Inside Wendy Cash's Dynamic Jeopardy! Initiative at The Country Club of Virginia

Written by Justine Gray

Enhancing staff training and deepening product knowledge can significantly move the needle on the experience your shop offers to members and guests. Wendy Cash, Director of Retail at The Country Club of Virginia, graciously shared an innovative initiative she employs to foster engagement and continuous learning among her team — infused with an element of spirited competition.

A man and a woman posing for a photo in front of a large digital "Jeopardy!" game board displayed on a screen. The woman on the left is wearing a blue sweatshirt, jeans, and a patterned face mask, while the man on the right is wearing a blue blazer, a grey polo shirt, and tan trousers. The game board behind them features various categories and point values ranging from $200 to $1000.

Wendy orchestrates a lively rendition of Jeopardy! tailored for her staff, “I run this game as the kick-off of our season when all staff is on board,” Wendy explains. “It is a fun party with the game and pizza. Nice way to see everyone again and a fun way to get the staff back into ‘thinking mode.’”

The game features diverse categories such as “Know Your Pro” and “If the Shoe Fits,” spanning an array of topics encompassing facility-specific events, product knowledge, and delightful staff-specific trivia. Wendy elaborates on the product knowledge categories: “If the Shoe Fits is to help with shoe sales so the team will know about size, waterproof, warranty, etc. Papa Has a New Bag is all about bag knowledge. Lightest bag, warranty, waterproof, best-seller, etc. It Is a Sun Shiny Day focuses on sun protection. What does SPF mean, which polos in the shop are SPF, is the lip balm SPF, warranty on the sunglasses, etc.”

The other categories are equally enriching as they include questions the staff should know, as Wendy notes, “members call every day with the questions used.” Embracing the competitive spirit, Wendy’s team eagerly tackles the challenge, contributing to the resounding success of this interactive endeavor. Notably, participants vie for coveted prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the mix.

“The biggest impact is the learning,” Wendy emphasizes. “I, as a Manager, see where I need to train more, and it impacts the staff on things they should know.” This dynamic initiative serves as a great motivator, with gift card prizes awaiting the winners. Moreover, it sets the tone for ongoing engagement, as Wendy mentions, “just a fun way to kick things off and monthly games to follow during the season.”

A "Daily Double" clue from a Jeopardy-style game. The screen is blue with white text that reads, "DAILY DOUBLE: How much does Jack charge for a junior 30 minute lesson?" At the top, it indicates "CATEGORY 3 • $600." The background features a retro synthwave aesthetic with a starry purple sky and a blue grid floor.

Wendy’s innovative approach not only enhances staff knowledge and engagement but also sets a vibrant tone for the entire season, fostering a culture of continuous learning and teamwork at The Country Club of Virginia.

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