1. What are you most looking forward to in your new role as General Manager? 

I truly believe I was put on this earth to make a positive impact on the lives of others. What really energizes me is the opportunity to build something extraordinary while leading our remarkable team. It’s immensely fulfilling to see how our collective efforts directly enhance people’s lives.

Leadership is a big responsibility, and it’s not for everyone. When you are placed into a position of leadership, your actions can affect the trajectory of someone’s life and career for a very long time – in a good or bad way. I want everyone here who is entrusted to our care to thrive – both our staff and our members. 

2. You bring over 20 years of experience in club leadership to The Ford. What initially drew you to this community, and how do you see your expertise shaping the future here? 

We moved to the Lowcountry in 2017 from Arizona. I had always known of The Ford, but I had never been to the property until a few years ago. One of my good friends was a long-time former Ford employee, James Scott, who now is General Manager of a club in the Bahamas, and he would always rave about The Ford. 

When I finally visited The Ford a few years ago, it was love at first sight. It was one of those “when you know, you know” moments, which I’m sure a lot of members here felt, too. It’s something you can only feel by experiencing the property.

3. What stands out to you about The Ford’s membership?

The Ford’s membership is the most committed group of like-minded people I’ve experienced in my career. The membership here “gets it” and wants to be a good steward of this historic property and to protect the sense of community and culture. 

My role is to be their partner in the mission to protect and enhance this property and culture so this beautiful place remains the finest coastal sporting community in the country. We’re looking forward to the Amenity Upgrade Initiative, which is a $22.5 million transformation of our already exceptional lifestyle offerings, and it will exceed all expectations. I’m with the members every step of the way in this journey. 

4. What sets The Ford apart from other coastal sporting communities in the southeast? 

I’m preaching to the choir here, but everyone here knows there’s nothing like this place. It’s not just a residential community. It’s a true private club that happens to also have houses. It has just about everything you could want. And, unlike other places, we have history, which means we also have the responsibility to protect that history. 

A huge differentiating factor is the low-density membership model. While most communities in the Southeast are experiencing major amenity and golf tee time compaction issues, The Ford does not and will not ever experience these frustrating issues. Members here have free reign access to the natural beauty and year-round recreation that this remarkable property presents. 

5. You’re one of only 22 CFOs in the country who is also a Certified Club Manager. How does this dual expertise benefit The Ford and its members? 

The Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation is essentially the equivalent of a PhD in club management. It takes most people nearly a decade to earn. It encompasses numerous expertise criteria for golf operations, F&B management, finance, accounting, HR, marketing, communications, governance, technologies, fitness and wellness, leadership and more. The CCM designation is the industry’s hallmark credential of experience and knowledge, and it validates one’s skillset to be well-rounded enough to manage a complex business organization. 

At the end of the day, The Ford is a multi-million dollar business with numerous business outlets, generating about $24 million in gross revenue (operating and capital) between the Club and the POA. The community itself also has over $60 million in assets to maintain and protect. We owe it to all member constituents to be responsible stewards and to operate the property in a manner that is fiscally responsible while also maintaining high standards of quality and member services. 

Having a strong financial background and understanding of the underlying business helps to not only run the business but also be a teacher and developer to our team so they are highly astute business operators. 

6. As an Associate of the PGA of America, how do you plan to enhance the golfing experience at The Ford? 

Golf has been my love from a young age, and I’ve been a competitive golfer my entire life. I was a +1 handicap by age 16, and I still can shoot par after age 40 despite not having much time to play anymore. I see the golf experience and the course through the lens of a player and as someone with a high golf IQ. I’ve been fortunate to work at, and also experience, great golf courses and tournaments in my career – taking away tidbits of best practices from each property and understanding what an extraordinary member golf tournament can and should be. Our Director of Golf David Engram, Head Pro Pete Vitiello and I all share a vision for enhancing programming and our marquee golf tournaments. 

7. You’re known for developing high-performance Club cultures. What does this mean to you, and how do you plan to foster this at The Ford? 

It boils down to prioritizing people, and understanding what leadership means. My job as a leader is to shepherd and steward the lives of others so they can be a better version of themselves, so they can grow and develop, and ultimately to build up the next generation of leaders. 

