This is truly a story of Making Cents of It All. Dennis Balonze joins the show to share his story of how he parlayed his career as a barber into a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio over three states.

He and his team currently manage a portfolio of profitable multi-family and
commercial properties. They are always looking to broaden the portfolio, which would include the continuing acquisition and management of multi-family units and commercial buildings, with regional expansion throughout the southern United States.

Dennis also utilizes his talents area barber in putting together a very unique, interesting YouTube show, BarberUpp. It's a great watch and it only lasts...as long as a haircut! Check it out.

Mike Padron joins Jesse to talk about the impact that Direct to Consumer (DTC) Golf Companies are having on the consumer when it comes to choices they have and how they purchase golf equipment in today's world.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) golf brands and major golf brands differ primarily in their business models and pricing strategies.

Major Golf Brands These are well-established companies like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Ping. They have a strong presence in retail stores, sponsor professional golfers, and invest heavily in research and development. Their products are widely available in golf shops and online, but they often come with higher price tags due to marketing, distribution, and retail markups.

Direct-to-Consumer Golf Brands DTC brands like Takomo, Sub70, and others sell their products directly to customers, primarily through online platforms. By eliminating middlemen, they can offer high-quality equipment at lower prices. Many DTC brands focus on customization, allowing golfers to tailor clubs to their specific needs. They also tend to have strong customer service and online engagement.

Key Differences

Pricing: DTC brands often provide more affordable options by cutting out retail markups.

Customization: Many DTC brands offer personalized fittings and club designs.

Availability: Major brands are found in retail stores, while DTC brands primarily sell online.

Marketing: Major brands invest heavily in sponsorships and advertising, while DTC brands rely on word-of-mouth and digital marketing.

The boys from the Tin Cup Club join the show to talk about The Masters and preview this years' championship. Jesse Stakes, Wes Altice, and Mike Padron talk about their favorite all-time memories of the tournament, what makes it so special, and who they think has the best chance of winning the 2025 edition. Oh yea - and maybe the food at the tournament gets mentioned once or twice!

The Masters Tournament generates significant revenue, though it operates differently from other major golf events. In 2022, the tournament brought in approximately $142 million, with revenue sources including:

• Merchandise Sales: Around $69 million, driven by exclusive Masters-branded apparel and accessories.
• Badges (Tickets): Approximately $39 million, with highly sought-after passes priced well below market demand.
• International TV Rights: About $25 million, as Augusta National controls its broadcast agreements.
• Concessions: Roughly $8 million, with famously low-priced food and beverages.

So - if you are a golf fan, your professional at anything BUT golf, and your excited about this week's event - this episode is for you!