The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook sits down with Steve Risler, Senior Manager of Golf Retail at Whistling Straits and the 2026 AGM Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category recipient. Steve shares how he built one of the most respected destination retail experiences in golf through a “prestige-first” philosophy—centered on curated assortments, limited-edition product capsules, and intentional visual merchandising. From balancing exclusivity with profitability to leveraging strong vendor partnerships and independent benchmarking, Steve offers a thoughtful look into what it takes to operate at a global standard. The conversation also explores how his team creates meaningful, memorable guest experiences, navigates the challenges of high-volume resort retail, and continues to evolve one of the industry’s most iconic golf shops.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook sits down with Katie Wiedmar, National Sales Manager for Green Grass Sales at johnnie-O and the 2023 PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category recipient. Katie shares her journey from spending over a decade at Winged Foot Golf Club—where she built a member-focused merchandising strategy and helped prepare for the 2020 U.S. Open Championship—to her current role on the vendor side of the industry. Together, they discuss the importance of truly understanding your customer, how to prepare for high-profile events, and what makes strong partnerships between golf shops and brands. Katie also offers valuable insight into current apparel trends and how vendors can better support retail teams.

We sat down with Tracy Moffatt, owner of K&K Consulting and Adjunct Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, to explore her decades-long impact on golf retail and merchandising education. Tracy has been an AGM member since 1998, served as Past President, and is a two-time AGM Educator of the Year recipient, most recently in 2025. In this episode, Tracy shares her journey from corporate retail with JCPenney to private club operations, and now consulting and teaching. She dives into the importance of education and professional development in golf retail, the critical role of retail math in driving profitability, and common merchandising challenges she helps facilities overcome. Tracy also offers practical advice for aspiring golf retail professionals and discusses emerging trends shaping the industry today.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sat down with Jared Henzlik, PGA, Director of Retail at Big Cedar Lodge and the 2026 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category. With more than 25 years of experience across golf operations, specialty retail, and apparel sales, Jared brings a unique perspective from both the vendor and buyer sides of the industry. During our conversation, he shares insights on building stronger vendor relationships, what it means to be a “vendor-friendly buyer,” and how systems like vendor scorecards can help create more productive partnerships. Jared also discusses how he evaluates new brands, his approach to leading retail at Big Cedar Lodge, and advice for professionals looking to grow their careers in golf retail.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook sits down with Jennifer Roddy, AGM’s Vice President and Merchandise Manager at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas. A longtime leader in the golf retail industry, Jennifer has been an AGM member for more than 30 years and is a Certified Retail Manager graduate. She has spent nearly three decades with Hyatt Hotels, contributing to multiple property openings and consulting with golf operations across the country. In addition to her work with Hyatt, Jennifer operates the Central Texas Golf & Resort Show and currently serves as co-chair of the AGM Education Committee. Jennifer shares her journey into the golf industry, her experience working on both the merchandising and vendor sides of the business, and the perspective she’s gained from more than three decades in the industry. She also reflects on how the golf retail landscape has evolved over the years, the importance of industry involvement, and the opportunities she sees ahead for merchandisers and retail leaders.

In this special episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook is joined by two of the founding members of the Association of Golf Merchandisers, Jackie Jacquemoud and Brett Moore Graham. More than 35 years ago, Jackie and Brett, alongside other early industry leaders, helped bring a bold vision to life—creating a dedicated community for golf merchandisers centered around education, connection, and professional growth. What began as an idea has since evolved into the AGM we know today. In this conversation, Jackie and Brett reflect on their individual journeys into golf retail, the inspiration behind launching the AGM, and what those early days of building the organization really looked like. They also share their perspective on how the industry has transformed over the decades, the impact the AGM has had on the profession, and the lessons they hope today’s merchandisers will carry forward.

Join us for a special live episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, recorded during the AGM Northeast Regional Event at Baltusrol Golf Club on April 22, 2026. In this fireside chat, Justine Cook sits down with Susan Shade of Tharanco Lifestyles and Jake Lecky of Hudson Sutler to explore the evolving relationship between vendors and golf shops. Susan and Jake share insights on how their brands have grown alongside the changing golf consumer, what’s currently resonating in Northeast markets, and how merchandisers can build stronger, more strategic partnerships to drive engagement and sell-through. From lifestyle product trends to defining what makes a standout club partner, this conversation offers valuable perspective from the vendor side of the business. They also offer practical advice for merchandisers planning for the upcoming season, making this a timely and insightful discussion for anyone looking to elevate their retail strategy.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we welcome Ryan Austad, President and CEO of Austad’s Golf, one of the country’s oldest family-owned golf retailers. Ryan 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. Plus, Ryan shares his insights on evolving golf retail trends and advice for those starting their careers in the industry.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook welcomes Aimee Ganote, Director of Retail at Capital City Club in Atlanta, GA. Aimee shares how her people-centered approach and passion for relationship-building have shaped her career in golf retail. She discusses her transition from sales to merchandising, the value of thoughtful partnerships with brands like Sid Mashburn, enewton, and House of Fleming, and her experience leading Capital City Club’s Brookhaven shop renovation. Aimee also highlights the power of collaboration among Atlanta’s merchandisers through the ABC Buying Club, and how connecting with peers continues to strengthen both her team and her retail program.

