Episode 37: Jackie Jacquemoud & Brett Moore Graham: Founding Members of the AGM Share Their Story

Hear from AGM founding members Jackie Jacquemoud and Brett Moore Graham as they reflect on helping launch the Association of Golf Merchandisers more than 35 years ago. In this conversation, they share their journeys into golf retail, the vision behind creating the AGM, memories from the organization’s early days, and their perspective on how both the industry and the profession have evolved over the decades. They also discuss the lasting impact of the AGM and the lessons they hope today’s merchandisers will carry forward.


This episode is only available on Apple and Spotify.

Episode 36: Live Fireside Chat with Susan Shade & Jake Lecky at the AGM Northeast Regional Event 2026

Join us for a live episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, recorded at the AGM Northeast Regional Event at Baltusrol Golf Club. Justine Cook talks with Susan Shade of Tharanco Lifestyles and Jake Lecky of Hudson Sutler about evolving golf consumer trends, successful vendor-retailer partnerships, and what’s driving sales in today’s golf shops. Gain practical insights to help strengthen vendor relationships and plan for a successful season ahead.


This episode is only available on Apple and Spotify.

Episode 35: Generations of Golf Retail: Ryan Austad’s Journey at Austad’s Golf

Ryan Austad, President and CEO of Austad’s Golf, shares how growing up in the family business shaped his approach to customer experience and merchandising, what he learned during his years as a management consultant, and how he balances honoring Austad’s legacy with keeping stores fresh and relevant for today’s golfers. We also explore his strategies for building strong team culture, connecting with customers in off-course retail, and thinking with a long-term, generation-to-generation perspective.


Episode 34: Building Community Through Connection: A Conversation with Aimee Ganote of Capital City Club

Aimee Ganote, Director of Retail at Capital City Club in Atlanta, GA, shares how her people-first mindset and passion for relationships have defined her golf retail career. She shares her shift from sales to merchandising, the impact of strong partnerships, and her leadership in Capital City Club’s Brookhaven renovation, along with the value of collaboration through Atlanta’s ABC Buying Club.


Episode 33: Jodi Gascoigne on Driving Engagement and Results in Private Club Retail

Jodi Gascoigne, a South Florida retail leader whose two-decade career spans premier clubs, shares her journey, the mentors and lessons that shaped her, and the innovative ways she’s leveraging technology—like Golf Genius Golf Shop—and creative member engagement to elevate the retail experience. From Instagram Live “QVC-style” product showcases to planning a brand-new Golf Shop at The Country Club at Mirasol, Jodi offers actionable insights on leadership, collaboration, and energizing your team.


Episode 32: Balancing Creativity and Profitability: Inside Manasquan River’s Retail Success with Taylor Ramiz

Taylor Ramiz, Golf Shop Manager at Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle, New Jersey, shares her journey from membership to leading a successful pro-owned retail operation, and how her MBA shaped her approach to strategy and storytelling. She highlights her Osprey Club program, visual merchandising and social media approach, and key lessons in leading a thriving shop.


Episode 31: Evolving Retail at Kiawah Island Club with Devon Thew

Join us as we welcome Devon Thew, Director of Retail for Kiawah Island Club, who shares how she’s helped shape Kiawah’s multi-location retail program into a dynamic and connected member experience. From mentoring rising merchandisers to launching new retail ventures across golf, fitness, and lifestyle categories, Devon’s story is a testament to adaptability, innovation, and the power of mentorship in retail leadership.


Episode 30: Leadership That Lasts: Ed Winiecki, PGA on Mentorship, Creativity, and Growth

Join us as Ed Winiecki, PGA, Assistant Executive Director of the Southern California PGA Section, shares insights from his distinguished career in golf leadership. A Certified PGA Professional and 14-time award winner, Ed reflects on empowering teams, fostering creativity, and leading with curiosity, collaboration, and mentorship across the golf operation.


Episode 29: 2026 AGM International Merchandiser of the Year for Public Facilities: Kathryn Alter’s Heart-Driven Retail Leadership at Arrowood Golf Course

In this episode, 2026 AGM Merchandiser of the Year Kathryn Alter (Arrowood GC) shares how she elevates public-course retail through creative promotions, strong leadership, and a seamless “Make a Day of It” guest experience.


Episode 28: Be Better Today: How Bonnie Hamilton Built a Culture of Creativity at Washington Golf & Country Club

Bonnie Hamilton of Washington Golf & CC shares how creativity, collaboration, and a “Be Better Today” mindset shape a standout private-club retail experience.


