Behind the Golf Brand Podcast with Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore
  • 4.9 (390)
  • GOLF
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

It’s like playing a round of golf with some of the most interesting innovators and entrepreneurs and listening to the stories behind their success.  Hi, I’m Paul Liberatore, and I love talking to entrepreneurs and the stories behind their brands. I find it intriguing when people are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and successes. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to some of the biggest names and brands in the game of golf.  So come join me on my quest to find the stories Behind the Brand.

  1. 06/16/2025

    #144 - Whoosh: Colin Read (CEO)

    Send us a text Whoosh is a modern, cloud-based software platform designed to revolutionize operations and activity management for private clubs, golf courses, and entertainment venues. Launched in 2022, Whoosh addresses the long-standing challenges faced by the industry, which has traditionally relied on outdated, on-premise systems that are cumbersome and inefficient. By offering a tablet-centric, intuitive interface, Whoosh untethers staff from fixed workstations, enabling them to engage directly with members and guests across the property. The platform streamlines workflows by automating and simplifying core business functions such as tee time booking, lesson scheduling, payment processing, and member communication. Its robust analytics tools provide insights into guest behavior and spending patterns, empowering clubs to optimize operations and enhance hospitality. Whoosh’s enriched member rosters equip staff with detailed information, helping create personalized experiences that make every guest feel valued. Whoosh’s rapid adoption is fueled by its focus on solving real operational pain points, such as reducing revenue loss and saving significant staff time-often over 20 hours per week. The company has achieved strong traction, boasting high customer retention and expanding into public courses and “eatertainment” venues through strategic partnerships, including with Square for seamless payment integration. Led by founders with deep expertise in both golf and technology, Whoosh continues to innovate, aiming to set new standards for digital transformation in the leisure and recreation industry. Its vision is to deliver best-in-class, integrated solutions that modernize club operations, improve communication, and elevate both staff efficiency and member satisfaction. Support the show

    39 min

  2. 06/09/2025

    #143 - Pins & Aces: Nicklaus Mertz & Liam Johnson

    Send us a text Pins & Aces is a dynamic and innovative golf accessories and apparel brand founded in 2017 by Nicklaus Mertz and Jonathan Major. The company emerged from a shared passion for golf and a desire to revolutionize the game with stylish, functional, and high-quality products. Headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, Pins & Aces has grown rapidly from a small online venture into an international brand known for its bold designs and unique approach to golf gear. The company initially gained traction by addressing a gap in the market for creative and durable driver headcovers. Their early designs featured state flags and patriotic themes, which resonated with golfers seeking personalized accessories. Since then, Pins & Aces has expanded its offerings to include colorful polo shirts, pullovers, gloves, towels, golf bags, and quirky items like beer sleeves and magnetic speakers. Their products emphasize self-expression on the course while maintaining top-tier craftsmanship and functionality. Pins & Aces thrives on innovation, regularly launching limited-edition collaborations with popular franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants and South Park. In 2024, they acquired Edel Golf, a renowned custom-fitting golf club company, further diversifying their portfolio to include premium equipment alongside accessories. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model has been pivotal to its success, with 80% of sales occurring online. However, Pins & Aces also boasts wholesale accounts with major retailers like Golf Galaxy and PGA Tour Superstore. As their popularity grows internationally, particularly in Japan and South Korea, Pins & Aces continues to redefine golf culture for a younger, more diverse audience. People mentioned Support the show

    38 min

  3. 06/02/2025

    #142 - Sqairz Golf Shoes: Bob Winskowicz (founder)

    Send us a text Sqairz Golf Shoes, founded in 2019 by Bob Winskowicz, are a groundbreaking innovation in golf footwear designed to enhance performance through balance, stability, and swing speed. The idea for Sqairz originated on a New England driving range, where Winskowicz noticed improved stability while wearing square-toed dress shoes. This realization led to years of research into biomechanics, ground force reaction, and foot movement, culminating in the creation of Sqairz golf shoes. The defining feature of Sqairz shoes is their patented square toe design, which provides golfers with more room for their toes to sit naturally and improves balance by increasing ground contact area. This wider base under the ball of the foot enhances stability during swings, optimizing energy transfer and boosting accuracy and distance. Independent tests have shown that wearing Sqairz shoes can increase swing speed by up to 2.9 mph, translating into additional yardage. Sqairz shoes prioritize comfort, performance, and style. They feature waterproof materials for durability, breathable designs for comfort, and innovative "Sta-Put" laces that remain tied throughout a round of golf.  Endorsed by PGA Tour legends like Sir Nick Faldo and John Daly, Sqairz has gained credibility as a performance-driven brand. The company is expanding its technology into other sports while maintaining its commitment to revolutionizing golf footwear with science-backed innovation. Support the show

    42 min

  4. 05/26/2025

    #141 - MNML Golf: Sam Goulden

    Send us a text MNML Golf, founded in 2020 by Sam Goulden, emerged as a revolutionary brand in the golf industry with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and minimalism. The company’s mission is to create high-quality, functional golf products while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Goulden, a former college golfer and golf instructor with over 20 years of experience, conceptualized MNML Golf after being inspired by a sticker in an Indonesian bathroom. This moment sparked the idea for a modern golf bag brand that would blend utility and simplicity with cutting-edge technology. MNML Golf bags are known for their lightweight design, durable construction using recycled materials, and eco-friendly features. For instance, the MR1 model incorporates recycled ripstop fabric made from 40 plastic bottles and includes innovative elements such as magnetic closures, solar-powered phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, and thermal-lined cooler pockets. These features cater to the needs of modern golfers while reducing environmental impact. The bags are designed to be minimalist yet functional, offering a sleek aesthetic and practical storage solutions. The company also emphasizes sustainability through initiatives like its trade-it-forward program. Customers can trade in old golf bags for discounts on MNML products, which are then refurbished and donated to underserved junior golfers. MNML Golf has already contributed hundreds of bags to youth programs. Operating from its headquarters in Redondo Beach, California, MNML Golf fosters community engagement through open spaces where customers can interact with staff. With a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, MNML Golf represents a forward-thinking approach in the sporting goods industry. Support the show

