The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast

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....

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 t...

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...

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-firs...

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 beyo...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 advic...

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 We...

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 co...

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 str...

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 deve...

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...

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...

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...

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 creati...

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 expe...

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?

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 acro...