The Culture-Driven Leadership of Daniel Perez
In the private club industry, true leadership doesn’t come from titles. It is earned through service, consistency, and a deep belief in people. Daniel Perez’s path didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started behind the phones as a PBX operator for Ian Schrager Hotels, LLC. It may have been entry level to most, but it was formative for Daniel. It introduced him to hospitality at its most human level: fast paced, high touch, and personal. Over seven years, he immersed himself in every nuance of hotel operations, mastering the art of guest relations and understanding how small details define big experiences.
During the blackout at the Park Central Hotel, he carried beds, pillows, and fans up 20 flights of stairs to assist stranded guests. After Hurricane Sandy, he found ways to house displaced families when no rooms were left.
“For me, it’s not just about service,” Daniel says. “It’s about creating a family. Families take care of each other.”
His first role in private clubs was as Front Office and Revenue Manager at The Yale Club of New York City. From the start, Daniel saw a chance not just to perform but to transform. Over nine years, he introduced revenue strategies, elevated service standards, and helped shape a culture rooted in care.
His leadership deepened at the New York Athletic Club, where he served as Assistant General Manager for 12 years. There, he learned that true leadership means letting go. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to delegate. You can’t do it all yourself. Great leadership comes from recognizing people’s strengths and setting them up for success.”
Mentorship has been central to Daniel’s journey. He credits John Samayoa as his greatest champion and a father figure. From their first interview to sharing Thanksgiving during a hard year, John’s belief in him never wavered. “The greatest gift of leadership,” Daniel says, “is a boss who truly wants you to succeed.” Inspired by that example, Daniel now strives to lead with the same generosity and conviction.
Today, Daniel has come full circle, returning to The Yale Club of New York City, this time as General Manager and COO. With decades of experience, he is not just managing a club; he is shaping its future. “The Yale Club is more than just a job,” he says. “It’s home. It’s where I bring together everything I’ve learned to create a community built on care, trust, and excellence.” Beyond the walls of his club, Daniel serves as Vice President of the New York City Chapter of the Club Management Association of America Association of America, where he champions education, mentorship, professional development, and industry-wide innovation.
At the end of the day, it’s not about titles or accolades for Daniel Perez. It’s about impact. It’s about the stories people tell, the confidence he’s helped build, and the relationships that stand the test of time.
