Prospective members often have reservations about private club renovations. They might wonder if the construction will change their club experience.
But for some members, joining a club in transition is the best time, because it gives them a chance to shape the club's evolution.
For Ron Marcotte, who joined Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club in 2000 while upgrades were underway, these questions became opportunities.
"We visited, and long story short, we fell in love with the place, met a lot of nice people," Ron recalls. Even with the ongoing changes at the club, Ron and his wife Ruth found a welcoming community.
What Ron couldn't have predicted was how joining during a transition period would accelerate his integration into the club.
As the club prepares for its most ambitious renovation yet—transforming the clubhouse over the next year and a half—Ron's story offers a different perspective for both current and prospective members. His journey from a corporate career at Boeing to retirement at Gulf Harbour demonstrates how periods of change often create some of the most rewarding club experiences.
Ron Marcotte didn't plan to join a club during renovations. A friend's invitation changed everything.
"We had a friend who moved down here, and we had a condo next to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. They were founding members, and they invited us down here to visit," he explains.
At the time, Ron was still working at Boeing, and investing in a membership felt like a significant commitment. He eventually purchased both a property and a membership, though he wouldn't become a full-time resident until years later.
"When I finally retired from Boeing in 2009, we had been members for eight years,” he says. “We asked, 'Where are we going to go?' Obviously, I'm going to go to Gulf Harbour because of the friends, because of the amenities."
The connections Ron formed during those initial years as a non-resident member proved powerful enough to make Gulf Harbour the first choice for retirement. Even as a part-time visitor experiencing the club during various improvement projects, he built relationships that would eventually become the foundation of his retirement lifestyle.
"It was just the right thing to do and we haven't looked back since," he adds.
"I gave back a little bit, being able to be part of some of the upgrades–the golf course, the wellness center, the tennis courts and all those kinds of things," he shares.
This service connected Ron deeply to the club's growth. He helped with major improvement projects that have defined Gulf Harbour's reputation for excellence.
"I was able to be a part of that improvement, so it's kind of fun," he reflects. By participating in planning, Ron found a deeper appreciation for the facilities.
The renovations he oversaw now attract new members.
"We have probably one of the most active tennis programs in Southwest Florida," he notes. "The best place to play is at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club. It's just got the best facilities, and they were redone from the ground up."
The golf course transformation gave a whole new experience. "Now, you've got a golf course that you're proud of and guests come and go, 'Wow,'" he explains.
The Harbourview Center for Sports and Wellness project showed such a different reaction once members saw the results.
"The wellness center was something that a lot of members didn't want to do, but when it was done, it was a huge attraction to new members, much more than they ever expected."
With the opportunity to help shape Gulf Harbour's future, Ron turned his membership into a meaningful leadership experience.
Ron now serves as an ambassador for Gulf Harbour's upcoming clubhouse renovation and finds himself leaning into change rather than fearing it.
"I kind of look at it a little differently," he says. "It's going to be something different. It'll be an adventure for a lot of people."
This positive outlook comes from witnessing how previous renovations transformed both the club's facilities and its appeal to new members. Each upgrade faced some hesitation at first, but strengthened the community in the end.
"In the end, thankfully, the majority want to see the club maintain its level of excellence," he acknowledges.
For those hesitating to join during the upcoming transition period, Ron advises patience.
"Be patient,” he says. “There will be some times where you wish it wasn't going on, but realize that the result will be fantastic."
His excitement for this project stems from seeing how previous improvements elevated Gulf Harbour's standing.
"This will be a club that everybody wants to join,” he adds. “It's still a great value within Southwest Florida. Probably the best value in my mind."
For Ron and Ruth, what began as a leap of faith joining a club in transition has evolved into a rich lifestyle, recreational opportunities and a sense of belonging. Their story shows that sometimes the best time to join isn't when everything is perfect.
"We can't imagine ever leaving," he says, reflecting on their 25-year journey at Gulf Harbour. His experience offers reassurance to anyone considering membership during the upcoming renovation: the temporary inconvenience may just lead to the most rewarding club experience.