Join Justine Cook on The Fairway to Retail Success as she sits down with Jodi Gascoigne, a South Florida retail leader whose two-decade career spans premier clubs including The Polo Club of Boca Raton, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Quail Valley, and Mizner Country Club. Jodi 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.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook sits down with Taylor Ramiz, Golf Shop Manager at Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle, New Jersey. A 2025 graduate of the AGM Certified Retail Manager Program and a 2026 AGM Platinum Award - Top 100 Golf Shop recipient, Taylor brings a fresh, business-minded perspective to golf retail. Taylor shares her journey from working in membership to leading a thriving, pro-owned retail operation, and how her MBA in Business Management shaped her approach to strategy and storytelling. She discusses the creation of her innovative Osprey Club program, her approach to visual merchandising and social media branding, and the lessons she’s learned about leading a successful pro-owned shop. Tune in for a conversation on creativity and the art of retail in a pro-owned environment.

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.

Join us as we welcome Ed Winiecki, PGA, Assistant Executive Director of the Southern California PGA Section, who shares insights from his remarkable career in golf leadership. A Certified PGA Professional in all six areas of expertise, a Certified Club Manager (CMAA), and a 14-time PGA Chapter and Section award winner, Ed brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the conversation. He reflects on the lessons learned from decades of leadership - from empowering teams and fostering creativity to thinking beyond traditional retail boundaries. His story is a testament to curiosity, collaboration, and mentorship, offering valuable insight into what it means to lead with purpose and inspire growth across every part of the golf operation.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Cook sits down with Kathryn Alter, Golf Shop Manager and Buyer for Arrowood Golf Course in Oceanside, California—and the AGM’s 2026 International Merchandiser of the Year for a Public Facility. Kathryn has brought a private-club polish to a public-course setting, redefining Arrowood’s guest experience through creativity, leadership, and community connection. She shares how she balances heart and strategy in retail management, the inspiration behind her interactive promotions, and how her “Make a Day of It” campaign helps create a seamless and memorable guest experience across the property. Listeners will walk away inspired by Kathryn’s thoughtful approach to merchandising, staff engagement, and the operational systems that keep Arrowood’s retail program thriving.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Bonnie Hamilton, Director of Retail at Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington, VA. With a fashion foundation from Perry Ellis and Bloomingdale’s, Bonnie has redefined what a golf shop can be - bringing style, innovation, and creativity to the fairways. She shares how her team has expanded corporate sales, embraced co-branding partnerships, and built a boutique-style shop culture rooted in mentorship and the club’s “Be Better Today” philosophy. Tune in for insights on trendspotting, collaboration, and keeping your retail strategy fresh and inspiring year after year.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, host Justine Cook is joined by Ann Cantrell, Associate Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and owner of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store. Together, they explore how golf retailers can bring their shops to life through storytelling and community connection. Ann shares insights on emerging retail trends for 2026, including colors and silhouettes, along with lessons from mainstream fashion and lifestyle brands, and how to create a true “third space” experience that inspires and engages customers.

Get ready for the 2026 PGA Merchandise Show with insider guidance from Michelle Kempe, Vice President of Retail for Escalante Golf. With 25 years of experience across private clubs, resorts, and multi-club management, Michelle shares her playbook for buyers—covering how to prepare before the show, prioritize vendors and trends, avoid common pitfalls, and turn takeaways into actionable strategies. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned buyer, this episode will help you maximize your time in Orlando and elevate your shop’s success.

Orlando, here we come! In this episode, Justine Cook walks us through everything you need to know for the 2026 AGM Retail Conference: from hands-on morning workshops and networking opportunities to an unforgettable closing keynote and a few fun surprises along the way. Whether you’re already registered or considering joining last-minute, this episode is your guide to planning your day, getting inspired, and making the most of the conference experience. Get more information including registration details at www.agmretailconference.com.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, we sit down with Benji Boyter, Director of Retail at Pinehurst Resort, to explore what it takes to keep a multi-shop operation aligned and thriving. Benji shares his journey from Kiawah Island to The Sea Pines Resort and now Pinehurst, along with his strategies for maintaining brand standards, managing an iconic logo program, and developing a high-performing retail team. Whether you’re leading a single shop or a sprawling resort operation, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and fresh ideas.

In this episode of The Fairway to Retail Success, Justine Cook welcomes Grace Hurley, PGA Professional and Vice President of Brands and National Events at Catapult. Grace 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.