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EXECUTIVE VIEW
ment of junior players and making them ready
either for college level or professional, but more
importantly to get them up and running for real
life.Hockey is a good school for a lot of things.
And there is one other aspect of CCM, our horse
performance company, CCMH.We own and breed
equestrian jumping horses. It’s probably the most
expensive hobby of the wealthiest people in the
world. I spend a big part of my day with the stable
manager, and time with the breeder.We have a
few clients which we cater to, and it all goes back
to the same thing, providing high-end services–
mainly in the golf and club industries, but also as
it relates to any sports activities.
LS:
Tell us about your typical day, are you an
‘office’ person?
PT:
It’s an interesting question. Breakfast is
at eight o’clock every day at the same place.My
senior managers are always invited to come and
talk about issues in a very casual format. I learned
it frommy Dad,who used to do the same thing at
his hotels. Sometimes there is one person, some-
times eight people and we just chit-chat about
things.Mornings are spent in myoffice talking to
myassistant,or in organizational meetings.Lunch is
always around a businessmeeting–with potential
clients,senior managers,mybank–it’s a culture in
the U.S.which is very trendy for whatever reason.
Afternoons are spent discussing howto acquire new
customers,preparing board documents for clubs we
represent,and talking tomyCFOand controllers
about different issues.
I’mat the office two or three full days aweek,
making surewemanage it properly,that we follow
rules and regulations,and stay in constant contact
with our customers.The other days I travel between
different clubs,or the stable,or with hockey,and I try
to takeweekends off.However,if a client comes in
andwants to talk,or if I have an opportunity–like
when I’mwatchingmydaughter ride or some of our
professional riders–I always end upmeetingwith
horse owners or companies.
LS:
Your business is all about catering to other
people’s whims.Howdo you chill?
PT:
I get mydowntime byplaying Peer League
Hockey; it’s what I look forward to–myTuesday,
Thursday, and Sunday line up.We’re all excited,
middle-aged,a little overweight (except Marcus)
guys,and it’s a highlight of theweek.You go to the
rink,see your friends,have a beer,do some exercise…
having been attached to that sport,and playing pro-
fessionally for so long,it’s difficult to get away.You
can playand enjoyhockeyuntil you almost die.It’s
fun, but more importantly it opens up your mind-
set.On my team,we have a great mix–from the
neurosurgeon, to the business owner, the elec-
trician, the plumber, the baker, the administrator
–everybody brings something to the table.And
everybody is the same in hockey gear. It’s a unique
camaraderie that helps us all relax and unwind.
Breakfast is at eight o’clock
every day at the same place.
My senior managers are al-
ways invited to come and talk
about issues in a very casual
format. I learned it frommy
Dad, who used to do the same
thing at his hotels. Sometimes
there is one person, some-
times eight people and we just
chit-chat about things.
Peter Tschernitz