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!

First let me say that this is just dipping a toe into a $1.31 BILLION market! Yes! I am talk about golf balls. Not golf...just golf balls. Mike Padron from the Tin Cup Club joins the show to talk about how consumers make choices when it comes to what balls to purchase and play as well as what factors can and should go into that decision.

Market Size and Growth

• The global golf ball market was valued at approximately $1.31 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% from 2023 to 2030.
• Factors like the promotion of golf tourism, construction of new golf courses, and rising disposable incomes are key drivers of this growth.

Revenue Streams

• Professional Tournaments: Events like the PGA Tour and U.S. Open generate significant demand for high-performance golf balls, accounting for a large share of industry revenue.
• Recreational Golf: The growing popularity of golf as a leisure activity contributes to consistent sales, especially among amateur players.

Key Trends

• Technological Advancements: Innovations like multi-layered golf balls and seamless cover technology enhance performance, driving consumer interest.
• Sustainability: There is a rising demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable golf balls, aligning with global sustainability goals.
• E-commerce Growth: Online sales channels are expanding, making golf balls more accessible to a broader audience.

Challenges

• High Initial Costs: The cost of golf equipment, including balls, can deter new players, particularly in developed markets.
• Declining Interest Among Youth: In some regions, younger generations show less interest in golf, impacting long-term market growth.

The industry is poised for steady expansion, supported by innovation and increasing global participation.

Golf ball fitting, from a financial perspective, is an investment that can yield significant returns for both golfers and manufacturers. Here's how it plays out:

For Golfers:

1. Performance Optimization: Proper fitting ensures golfers use balls tailored to their swing and playing style, improving accuracy and distance. This can reduce the need for trial-and-error purchases, saving money in the long run.
2. Cost Efficiency: While fitting services may have an upfront cost, they help golfers avoid spending on unsuitable balls, ultimately lowering overall expenses.

For Manufacturers:

1. Revenue Growth: Offering fitting services can attract more customers, increasing sales of premium golf balls.
2. Brand Loyalty: Personalized fitting experiences foster customer loyalty, encouraging repeat purchases.
3. Market Differentiation: Companies that provide fitting services, like Bridgestone and PING, stand out in a competitive market, enhancing their reputation and profitabilit

This is definitely an episode that defines the Professional At Anything BUT Golf category!

Elizabeth Breza is a healthcare professional specializing as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to being in the civilian healthcare industry, she served our country proudly for many years.

Liz doesn't just play for recreation, she also enjoys competing. As a Veteran of our Armed Forces, she competes as part of the Veteran's Golf Association. It's a great for our Veteran's to compete and followship with their peers. If you are a veteran that is listening and would like to compete, we will make sure you have contact information by clicking right here!

Enjoy the conversation!

The Tin Cup Club joins the show to talk everything Players Championship.

The Players Championship, held annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, has a significant economic impact on the region.

The event attracts thousands of attendees, including players, officials, and fans, which boosts local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Additionally, the tournament's charitable contributions and elevated prize purses further enhance its fiscal footprint.

However, we're not here to just talk about the economic impact of The Players. We're sharing memories, giving our thought on if it has reached "the 5th Major" status, and even what our personal favorite food trucks are on the grounds.

The Players isn't just about how many balls get hit into the water on 17 - enjoy!

I promise you that in this episode we will cover the widest range of topics that I think we have ever attempted to cover in a single conversation. We will go from fishing to venture capital to writing bestselling books, and somehow, we will end up talking about artificial intelligence. I know what you're thinking...you might as well throw in some politics for good measure. Well, we do that too!

How many business relationships are made over a common bond that we find that we share with people we end up doing business with? In my experience, people do business with people - not companies.

Brandon C. White is a success entrepreneur with, by his own admission, lots of strikeouts, but it makes that next homerun that much sweeter. He also has gone by the titles angel investor, venture capitalist, and worked as an employee believe it or not.

Today, he has also started multiple podcasts, he is an Amazon Best Seller on How to Write a Business Plan, and he is a public speaker. He is a true modern-day renaissance man.

As you listen to our conversation, you with find out very quickly that he is a passionate fisherman at heart, and this has connected him to people that shared his enjoyment of being out on the water; it's even lead to a deal or two.

This is truly a story of Making Cents of It All. Enjoy!

The boys from Tin Cup Club stop in to discuss Youtube is playing a crucial role in reshaping the financial landscape of golf and providing new opportunities for revenue generation and audience engagement.

Did you know the average age of viewers for the PGA Tour is around 64 years old? I did not before doing my research. LIV Golf is doing a better job attracting viewers 18-34. 71% of people aged 18-34 have shown interest in watching LIV Golf Events. This is in large part because of their willingness to embrace YouTube and Social Media platforms.

Rick Shiels, Good Good, Paige Spiranic, Increased Sponsorship and Advertising Revenue: Golf influencers on YouTube have attracted large followings, making them attractive to sponsors. This has led to increased sponsorship deals and advertising revenue for both the influencers and the platforms

1. Broader Audience Reach: YouTube has made golf more accessible and relatable, attracting a new generation of players and fans. This broader audience has opened up new revenue streams through merchandise sales, online coaching, and more

2. Enhanced Engagement: The interactive nature of YouTube allows for direct engagement with fans, fostering a deeper connection between golfers and their audience. This engagement can translate into higher viewership numbers and increased monetization opportunities.

3. Professional Golfers' Personal Brands: Many professional golfers, such as Bryson DeChambeau, have leveraged YouTube to share insights into their training routines and personal lives, further monetizing their personal brands.
Instructional Videos: Many professional golfers and coaches share tips and techniques to help improve your game. For example, Rick Shiels' channel offers beginner golf basics and tips for improving your swing

Golf Challenges: Fun and sometimes quirky challenges, such as hitting a hole-in-one for a prize or competing in knockout matches, are popular among golfers

Tournament Highlights: Channels like Golf Channel provide highlights from major tournaments, including the LPGA Tour and other professional events.Golf Vlogs: Some golfers share their personal experiences, practice routines, and travel adventures related to golf.

The highest paid golfer on YouTube is Paige Spiranac. She has leveraged her social media presence to build a highly lucrative career, earning an estimated $5 million+ annually from sponsorships, subscriptions, and media appearances.

The most watched YouTube golfer is Rick Shiels. His channel, Rick Shiels Golf, has amassed almost three million subscribers and features a wide range of content, including instructional videos, club reviews, and challenges with professional golfers1. Rick's engaging and approachable style has made him a favorite among golf enthusiasts.