Episode 27: Bringing Retail to Life: Storytelling, Trends, and “Third Space” Inspiration with Ann Cantrell

Ann Cantrell (FIT, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store) shares how storytelling, trend insight, and “third space” thinking can transform golf retail into a more engaging, community-driven experience.


Episode 26: See Inside the Buyer’s Playbook For the Biggest Show of the Year: Michelle Kempe on the 2026 PGA Merchandise Show

Michelle Kempe (Escalante Golf) shares her PGA Show buying playbook—how to plan ahead, prioritize vendors and trends, and turn Orlando insights into retail success.


Episode 25: See You in Orlando! Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 AGM Retail Conference

Justine Cook previews the 2026 AGM Retail Conference—sharing what to expect, how to plan your day, and how to make the most of this inspiring Orlando experience.


Episode 24: All Shops on Par: How Benji Boyter Keeps Pinehurst Retail in Sync

Benji Boyter (Pinehurst Resort) shares how brand standards, logo strategy, and team development keep a multi-shop retail operation aligned and thriving.


Episode 23: Leading with Purpose: Grace Hurley on Retail Success, Mentorship, and Industry Growth

Grace Hurley, PGA Professional and Vice President of Brands and National Events at Catapult, 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.


Episode 22: From the Shop to Brand Strategy: Andrew Blatnik on Career Growth and Retail Impact

With experience on both the shop floor and the brand side, Andrew Blatnik offers a rare, well-rounded view of 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. Andrew shares career advice for merchandisers, insights into the changing vendor–club relationship, and a look at how brand leaders are preparing for the future of golf retail.


Episode 21: Member Service Starts with the Team: Victoria Matthews on Retail Success at St. Andrews Country Club

Victoria Matthews, Director of Retail at St. Andrews Country Club, explains how a service-first mindset and strong staff development fueled double-digit growth. She shares practical strategies for elevating team performance and delivering an exceptional member shopping experience.


Episode 20: Holiday Magic in the Golf Shop: Visual Merchandising with Kelly Simon Anderson

Get inspired with Kelly Simon Anderson of Baltusrol Golf Club, a two-time AGM “Best of the Best” winner. She shares her career path, creative merchandising style, and insight into her custom décor brand, Signs by Simon—plus festive tips for turning the shop into a holiday wonderland.

 
 


Episode 19: Creative Fuel: Reimagining Member Engagement with Ben Lorenzen

Ben Lorenzen, CCM, Creative Director at Champions Run in Omaha and closing keynote speaker for the 2025 AGM Retail Conference. Known for his imaginative approach to private club marketing and member engagement, Ben shares how creative thinking and cross-department collaboration have transformed the member experience at Champions Run. 


Episode 18: Crafting an Iconic Retail Experience: Heather Hadley on Strategic Buying at Haggin Oaks

Justine talks with Heather Hadley, Senior Buyer at Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop. A Certified Retail Manager and AGM member, Heather shares how trends, data, and customer insight drive her standout retail approach—with tips on curation, vendor partnerships, and trade show strategy.


Episode 17: Retail with Heart: Wendy Cash on Joyful Training, Team Spirit & Staying Resilient

Wendy Cash, Retail Manager at The Country Club of Virginia and a 2025 AGM Platinum Award winner, 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. 


Episode 16: Scaling Smarter: How RepSpark Is Revolutionizing Wholesale Relationships with Meghann Butcher

Listen as Meghann Butcher, CEO and founder of RepSpark, explores 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. 


Episode 15: Rooted in Excellence: Maggie Flurschutz on Branding, Culture, and Creativity at Baltusrol Golf Club

Maggie Flurschutz, Director of Retail at Baltusrol Golf Club, shares her path from PGM student to leading one of the country’s top golf shops. Maggie shares the branding and retail strategies behind Baltusrol’s back-to-back Top 10 Platinum Awards, including how they use a brand book, Members Only microsites, and guest raffles to drive engagement.


Episode 14: Retail Reinvented: How Jason Loomis Transformed Great River Golf Club

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. 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.


Episode 13: Resort to Sport: Ali Putnam on Redefining Women’s Golf Fashion with A. Putnam

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Ali Putnam, founder of A. Putnam, shares how her Resort-to-Sport concept is reshaping women’s golf apparel. She discusses brand growth, merchandising tips for retailers, and advice for emerging golfwear brands. Tune in for fresh insights on style, strategy, and the future of women’s golf fashion.