    1h 22m

  5. 05/19/2025

    #140 - ECCO Golf Shoes: Timo Vollrath

    Send us a text ECCO Golf Shoes are a product of ECCO, a Danish footwear company founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy. Known for its innovative approach to shoemaking, ECCO emphasizes full control over the production process, from leather tanning to shoe manufacturing, ensuring high standards of quality, comfort, and durability. This vertically integrated model allows ECCO to produce premium footwear that is sold in over 100 countries worldwide. The brand's journey into golf began in 1996 when Toosbuy and his son-in-law, inspired by their new interest in the sport, decided to create golf shoes that prioritized comfort and performance. Early collaborations with professional golfers like Thomas Bjørn helped establish ECCO Golf as a credible name in the sport. The company gained global recognition in 2010 when Fred Couples wore ECCO’s spikeless Golf Street shoes at The Masters, sparking a revolution in golf footwear. This event popularized hybrid golf shoes, which combine street-style aesthetics with on-course functionality. ECCO Golf is renowned for its technological innovations. Its signature Hydromax-treated leather ensures water resistance and durability, while FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology creates lightweight, flexible soles. The introduction of BIOM® technology further enhanced natural movement and comfort by mimicking the foot's anatomical shape. These advancements have made ECCO Golf Shoes a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike. Today, ECCO Golf continues to innovate with designs that blend functionality and style. Its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship solidifies its position as a leader in the global golf shoe market. Support the show

    43 min

  6. 05/12/2025

    #139 - Live Forever: Scott Riley

    Send us a text Live Forever Golf (LFG) is a golf lifestyle apparel brand founded in 2020 by four friends—Scott Toole, Matt Every, Scott Riley, and Lewis Price—in northeast Florida. The brand originated from a viral moment during the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament when PGA Tour golfer Matt Every dramatically threw his wedge after a frustrating shot. This moment inspired the creation of LFG’s iconic logo, a silhouette of the club toss, symbolizing the raw emotions and passion inherent in golf. The company was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the founders used the global pause to channel their creative energy into building a disruptive brand. Their mission was to design apparel that resonates with golfers while challenging traditional norms of golf fashion. The name "Live Forever Golf" was inspired by Matt Every’s tattoo, which references the Oasis song "Live Forever," reflecting the brand’s ethos of passion and timelessness. LFG embraces a relaxed, countercultural approach to golf apparel, offering stylish yet functional clothing for both on and off the course. Their product line includes hoodies, sun shirts, shorts, hats, and performance gear designed with comfort and versatility in mind.  Operating predominantly online, LFG has rapidly grown its customer base while maintaining authenticity and customer-centric values. With plans to expand into pro shops and PGA Tour events, Live Forever Golf continues to redefine modern golf fashion while staying true to its roots in camaraderie and creativity. Support the show

    42 min

  7. 05/05/2025

    #138 - Full Swing: Evan El-Saden

    Send us a text Floyd Arnold founded Full Swing Golf in 1986, and it's now grown into the biggest U.S. producer of multi-sport simulators, changing the way people play indoor golf with its cutting-edge tech. The company, now called Full Swing Simulators, runs its operations from Carlsbad, California, and leads the industry in sports technology innovation. Full Swing's tech has come a long way, moving from dual-tracking to tri-tracking, giving players the most realistic ball flight simulation you can get. You can play on the world's most famous courses and try out more than 30 different sports. They've combined high-speed cameras with infrared light technology to show exactly how you're hitting the ball and give you instant feedback. Some of golf's biggest names use Full Swing simulators, including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day. They've also landed some impressive partnerships - they're now the Official Licensed Simulator of the PGA TOUR and work with TGL, a new high-tech golf league. Whether you're looking for home entertainment, a place to practice, or fun activities for the whole family, Full Swing has got you covered. Their simulators let you play on more than 84 championship courses and try out 13+ different sports. Bruin Capital saw Full Swing's potential and bought a controlling stake in 2021, hoping to turn it into something like Peloton but for golf. This move has helped Full Swing grow even stronger and explore new ways to innovate. Full Swing keeps pushing what's possible with golf simulation tech, changing how people practice and play golf no matter the weather or where they are. They've earned their reputation in golf tech by constantly innovating and partnering with top sports organizations and pro athletes. Support the show

    39 min

  8. 04/28/2025

    #137 - MGI Golf: Miranda Turner (CEO)

    Send us a text MGI Golf is the premier global authority in electric golf caddies, integrating cutting-edge technology with ergonomic design. Since its inception in 1993, the Australian owned and operated company has a formidable reputation built on experience, innovation, and quality of design. MGI Golf revolutionized the electric caddy industry through patented Gyroscope Straight Tracker technology, automatic downhill speed control, and durable lithium-ion batteries. MGI Golf successfully expanded into the North American market, beginning with the U.S. in 2018 and followed by Canada in 2023, and was named America’s No. 1 electric caddy by independent research. Support the show

    40 min
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About

It’s like playing a round of golf with some of the most interesting innovators and entrepreneurs and listening to the stories behind their success.  Hi, I’m Paul Liberatore, and I love talking to entrepreneurs and the stories behind their brands. I find it intriguing when people are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and successes. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to some of the biggest names and brands in the game of golf.  So come join me on my quest to find the stories Behind the Brand.

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