Corporate Biographies

 Jeff’s ability to recognize the needs of the customer, the trends of the golf course and housing industry, and the pulse of the economy, has enabled the WGM team to provide their properties with sound advice regarding both long and short-term financing, and realistic goals in regards to return on investment and cash management.

Jeff’s innovative thinking and down-to-earth attitude have been instrumental in the success and development of the construction management and agronomic sector of the Walters Golf Management entrée.

Jeff often speaks at regional and national golf conferences, serves on the advisory board of Midland States Bank of Chesterfield, and has served as co-host on the popular sports radio talk show, “Fairways & Greens”, which has aired since 1992 and broadcasts annually from some of the most prestigious events in America.

Jeff is well-known for his philosophy that “you are often judged on the last project you completed”. His ability to manage and market projects undertaken by WGM has provided good insurance that WGM will be judged well. New business development, as well as the ongoing oversight of the properties managed by WGM, continues to provide challenges for Jeff that “make it exciting to head to the golf course early everyday with or without my clubs”.

Lucy has been instrumental in the development of all of the properties managed by WGM today, including decorating the clubhouses at Sunset Hills Country Club, Innsbrook Resort, Whitmoor Country Club, and The Links of Dardenne. She was instrumental in the design and development of Whitmoor’s fitness facility, which opened in 2004. If you have taken a tour of any of these facilities, you will see that she has a true gift for seeing that the needs of the customer are not just met, but exceeded. This same level of attention to detail and expectation of the highest standards is obvious in any of the WGM properties past & present.

In addition to her commitment to exceeding the customer’s expectations with the highest standards in the industry, Lucy has been instrumental in the development of standardized administrative policies and procedures throughout the WGM properties, including property, liability, and workmen’s compensation insurance, health insurance benefits, employee handbooks, employee screening, and HR training to all managers on an annual basis.

In 2008, Lucy and her partner, Jeff Smith, took ownership of WGM. Today, she serves as President & Principal Partner of WGM. In April of 2013, Lucy and Jeff welcomed the addition of partners Aaron Gleason and Kelli Kirchoff, who have been previous employees of WGM. Which, again, is a testament to WGM’s philosophy of promotion from within.

Lucy recently led the entire renovation process of the formal dining operation at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, Illinois. In conjunction with the Sunset Hills Board of Directors and House Committee, Lucy’s vision, drive and determination resulted in the unveiling of Sunset’s Bistro venue that has doubled it’s food and beverage sales since the grand opening in April of 2013. In May of 2013, Lucy was awarded the honor of being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Business Women in St. Louis. For her charitable work with The First Tee of Greater St. Louis, Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis, and professional advancement over the last 15 years, Lucy took her place among this illustrious group of women.

Lucy has actively served on the Board for both First Tee of Greater St. Louis and Boys Hope Girls Hope. Her talents have earned her the opportunity to be the first woman to Chair the annual golf events for both organizations. After dutifully serving for three years with Boys Hope Girls Hope, Lucy retired from her position as Director in June of 2014. Today, she still serves as Director for First Tee of Greater St. Louis. Lucy is also a current member of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), and has served in the past as president of the St. Louis CMAA Chapter.

In 2003, Aaron moved to another WGM facility, Gateway National Golf Links, where he assumed the role of Head Golf Professional overseeing the facility’s entire golf operation. In his 3 years at Gateway, Aaron was instrumental in improving efficiencies and increasing revenue at that property. Aaron also focused his efforts to enhance staff training and development. He firmly believes that “you are only as good as the staff you surround yourself with.” Aaron’s ability to manage and motivate continues to be among his greatest assets. As his past Assistant Golf Professionals will attest, Aaron’s mentorship has been invaluable.

Golf has been a part of Aaron’s life for more than 20 years. From playing competitive junior golf at the national level to winning the Missouri State 5A High School Championship in 1992, Aaron’s successes led to playing Division I college golf at The University of Southern Mississippi. At Southern Miss, he studied business management and marketing.

Aaron began his career with WGM in 1999 as the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at The Missouri Bluffs Golf Club and rapidly worked his way to Co-Head Golf Professional with responsibilities for membership and tournament activity. During his tenure at The Missouri Bluffs he attained his PGA Class A Membership and spearheaded several ventures ranging from the privatization of the facility to various information technology (IT) related projects.

In 2003, Aaron moved to another WGM facility, Gateway National Golf Links, where he assumed the role of Head Golf Professional overseeing the facility’s entire golf operation. In his 3 years at Gateway, Aaron was instrumental in improving efficiencies and increasing revenue at that property. Aaron also focused his efforts to enhance staff training and development. He firmly believes that “you are only as good as the staff you surround yourself with.” Aaron’s ability to manage and motivate continues to be among his greatest assets. As his past Assistant Golf Professionals will attest, Aaron’s mentorship has been invaluable.

Kelli’s professional experience coupled with her extensive golf background make her uniquely qualified to serve as our Partner / CFO. In this role, Kelli manages both the accounting staff and financial statements of each WGM property to maintain an efficient operation.

Denis currently owns and operates Agro-Logics, LLC, a turf management company, and provides consulting to all of the WGM properties.

Denis’s dedication and persistent, quiet manner have made him an undeniable asset to the Walters Golf Management group.