Brian Keelan
General Manager
Brian officially joined Highport Marina in July of 2014, and his passion for providing the ultimate lake-living experience was immediately known by everyone he met. For close to two decades, Brian served as a club management executive with entities such as Prestonwood Golf Club, and served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Texas Lone Star Chapter of Club Managers Association of America.
His sole goal, and successful accomplishment in each of his past leadership positions, is to create a service standard beyond the membership’s expectations. He accomplishes this, in part, through a management style that instills a sense of personal pride in performance throughout his workforce.
What about your management style will drive success at Highport?
I walked into the marina with a passion to provide unprecedented service – taking care of our members to ensure their experience is nothing less than stellar. To do that, I believe you have to be out with the members, talking with them, seeing them experience the service firsthand, and listening to their ideas. You’ll find me most often visiting with members and working with our employees.
What about your career are you the most proud of?
I’m proud to say that I have worked in the service industry since I was 13 years old – my first job was washing dishes at an Italian restaurant in Ohio. I have been hooked ever since. I most recently served as the Vice President and General Manager of Prestonwood Golf Club. You can ask any club member there, and they’ll tell you about my passion for excellence in member service and communication. In this industry, if you’re not serving the members and their needs first, you fail. I’m proud to say I’ve been very successful in that area.
Are there other members of the Keelan clan we will see at Highport?
Of course! My family is so excited to get to know everyone at Highport. My wife, Lisa, and I have been married for 24 years. We met in the service industry years ago, and Lisa is still passionate about customer service as office manager for a catering company. Our kids – Michael, 14 and Katherine, 12 – enjoy sports and school activities and can’t wait to spend more time at the lake. Last but not least – Gabby and Snoops, our rescue pups, will join the ranks of the Highport Hounds in weeks to come.
If we walked into your office, would we see neatly labeled files or the ever-popular stacks of paper filing system?
That’s an interesting question. Sure, I’m an organized person, but I just don’t spend much time in the office. Around here, you’ll see me out walking the docks – talking with employees and members, getting to know them and talking about how to make sure Highport stays the premier marina on Lake Texoma. Offices are for the suits!
What would someone be surprised to know about you?
I wake up many Sunday mornings at 6:00 am to watch Formula One auto racing live. Since they race in Europe, the time difference is brutal – but so worth it to me! Are there any other Formula One fans out there? Come by and say hello!
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
I would say Jack Nicklaus. I’ve met a few senators and sports celebrities, but I think The Golden Bear trumps them all! The coolest celebrity I’ve met is Mike Modano. My son plays hockey – he idolizes him, and proudly wears his number – 9 – on his jersey! Also, I had the pleasure of playing golf with a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Sal Giunta–that was awesome.