The Fairway to Retail Success: An AGM Podcast

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

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.

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

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.

035 Generations of Golf Retail: Ryan Austad’s Journey at Austad’s Golf

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.

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

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.

033 Jodi Gascoigne on Driving Engagement and Results in Private Club Retail

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.