At my previous club, I had the honor to lead nearly 400 employees. I was shown the results of our employee engagement survey before being recruited for The Ford, and it brought me to tears. 99% of the employees checked ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’ to the question: “I am proud to work here, and leadership cares and provides me the tools and development opportunities to succeed.” 

I wake up every day wanting to influence and inspire everyone at The Ford to be their best. I will give everything I have to our team so they can be successful. 

8. You’re slated for the 2024-2025 HFTP Global Board of Directors. How do you think this role will inform your leadership at The Ford? 

HFTP is the leading organization for global leaders in hospitality finance. The organization includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, technology companies and private clubs. I was asked to serve on the board to represent the global private club industry and help shape initiatives to improve the private club industry from a financial management and technology perspective. 

9. The Ford is known for its commitment to family and community. How do you plan to integrate your professional expertise with these core values? 

I felt it on my first day on the property. It’s one of The Ford’s biggest assets and strengths, and it’s something that needs to be guarded closely. The reality is most golf & lifestyle communities have 600-1200 homes, which means thousands of people. When you have that many people, it’s more challenging for the alignment of ideals. 

The Ford is unique in that our small membership base leads to more of a family environment and sense of community. I’m a huge culture guy, and I also believe our staff is integrated into the community as a part of The Ford family. You’ll see an uptick in our programming, for all ages, to provide opportunities for connection with each other all across the campus. 

10. Outside of your professional life, how do you enjoy spending time in the Lowcountry? 

When time permits, golf is always and has always been my love. You will periodically see me hitting some balls on the range in the early evenings. I’d like to join the Blitz every once in a while and spend some time with more members. My family and I like to get out on the boat and explore the waterways in the area, seeing all the bottlenose dolphins.

Our daughters both play on traveling soccer teams, so often my days off include taking the girls to soccer matches across Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. I also enjoy fishing (I need to get Cason to take me out!) and so do our daughters. What does that Trace Adkins song say about taking his daughter out on the boat? “She ain’t even thinkin’ ’bout what’s really goin’ on right now, but I guarantee this memory’s a big’un. And she thinks we’re just fishin’, yeah, aw, she thinks we’re just fishin’, and we ain’t only fishin’.”

11. Lastly, what’s one thing about The Ford that has surprised or delighted you since joining the team? 

I’ve touched on this in a few previous questions, but The Ford is different (in a good way) from every club and community I’ve been a part of in the past. There is a level of respect, decorum and kindness that is elevated at The Ford. The Ford obviously is a beautiful place with a fascinating history, but it’s the people at The Ford that make it remarkable. I come to work every day excited to be with the people here. It’s comforting. 

The Ford Field & River Club makes headlines in Luxury Magazine’s Summer issue, featuring the publication’s annual Home Guide. In a story titled “Forever Homes,” writer Irene Rawlings speaks to the allure affluent buyers have for a forever ‘escape home’ and the trending shift toward making one’s summer home in the country a primary home base.

Rawlings recommends The Ford for families seeking the “less stressful, more relaxing pace of life offered by living in the [low]country.” She adds: “[The Ford] offer[s] both adventure and culture, giving homeowners the option of not having to choose so starkly between the excitement of the city and the restorative powers of nature.”

Speaking on the many amenities at The Ford, Rawlings mentions: “Of course, bring your horse. The Equestrian Center is a full-service boarding facility set across seven lush acres. Kids’ programs include day camp, trail rides, expert-led archery, and shooting tutorials, supervised fishing excursions plus golf, tennis, and pickleball clinics.”

Read the full article here. See why living at The Ford is meant for you. View available listings and schedule a tour of The Ford Field & River Club today.

We are honored to have Bonneau back working with The Ford alongside Dimitri and Nick Cassini, members of The Ford and Managing Partners of the Development Group. In the video above, Bonneau gives an up-close look inside 120 Riceland Way within The Ford’s newly expanded Silk Hope enclave (the home sold not long after its video debut for $1.15M). The neighboring home at 96 Riceland Way is complete and available for sale—click here to learn more. Bonneau also takes viewers to a few of his favorite amenity spaces at The Ford: the private Deepwater Marina and Pete Dye Golf Course. 

Now is the perfect time to experience The Ford Field & River Club and tour available properties. 

Contact Danielle Hopper at [email protected] or 912.756.5614 to arrange a Discovery Visit.