In her own words: Heather Olson of Montreux

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Montreux and the duties of your position.

Heather Olson: Montreux is a premier private golf and country club and gated community. The crown jewel of the course is the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. We also offer tennis, swimming, yoga, basketball, pilates, kids camps, social events and much more.

I primarily recruit new members to the club and retain our current members by working closely with the staff on creating value to our memberships. I make sure the current and new members are properly oriented to the club as we are constantly adding amenities and services that they might not be aware of. I also work on administration for the membership, newsletters, marketing and everything in between. My favorite has to be the 'field trips' I do with the members involving outdoor activities. It's a great way to introduce new members to each other with similar interests.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Olson: I have always been in the customer service and hospitality industries in some facet. I started at Montreux in the dining room and was quickly promoted to the special events coordinator. The position for the membership director became available and it was a natural transition to move into that position with my prior experience and a general knowledge of the club industry as a whole.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Olson: Communication is the key to everything. In order to be successful, you must consistently and positively communicate with your clients, members, fellow staff members and the general public.

NNBW: What's changed about your job with the recession?

Olson: The club industry as a whole is changing. We are seeing more working families with young children moving to the area and community looking for activities to suit their family needs rather than just dad heading out to golf. Time and money are precious now more than ever, and we are constantly adding new events and amenities to bring value to both.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Olson: My best friends and I all worked at a video store together when we were 16.

NNBW: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Olson: Staff golf tournaments are always fun, and skiing and biking with members ranks up there on my list. Just having a good laugh sometimes at daily events with members and fellow staff members keeps it fun.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Olson: Live in the now, who knows what tomorrow will bring.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work?

Olson: It is always serene to get out and play Montreux. I like to travel wherever I can go, whenever I can get away. I also enjoy kayaking, boating, snowmobiling and skiing, but my favorite would have to be bike riding, both mountain and road. Pretty much anything outdoors in the mountains and Lake Tahoe makes me happy.

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Olson: I would take more chances earlier in life. I took a lot, but I would take even more!

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Olson: Ask me again when I have enough money to retire! If I had enough money to travel the world, yes. If I had only enough to just sit around not work, then no. That would be boring.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Olson: I went home to Vancouver last summer to watch the Canucks win the Stanley Cup, but that ultimately never happened maybe this year!

NNBW: Why do you choose to work and live in northern Nevada?

Olson: I came here for a brief stint from Vancouver and I never left. I like the weather in northern Nevada with all four seasons with barely any rain! The mountains, rivers and lakes provide exceptional outdoor activities all year long. There is virtually no traffic, and the airport is hands-down the easiest airport to travel through. I am truly lucky to drive up Mt. Rose Highway and come to work at this beautiful facility every week there's nothing like the stunning views of Mt. Rose and the 18th green while simply having lunch.

The basics:

Name: Heather Olson, membership director of Montreux Golf & Country Club

Number of years in this job? 7

Number of years in this profession? 11

Education: Maple Ridge High School, Certified Marketing Professional through Professional Club Marketing Association

Last books read? "Clan of the Cave Bears" by Jean M. Auel, "Fall on Your Knees" by Ann-Marie MacDonald

Favorite movie? Grease

What's on your iPod? A little bit of everything, but mostly old-school Hip Hop and Rock-n-Roll. I have playlists for riding the Flume Trail, workouts, relaxing and my newest playlist is my "Theme songs for 2012."

Spouse, kids or pets? Two Yorkshire terriers, Barney and Daisy.

Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call (775) 850-2146.