Tippecanoe Hires Squire as General Manager
CANFIELD, Ohio — A Mahoning Valley native has returned to the area as the new general manager for Tippecanoe Country Club.
Trent Squire brings more than 30 years of professional experience in the food, beverage and hospitality industry to his new position as general manager of Tippecanoe, according to a company release. His hiring comes after a group of 70 club members raised $3 million to purchase and make improvements to the country club.
“We are excited to welcome Trent Squire and his family back to the Valley. With Trent’s experience in country club leadership positions and multimillion-dollar renovations of clubs, he is going to be an excellent asset to this community and the Tippy family,” said Joe Thomas, board president.
After graduating from Boardman High School in 1975, Squire attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York from 1976 to 1978. He began his career in Florida working as executive chef for a number of country clubs before coming back to the Mahoning Valley in 1990 as executive chef for Mr. P’s Café and Bakery.
He eventually went back to Florida for 24 years, holding positions such as director of food and beverage, as well as club general manager for a number of country clubs. During that time, he was involved in multiple clubhouse and golf course renovations, including a $21 million renovation at Delaire Country Club, according to the release.
He had come back to the region to accept the job at Tippecanoe.
“Part of wanting to return to the Valley was the excitement of what they’re trying to accomplish here. I see a great challenge which excites me on a personal and professional level,” Squire said. “We are very happy to return to our roots. My wife is from Pittsburgh and I’m from the Valley with family still living here. In addition, we are looking forward to the four seasons of weather here.”
Tippecanoe members, board and management are still working to design the plan for the club’s renovation. Squire will be involved in the early stages of the master plan, which includes renovations to the clubhouse, pool area, tennis courts and added outdoor dining space.
“From talking with the owners, my vision would be kind of a boutique traditional club, with exclusive membership and availability without having to wait in line, and maintaining easy access to the golf course and amenities by being mindful to a lower density experience,” he said. “The thought is to raise the bar of all amenities to create a fun family vibe and keep the golf course as special as it’s been since its inception.”
Tippecanoe Country Club opened in 1921 and features a golf course designed by renowned course architect Donald Ross. The investors raised the capital to purchase the club through the sale of 120 shares. In October, 95% of membership voted to approve the transaction.
The club has the capacity to sell 200 total shares. The goal is to attract a total of 275 golf memberships. There are about 200 today, while another 150 hold social memberships that have access to dining, the pool and tennis courts.
Related coverage:
July 29, 2020 | Investors Group to Take Ownership of Tippecanoe Country Club
Pictured: Trent Squire, general manager of Tippecanoe Country Club. (Image: Tippecanoe Country Club)
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
