional Emil Esposito, a man for whom golf is not simply a sport, but a way of life. Congratulations, Andrew! #ThisIsKemperSports

Kicking off this week's 2024 KSLC award winner highlights is Superintendent of the Year Jeff Gerdes of Bolingbrook Golf Club! A stalwart at Bolingbrook since it opened in 2002, Jeff has gained the reputation of being an exceptional and thoughtful leader who fosters collaboration and inspires others to bring their best to their job every day. Last year proved to be an incredibly memorable year for Bolingbrook, in large part thanks to Jeff's hard work and dedication to his craft. Not only did he keep the course in a condition to accommodate the most rounds in a single year, Jeff helped Bolingbrook successfully host LIV Golf's Individual Championship, earning the course high praise from players, fans and tournament organizers alike. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is also noteworthy as he's led Bolingbrook to become certified in all four levels of our Green to a Tee Program, as well as earn certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf. Each year, there's fierce competition for our Superintendent of the Year Award as we are grateful to work with the very best in the business, and Jeff both represents the very best of golf industry professionals and KemperSports. #ThisIsKemperSports

Just over two years ago, we launched our KemperSports Venues division aimed at bringing our more than four decades of experience in managing the country’s top golf courses, destinations and events to the growing youth sports and facilities market. Today, we proudly operate 17 youth sports facilities, with five more currently in development. Read more from Irving Mejia-Hilario of the Sports Business Journal on the exciting growth of KemperSports Venues and how we're uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional experiences and outstanding results in the years to come. #ThisIsKemperSports x #PlayYourPassion

Streamsong Resort Food and Beverage Manager Ira Freedman is a selfless and respected leader who pores himself into his teammates, helping them to grow in their respective roles and continuously seek improvement. In the face of Hurricane Milton, he stepped up and stayed on property to help the resort reopen safely and successfully. Outside of his own team, he's consistently singled out on surveys and remembered and recognized by guests for his palpable passion for hospitality and desire to create memorable dining experiences. Please join us in congratulating Ira on being awarded our Hospitality Professional of the Year! #ThisIsKemperSports

Big things are happening at Chambers Bay Golf Course as the Pierce County gem continues to make progress on its new food-and-drink hub, the Turnstand. Named for its location between the No. 1 and 10 tees and No. 9 and 18 greens, the Turnstand will replace the longstanding temporary building that's served the course since 2007 and offer a more robust menu and full bar for golfers and non-golfers alike to enjoy, as well as a front-row seat to one of Puget Sound's most picturesque views. Read the latest about this exciting project from The News Tribune below. #ThisIsKemperSports

Congratulations to Senior Regional Controller Michelle Choi as our winner of the Mady Lesnik Teammate of the Year Award, which is named for our co-founder Mady Lesnik, who since our inception has set the standard for consummate client service with grace, charm and dignity! Michelle embodies everything this award represents and goes above and beyond to ensure her clients and teammates receive exceptional service every single time. Last year proved to be a challenging year marked by staff turnover, but Michelle stepped up when the team needed her most to lead two extremely busy properties on top of balancing her own role and responsibilities. The definition of a team player, Michelle's unwavering commitment and dedication to KemperSports and our properties is simply unmatched, and we couldn't be more proud to call her one of our own. #ThisIsKemperSports

Last weekend, we celebrated the grand opening of five baseball and softball fields at The Land at Saraland as part of the exciting ongoing development of this state-of-the-art destination for sports, entertainment and recreation in the Gulf Coast region. Together with City of Saraland officials, community members, and construction and operations partners, we hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday night that included a ceremonial first pitch, tours of the facility and wiffle ball games for local kids. To properly commemorate the grand opening, 46 local youth baseball and softball teams played the first games on the fields on Saturday, where we welcomed over 2,500 players, coaches, families and fans. Yet another huge milestone in this amazing community project. Special thanks to everyone who has played a part in getting us to this point! #ThisIsKemperSports x #PlayYourPassion

Our Salesperson of the Year Award recognizes outstanding sales performance, marketing innovation and contributions to the company and local community. In 2024, Buffalo Creek Golf Club's Jennifer Cushman was a star across all of the award's criteria. Not only did she lead the charge in growing annual sales, she showcased an incredible willingness to learn and adapt in a new role and industry, helping Buffalo Creek to reshape its operational practices and procedures for the better. Jennifer's strong digital marketing strategy also yielded great results across several different KPIs, strengthening the club's reputation and ties with the local community. And the best part is her outstanding performance resulted in a well-deserved promotion at the end of the year where she will bring her proven work ethic, innovative approach and commitment to excellence to serve other properties across the KemperSports family in a sales and marketing role. Please join us in congratulating Jennifer Cushman as our 2024 Salesperson of the Year! #ThisIsKemperSports

Played across KemperSports properties since 2004, Safety National is a virtual 18-hole, par-72 golf game played four times over the course of the year with each hole designed as a safety goal. Each year at KSLC, we recognize our annual winner for the overall best score as well as the team with the most improved score. Congratulations to Bolingbrook Golf Club (pictures 2 & 3) for continuing their dynasty as our Safety National winner and Colwood Golf Center (first picture) for earning most improved! #ThisIsKemperSports