Claim OwnershipThe Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast
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© 2025 The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast
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The AGM Podcast is your go-to resource for all things golf retail, bringing together the voices that shape our industry. Whether you’re looking for fresh marketing ideas, merchandising tips, or simply a bit of inspiration to tackle your next project, you’ll find it here. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s unlock your shop’s full potential—one episode at a time!
28 Episodes
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In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Bonnie Hamilton, Director of Retail at Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington, VA. With a fashion foundation from Perry Ellis and Bloomingdale’s, Bonnie has redefined what a golf shop can be - bringing style, innovation, and creativity to the fairways. She shares how her team has expanded corporate sales, embraced co-branding partnerships, and built a boutique-style shop culture rooted in mentorship and the club’s “Be Better Today” philosophy. Tune in for insights on trendspotting, collaboration, and keeping your retail strategy fresh and inspiring year after year.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Cook is joined by Ann Cantrell, Associate Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and owner of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store. Together, they explore how golf retailers can bring their shops to life through storytelling and community connection. Ann shares insights on emerging retail trends for 2026, including colors and silhouettes, along with lessons from mainstream fashion and lifestyle brands, and how to create a true “third space” experience that inspires and engages customers.
Get ready for the 2026 PGA Merchandise Show with insider guidance from Michelle Kempe, Vice President of Retail for Escalante Golf. With 25 years of experience across private clubs, resorts, and multi-club management, Michelle shares her playbook for buyers—covering how to prepare before the show, prioritize vendors and trends, avoid common pitfalls, and turn takeaways into actionable strategies. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned buyer, this episode will help you maximize your time in Orlando and elevate your shop’s success.
Orlando, here we come! In this episode, Justine Cook walks us through everything you need to know for the 2026 AGM Retail Conference: from hands-on morning workshops and networking opportunities to an unforgettable closing keynote and a few fun surprises along the way. Whether you’re already registered or considering joining last-minute, this episode is your guide to planning your day, getting inspired, and making the most of the conference experience. Get more information including registration details at www.agmretailconference.com.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Benji Boyter, Director of Retail at Pinehurst Resort, to explore what it takes to keep a multi-shop operation aligned and thriving. Benji shares his journey from Kiawah Island to The Sea Pines Resort and now Pinehurst, along with his strategies for maintaining brand standards, managing an iconic logo program, and developing a high-performing retail team. Whether you’re leading a single shop or a sprawling resort operation, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and fresh ideas.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook welcomes Grace Hurley, PGA Professional and Vice President of Brands and National Events at Catapult. Grace reflects on her career journey from award-winning retail leadership at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club to her current role shaping brand partnerships and national events. She shares her strategies for team development, insights on evolving industry trends, and advice for young professionals aspiring to lead with purpose in golf retail and beyond.
With a career that spans both the shop floor and the brand side, Andrew Blatnik brings a unique perspective to golf retail. Now National Sales Manager – Golf at Imperial, he reflects on his path from PGA Assistant Golf Professional to Director of Retail Operations at Oak Hill Country Club and shares what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving industry. Drawing on his award-winning tenure at Oak Hill, Andrew offers practical advice for merchandisers looking to grow their careers beyond the shop, insights into the shifting vendor–club relationship, and a behind-the-scenes look at how brand-side leaders are responding to the future of golf retail.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine sits down with Victoria Matthews, Director of Retail at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Victoria shares how her commitment to member service and staff development has helped drive double-digit sales growth in the shop. From creating a one-stop retail experience to implementing a member-friendly return policy, Victoria offers practical insights into building a high-performing team and delivering exceptional service every day.
Get inspired to deck the halls of your shop this season with Kelly Simon Anderson, Merchandiser at Baltusrol Golf Club - recognized as an AGM Platinum Award “Best of the Best” winner in both 2024 and 2025. Kelly shares her career journey from her early start in Florida to her longtime role at Baltusrol, where she has become known for her creativity and attention to detail in visual merchandising. She also discusses the inspiration behind her business, Signs by Simon, where she crafts custom fixtures, displays, and signage for golf shops. From folding techniques and spatial planning to festive backdrops, décor, and holiday games, Kelly reveals her process for transforming the shop into a true Christmas wonderland each year.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine is joined by Ben Lorenzen, CCM, Creative Director at Champions Run in Omaha, NE and closing keynote speaker at the 2025 AGM Retail Conference. Ben is known for his imaginative approach to private club marketing, technology, and member engagement. He shares how thinking outside the box has helped his team reimagine how members connect with the club experience—from innovative retail concepts to standout cross-department collaborations. Tune in for a creative and practical conversation full of ideas to help merchandisers bring fresh energy to their retail strategy.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine sits down with Heather Hadley, Senior Buyer and Merchandise Manager at the award-winning Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop in Sacramento, California. A Certified Retail Manager and longtime AGM member, Heather shares how she blends trend awareness, customer insight, and data-driven decisions to create a standout shopping experience. From curating vintage collections to maximizing vendor relationships and trade show strategies, Heather offers practical takeaways and inspiration for buyers at every level.
