039 2026 PGA Merchandiser of the Year - Resorts Jared Henzlik on Vendor Partnerships, Retail Strategy, and Success at Big Cedar Lodge

039 2026 PGA Merchandiser of the Year - Resorts Jared Henzlik on Vendor Partnerships, Retail Strategy, and Success at Big Cedar Lodge

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.

038 AGM’s Vice President Jennifer Roddy on Merchandising, Leadership, and Industry Growth

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.

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.