Episode 12: Lessons from a Golf Retail Leader: Laura Robinson Alcocer’s Path to Success

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.


Episode 11: From Passion to Platinum: Golf Retail Mastery with Emily Gifford

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Gray chats with Emily Gifford, Director of Retail at Boca West Country Club, about her path in golf retail and the strategies behind her award-winning shop. Emily discusses shifting member trends, year-round engagement, and creating a luxury shopping experience. Packed with practical takeaways for elevating your retail game!


Episode 10: Inside Congressional’s Award-Winning Retail Strategy with Tracey Stearns

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!


Episode 9: Boosting Promotions & Engagement: Lessons from Bart Romano’s Golf Shops

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!


Episode 8: Pioneering Golf Retail: Caroline Basarab’s Legacy & Lessons

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we’re joined by Caroline Basarab, a true icon in golf retail. With an award-winning career spanning decades, Caroline has shaped the industry through innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the Director of Retail at Reynolds Lake Oconee, she shares insights on merchandising strategy, sales optimization, and staff development. Plus, she offers valuable advice for AGM merchandisers looking to elevate their operations. Don’t miss this conversation with one of golf retail’s most influential leaders!


Episode 7: Blending Tradition with Innovation: Katie Gates on Retail Success at Interlachen

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Gray sits down with Katie Gates, Director of Retail at Interlachen Country Club—one of AGM’s 2025 Top 10 Best of Best Platinum Award recipients. With a background in menswear retail and a sharp business mindset, Katie has transformed the member shopping experience through innovative marketing, strategic merchandising, and a balance of tradition and modern retail techniques. From high-ticket holiday sales to digital engagement and visual storytelling, Katie shares her strategies for driving revenue and member loyalty. Tune in for insights on elevating private club retail and what’s next for Interlachen’s award-winning shop!


Episode 6: Expanding Your Golf Shop’s Reach: E-Commerce Strategies with Jeff Piltch

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Gray sits down with Jeff Piltch, Partner at Tee Commerce, to explore how golf shops can embrace e-commerce without added workload or inventory risk. Jeff shares insights on his journey with Tee Commerce, key industry trends, and the impact of technology on golf retail. As the first AGM vendor parnter to complete the Certified Retail Manager program, he also discusses the value of ongoing education for vendors. Don’t miss expert advice on positioning your shop for success in the digital space!


Episode 5: Inside the Best of the Best: Cathy Amelink’s Retail Playbook

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Gray chats with Cathy Amelink, Director of Retail at Woodmont Country Club, a 2025 AGM Best of the Best Platinum Award winner. Cathy shares the strategies that set Woodmont apart, from innovative communication and merchandising tactics to staff development and event-driven retail. Tune in for insights on creating an award-winning golf shop experience!


Episode 4: Kristen Everard’s Winning Formula: Visual Excellence and Retail Innovation

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Kristen Everard, Director of Retail at Atlanta Athletic Club and 2025 AGM Platinum Award recipient and Cashman Award for Visual Excellence winner, shares her winning formula for visual excellence and retail innovation. From standout merchandising strategies to unique member experiences like the TaylorMade tour van, Kristen offers insights on creating an award-winning shop and mentoring the next generation of golf retail professionals. Tune in for expert tips and inspiration!


Episode 3: Mastering the Private Club Retail Experience with Kelsey Jo Holsten

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Gray sits down with Kelsey Jo Holsten, AGM Regional Director for the Pacific/Hawaii Region and a 2025 Top 10 Best of the Best AGM Platinum Award recipient. Kelsey Jo shares insights into crafting an award-winning retail experience at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, curating exclusive product assortments, and creating VIP shopping experiences. Tune in for expert advice on elevating private club merchandising and staying ahead of evolving member expectations!


Episode 2: Style, Strategy, and Trends: Golf Retail in 2025 with Marty Hackel

Join Justine Gray as she interviews Mr. Style himself, Marty Hackel, live at the 2025 AGM Retail Conference in Orlando, FL. Marty gives us a State of the Union on the retail landscape in the Golf Industry. How has the relaxed lifestyle changed the fashion world?


Episode 1: Introduction to The Fairway to Retail Success

Welcome to “The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast!” This podcast is your go-to resource for all things golf retail, bringing together the voices that shape our industry. Our mission at AGM is to elevate retail, enhance relationships, and educate always. At its heart, this podcast is about our AGM community—celebrating achievements, innovations, and bringing together professionals from across our industry. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s unlock your shop’s full potential—one episode at a time.