New Club Altus manager to make improvements with use of customer feedback

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Club Altus opened its doors to a new club manager recently. The new manager hopes to make improvements to Club Altus but said he won't be able to without the help of the customer and the base community.

"I have to find out what the people want," said Al Sparling, Club Altus manager. "I also want to build on the existing programs the club already has and make them bigger and better."

Mr. Sparling said the key to making Club Altus more successful is to be proactive in getting customer feedback from base community members of all ages with and without families.

"With the customer telling us what 'they' want we don't waste our energy and efforts in the wrong areas and focus on what the majority of clientele are looking for," he said.

Mr. Sparling said Club Altus even has an excellent delivery service, which people can order just about anything from burgers to pizza to stir fry. Hours of operations are Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 8 p.m. For more information or to order food, call (580) 482-6262.

Another aspect of the club Mr. Sparling would like to improve is evening dining. Currently, the club is only open on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. for evening dining.

"There has to be a need for it in order for the club to offer it," Mr. Sparling said.

Mr. Sparling urges base personnel to offer their feedback to the club. He said people can use any method of feedback they see fit, whether it is by e-mail, phone or even seeing him in person. The customers can also go online to https://ice.disa.mil and follow the steps to Altus AFB and Club Altus. The Interactive Customer Evaluation allows the customer to make a suggestion, compliment or complaint. Management will respond to all comments within 48 hours.

Mr. Sparling will to put together an advisory council to help generate new ideas for the club and to help spread the word. He also plans to meet with Altus AFB professional organizations.

Mr. Sparling has more than 30 years of working for military clubs around the world. As club manager at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., the club won "Best Club in ACC" for fiscal year 2005.

With all of his years of experience and with the help of the base community, Mr. Sparling plans to provide the best service he can.

"Our goal is not to make money," Mr. Sparling said. "It's to provide good service and exciting programs to our customers but not to lose money in the process. My priority is service first. You've got to have good service in order to make people to want to use the club."

Mr. Sparling emphasized that no one should ever leave Club Altus or Charlie's Lounge dissatisfied with the service or quality of their food. He has empowered his entire staff to solve all problems as they occur.