In this inspiring episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine chats with Wendy Cash, Retail Manager at The Country Club of Virginia and a 2025 AGM Platinum Award winner. Wendy shares how she has fostered a culture rooted in joy, learning, and genuine connection. From staff training games like "Jeopardy" to her “Clothes for a Cause” sale and ladies’ focus groups, Wendy’s creative, people-first approach makes a lasting impact. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical tips, and a reminder that positivity and resilience are powerful retail tools.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Meghann Butcher, CEO and founder of RepSpark, to explore how technology, transparency, and trust are changing the wholesale landscape. Meghann shares her journey building the leading B2B platform for lifestyle brands, how RepSpark helps vendors grow smarter, and what trends are shaping vendor–retailer relationships in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're looking to boost reorders, deepen existing relationships, or expand into new accounts—this episode is packed with insights.
In this episode, Justine Cook sits down with Maggie Flurschutz, Director of Retail at Baltusrol Golf Club, to explore her journey from PGA Professional Golf Management student to leading one of the most recognized golf shops in the country. With deep ties to the game and a passion for merchandising, Maggie shares the branding and retail strategies that have helped Baltusrol earn consecutive Top 10 Best of the Best AGM Platinum Awards. Tune in as they discuss the club’s celebrated retail culture, the impact of its brand book, and innovative programs like Members Only microsites and Member Guest raffles. From vendor partnerships to member engagement, this episode is full of insights for anyone looking to elevate their retail game.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Jason Loomis, Executive Director at Great River Golf Club and the PGA of America’s 2024 National Merchandiser of the Year for public facilities. Jason shares how he transformed Great River Golf Club from a daily fee operation into a thriving university golf course with an award-winning retail program. Join us as Jason breaks down the key strategies that reshaped the shop’s success, from optimizing inventory and driving sales to staying ahead in the evolving world of golf retail.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Ali Putnam, founder of A. Putnam, a brand transforming women’s golf apparel with its Resort-to-Sport concept. Ali shares her journey from concept to creation, insights on the evolution of women’s golf fashion, and how retailers can effectively introduce and merchandise A. Putnam in their shops. Plus, she offers valuable advice for emerging brands looking to make their mark in the competitive golf apparel space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the future of women’s golfwear and how A. Putnam is redefining style both on and off the course!
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with industry icon Laura Robinson Alcocer, former Director of Retail at Pinehurst Resort and now Vice President of Green Grass Retail at Legends Global Merchandise. Laura shares insights from her 30-year career, including key strategies that drove Pinehurst’s retail success, the latest trends shaping golf merchandising, and expert advice for those looking to grow in the business.
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Gray sits down with Emily Gifford, Director of Retail at Boca West Country Club, to explore her journey in golf retail and the strategies behind her award-winning operation. Emily shares how shifting member demographics have influenced buying behavior and her approach to keeping seasonal members engaged year-round. We also dive into Boca West’s commitment to delivering a luxury shopping experience, from merchandising standards to daily operational efficiencies. Whether you're looking to refine your retail strategy or implement new event-driven sales tactics, this conversation is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Gray sits down with Tracey Stearns, Director of Retail at Congressional Country Club, to discuss how she has built an award-winning retail operation. Tracey shares insights on Congressional’s Centennial merchandise initiative, the impact of vendor-led education, and the success of their holiday gift guide featuring interactive video content. From private label development to elevating the member experience, tune in for expert strategies to take your retail operation to the next level!
In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Gray chats with Bart Romano, PGA, Director of Golf at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club. Bart shares how he transformed Caledonia’s pro shop into a high-performing retail destination through creative promotions, interactive merchandising, and a focus on guest experience. From e-commerce insights to innovative sales strategies like “Merch Madness,” tune in for actionable takeaways to elevate your golf shop’s success!
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