MEET THE GANG.
We love it here in Northern Michigan. Many of our team were born here. The rest of us got here as fast as we could. Together, we enjoy treating our guests to good times and great golf, food, drink and music.
MEET THE OWNERS
Mike Sheldon grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and spent summers in northern Michigan. After a long stint in the ad business Mike retired. After a couple years he got bored (turns out he’s a horrible golfer, gardener, woodworker and is a tad ADD) and decided to build his dream. His wife Gina is a California native who had a long career at MTV (at a time when a flock of seagulls didn’t conjure thoughts of getting pooped on). Their two adult kiddies still live in CA and don’t call anywhere near enough.
MIKE AND GINA LIVE IN LAKE LEELANAU
MEET THE PARTNER
Chuck Damman, a high school friend of Mike’s has been helping since day one. Chuck’s a human YouTube video knowledgeable about every aspect of construction, project management and power tools. He also walks super-fast. Can’t spell for crap but whatever. Bottom line, without Chuck, RCGA would still be a PowerPoint presentation.
CHUCK DAMMAN
MEET THE TEAM
MATT MIILU
Matt Miilu kicked off his culinary escapades in Harbor Springs, where he honed his skills as a kitchen ninja. He then leveled up to Executive Chef at Arcadia Bluffs and Chef De Cuisine at Crystal Mountain, conquering the food service world one dish at a time. He thrives on the high-octane chaos of the kitchen and the relentless demands of the culinary battlefield.
When he’s not orchestrating gastronomic masterpieces, you can find Matt living his best life outdoors at his homestead, hanging out with his wife, son, and two dogs—probably teaching them how to sauté or chase squirrels.
STEPHEN BROTSCHUL
Stephen Brotschul is General Manager of River Club Glen Arbor where he artfully manages a bazillion part time employees, a virtual mountain of administration duties and most importantly making sure guests have fun. Stephen also co-owns a restaurant in Maple City and spent over 20 years in leadership positions in the world of independent boarding schools. This unique background creates the perfect skillset to deliver impeccable service while keeping all our toys from flying out of the crib.
NICK PALMER
Nick’s lived in Northern Michigan his whole life. His family had a restaurant called “Palmer’s Place” in Gaylord. Live music and three bars caused the young fella to fall in love with food and music. Besides making a bad-ass burrito, Nick’s an decent guitar and bass player (Eddie and Flea have nothing to fear…especially Eddie). Nick’s other love is humor… In his words “laughing makes life so much better.” Nick was a Sous Chef at Arcadia Bluffs and Chef de Cuisine at The Thistle at Crystal Mountain. He’s been cooking with Chef Matt for ten years and they’ve seen it all! Nick lives with two dudes named Kirk and Greg. They are dogs. By the way, he’s single (and ready to mingle).
KEVIN THE BEAR
Kevin the Bear is our fun-loving, beverage-tipping mascot who personifies River Club’s laid back style and penchant for a little partying. Kevin reminds us all not to take ourselves too seriously…except when it’s that short putt on the final mini golf hole when everyone’s watching.
