Ronald A. Banaszak, Jr.
’95, Hospitality Management

Ronald Banaszak makes hospitality a science. His disciplined approached has earned him the position of general manager and chief operating officer of the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.

He has twice been designated a Certified Club Manager from the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and has been elevated to the status of Honor Society. He has been nominated for 2010 for the Board of Directors of the CMAA.

Banaszak entered the private club industry as a hospitality management student, accepting a post in the food and beverage department of a San Gabriel Valley private country club. He immediately fell in love with the field.

“The private club industry is what hospitality is all about,” he said. “It has been a wonderful career path.”

With Banaszak at the helm of a private club, there is a distinct emphasis on attention to guests’ needs and exceptional service. Banaszak is committed to the development of his staff to build high levels of professionalism and skill.

Banaszak credits his experience at Cal Poly Pomona for much of his success.

“The hands-on training at Cal Poly Pomona really makes a difference,” he said. “Although I have worked in the business since the age of 14, Cal Poly Pomona really helped put things in perspective. I still rely on what I learned in college, and I keep in touch with the professors and current students.”

Keeping close ties with the university, Banaszak served as president of The Collins College Alumni Chapter from 2000 to 2002. He recently hosted an alumni networking event for the college in San Francisco.

Banaszak makes time to discuss his success strategies with others. He has guest lectured several times at Cal Poly Pomona, Long Beach State and San Francisco State. He has also instructed managers and flag officers of the Yacht Racing Union of Southern California, Southern California Yachting Association and the Pacific Inter-coastal Yachting Association.

Sharing his message with his professional peers, Banaszak published articles in The Board Room magazine and Club Management magazine. This year, he was recognized as a “Top Gun” in the Club Management Industry by the Club Leaders Forum newsletter of John Sibbald and Associates.
  
Banaszak and his wife Jennifer have 4-year-old twins, Charlotte and Harrison, and a 10-month-old son, Hudson.