Assistant Squash Pro
Required. Apply Within…
This is proving to be a difficult task. I knew it wasn’t
going to be easy to find an assistant pro, but I did expect some success last
year. So, on top of posting the job on the websites, I’m going to write a short
personal recommendation of why the DAC Assistant Squash Pro job is an
attractive position for the correct candidate.
There are 2 major hurdles that we need to overcome: 1. The
US work permit. 2. Getting someone to move to Detroit. I did receive a handful
of resumes last year when we initially posted the job, but 90% of them were
from outside of the country and unable to legally work. The DAC is not in the
position to arrange the work permit; it is something that is required when
applying. From the other 10% of applicants, all but one were simply not a fit
for our club. We were very interested in the one that was, but eventually – and
unfortunately for us - that person took a job elsewhere.
Detroit has a pretty awful reputation around North America.
When I moved here from Montreal over 10 years ago now, the members from that
club thought I was certifiably insane. And 10 years ago, the city was a mess.
But Detroit has undergone an enormous amount of change over this time, helped a
great deal by hosting the Superbowl in 2006 and the World Series in 2006 and
2012. Bankruptcy hit the city hard a couple of years ago, but it was the best
thing that could have happened, and now it is bouncing back with vast amounts
of investment, people moving back downtown, a resurgence of construction and
business’ opening, and when Mr. Illitch get’s his new Red Wings stadium up and
running, the downtown entertainment district will be virtually unmatched in the
country.
Now that’s not to say Detroit has eliminated its issues
(which city has?): crime, blight, infrastructure, road conditions… but we are
on an upswing, we are improving, and Detroit is ripe for investment and it’s an
exciting place to be. Especially for the sports nut – we have all 4 major
sports represented here.
And the DAC? We are smack in the middle of it. Located
across the road from the Detroit Tiger’s Stadium (Comerica Park) and Ford Field
were the Lions play, the new Red Wings arena will also be walking distance away;
we are in the heart of the action. The city’s renewed energy has boosted
membership greatly, we are scheduled to open a roof top restaurant on level 7
where you would be able to watch the baseball game, and the DAC is one of the
highest ranked and most beautiful Athletic Clubs in the country.
The squash portion has 4 singles squash courts and 1
doubles. And we are jammed. Demand for more courts is a terrific problem to
have and that issue will in time be addressed. Court usage is at an all time
high, the number of players is at an all time high, the demand for lessons is –
you guessed it – at an all time high. Currently there is only one squash pro –
me. The program is a monster and is getting too big for one person to handle.
In short, I need help.
I have worked in many countries and places around the world,
and nothing comes close to matching the DAC. Quality, cleanliness,
professionalism. The right candidate has the potential to do very well here.
Weekend lessons are available and in demand, building a junior program that we
currently do not have, doubles lessons if you are qualified, camps, and any
programs that you may wish to employ and fit into the schedule. It’s a full
time gig. We run a lot of leagues, ladders, tournaments, and help will be
required as well with these activities. Wage will be based on experience, and
you can also earn money through lessons and camps.
You will also have the pleasure of living in one of the most
under-estimated cities in America. Detroit is a wonderful place to live.
Cheaper than most, passionate people, and like me, you will grow to love the place.
If you think you have what we are looking for (and you have
a valid US work permit!) please forward your resume to mickj@thedac.com .
