I played my first round of golf on a public course at 14 years old and have been in love with the game ever since.

After graduating from Appalachian State University, I embarked on an exciting journey by launching a General Contracting business in Asheville, NC, specializing in custom log homes. It was this experience that cultivated an entrepreneurial spirit that has been at the core of my success ever since.

I discovered my passion for brand representation by joining a sales and service company dedicated to promoting brands to Military Exchanges. I began in Sales Leadership, leading a team of independent representatives selling and merchandising custom logo merchandise for Tier 1 Brands such as Under Armour, Champion, and Camelbak. That experience was foundational in helping me understand how critical art is in driving sales in the souvenir business, 12 or 48 pieces at a time.

That experience ultimately lead to a relationship with PUMA and a role working with large format sporting good retailers. The experience I gained there has influenced every role I’ve been in since. Understanding the business analytics, retail metrics, and customer data enabled me to curate collections to drive shared profitability and success both for the Brand, and the Retail Partners. To be able to experience the various and unique ways retailers such as The Sports Authority, Scheels, Big5 and Sports Chalet approached their business taught me a very valuable lesson. There are many ways to approach the business successfully, but in the end it’s all about the consumer, what they want and where they want it.

I was also fortunate to have a rather unique experience at Converse where my portfolio included Independents throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast but also Regional Footwear Accounts and Department Stores.

Throughout all of this amazing professional experience my passion for golf continued to grow. My wife Kari and I have been fortunate to play, together, some of the most iconic tracks in the game. From Kapalua to Sawgrass and Mayakoba to Pinehurst, we’ve left more than a few shots out there we’d love to have back. But we’ve hit some gems.

Anyone who loves this game knows the old quote from Bobby Jones. I’d say that applies to business as well. But ultimately if we prepare diligently, create the right strategy, use the right tactics, build our vision around the consumer, success is inevitable.

“Golf is the closest thing to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots, you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.” Bobby Jones