We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paul Kornfeind a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paul thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our Mission: Timeless Values in a Changing City
The mission of The Austin Club is simple yet profound: to foster fellowship, celebrate civic engagement, and provide a refined atmosphere where tradition meets progress. In a fast-changing city, we offer a sense of continuity — a space where leaders, families, professionals, and visionaries can connect across generations.

We serve as a hub for legislative events, elegant weddings, fine dining, business networking, and cultural enrichment. And we do so with a hospitality standard rooted in genuine relationships and personalized service. At our core, we are more than a club — we are a community.

As someone who has dedicated my career to private club leadership, I can honestly say that The Austin Club is unlike any place I’ve ever served. The magic here lies in the balance — the balance between reverence and innovation, between social connection and professional poise, between preserving the past and embracing the future.

What drives me is not just managing a historic club — it’s mentoring young professionals, working alongside a dedicated team, curating unforgettable member experiences, and ensuring that the legacy of The Austin Club is not only protected but elevated.

My passion is fueled by our members, our mission, and the meaningful role we play in Austin’s civic and cultural life. Whether it’s hosting a legislative reception, a black-tie gala, or a simple lunch between old friends, there’s a deeper purpose in everything we do. We’re writing the next chapter of a story that began in 1878 — and I’m honored to help lead the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself and the incredible institution I’m proud to lead.

My name is Paul Kornfeind, and I have the privilege of serving as the General Manager of The Austin Club, located in the historic Millett Opera House in downtown Austin. I’ve spent my entire professional life in the private club and hospitality industry, and I’m one of only a handful of people in the country to hold the Master Club Manager (MCM) designation, in addition to being a Certified Club Manager (CCM) and Certified Chief Executive (CCE). That background reflects my lifelong commitment to excellence in service, leadership, and building meaningful communities.

I didn’t just fall into this industry — I was drawn to it because I love people, tradition, and the art of creating exceptional experiences. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of leading some of the country’s finest clubs. But when my wife and I moved to Austin to be closer to our grandson, Sebastian, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact in our new city. The Austin Club, with its rich history, civic importance, and passionate membership, offered exactly that opportunity.

The Austin Club provides a unique blend of products and services: fine dining, elegant private event spaces, legislative receptions, networking opportunities, and curated cultural programming — all within the walls of one of Austin’s most historic and architecturally significant buildings. But beyond the amenities, what we truly offer is connection — to tradition, to community, and to one another.

We solve a few key challenges for our members and guests. In a city that’s rapidly changing and growing, we offer a timeless refuge — a place where civility, history, and quality still matter. For business leaders and legislators, we provide a trusted venue for meaningful conversation. For couples, we offer an unforgettable wedding setting in a place that feels both grand and personal. For members, we foster a sense of belonging in a city that can often feel transient.

What sets us apart is our story and our soul. We are not just another event venue or dining club. We are stewards of a legacy that dates back to 1878. We operate with heart, we honor tradition, and we welcome innovation. Our staff is deeply committed to personalized service, and our members feel like extended family.

What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built and the renewed energy we’ve brought to this historic space. Under my leadership, we’ve modernized systems, launched new programming like themed dining nights and wine dinners, and initiated the Millett Legacy Campaign — a bold fundraising effort to secure the long-term future of the Opera House and Club. We’ve brought in new members, reinvigorated longtime ones, and strengthened our role as a cornerstone of Austin’s civic and cultural fabric.

For anyone considering membership, booking a special event, or supporting our preservation efforts, I want you to know this: We don’t just host events — we create lasting memories. We don’t just serve food — we deliver experiences that honor the past and elevate the present. And we don’t just open our doors — we open hearts, build relationships, and celebrate what makes Austin truly great.

I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself. And I’m excited to help write the next chapter of a legacy nearly 150 years in the making.

Any advice for managing a team?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, I believe it all starts with genuine leadership — not just giving direction, but offering purpose, clarity, and consistent support. People want to know that their work matters, that they’re seen, and that they’re part of something bigger than just a task list.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is this: culture starts at the top. If I want my team to show up with enthusiasm, professionalism, and heart, then I have to model that every single day. That means showing up early, rolling up my sleeves when needed, and celebrating wins both big and small.

Clear communication is critical. I make a point to be transparent about goals, challenges, and expectations, and I encourage input at all levels. People support what they help create, and morale thrives when people feel heard and valued.

Recognition is another key piece. A sincere thank-you goes a long way, but it’s even better when it’s specific and timely. I try to catch people doing things right and highlight their contributions — sometimes publicly in team meetings, sometimes quietly with a handwritten note or a quick hallway conversation.

Most of all, I try to foster a workplace where people feel proud of what they do and where they do it. At The Austin Club, we’re not just providing service — we’re preserving history, creating memories, and building community. When you connect your team to that kind of purpose, morale doesn’t have to be manufactured. It grows naturally.

Lastly, I always remind myself: leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about building trust, nurturing talent, and helping others shine.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came a few years ago — not in a boardroom or banquet hall, but in a moment of deep personal reflection.

After spending decades building my career in the private club industry, leading exceptional teams across the country, my wife Julie and I made a life-changing decision: we moved from Wisconsin to Texas to be closer to our first grandson, Sebastian. At the time, I was leaving behind a position, a community, and a reputation that had taken years to cultivate. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one.

Starting over in a new city at this stage of my career was humbling. I didn’t have a professional network in Austin. I didn’t have instant credibility. I had to earn it — all over again. It took grit, patience, and a lot of faith.

Eventually, I found my way to The Austin Club, a historic institution in need of renewed energy, strategic direction, and modern leadership. It was a perfect fit — not just for my skillset, but for my sense of purpose. The Club needed revitalization. The Millett Opera House needed preservation. And I needed a place to pour my passion and experience into something meaningful.

Resilience, for me, has always meant more than just pushing through hardship. It’s about reinvention. It’s about choosing growth over comfort. And it’s about staying anchored in what matters most — people, purpose, and progress.

Now, when I walk through the halls of this incredible building and hear the laughter of members, see the pride in our team, and watch my grandson run up the steps of a place that feels like home — I know we made the right decision.

That chapter required resilience — but it also gave me more joy and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.austinclub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaustinclub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAustinClub
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-austin-club

Image Credits

Paul Kornfeind