Last year during the PGA Show my last product interview was with Sumi-g, a very hip golf accessory company which had just launched. As I talked to the president of the company Marius, I’d found out that we had a lot in common. First, we’re both golf junkies with similar handicap levels. Second, we lived in the same town. Third, we’d been playing the same course every Thursday for years, our tee times about 45 minutes apart.
Over the last year I’ve done numerous posts and product reviews about Sumi-g head covers, belts and other accessories. I’ve played dozens of rounds of golf with Marius, and our friendship developed over the year.
Toward the end of 2009 I’d started looking for a new gig, as my other business world, the media duplication industry, was on life support. Technological advances (digital downloads etc) and the economy were putting that business model to sleep. I knew I had to jump ship before the boat sank. Then one day Marius approached me and asked if I’d join Sumi-g. I guess he’d gotten to know me well enough and through seeing how excited I was about the product line in person and on my web sites, saw some value in what I could offer. I decided to take a leap of faith and jump from my sinking ship into a new position as national sales manager for the company.
Not To Worry
My web ventures like Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space are happy and healthy and it aren’t going anywhere.
As far as a conflict of interest goes that is an interesting thing to ponder. If some company who competes with Sumi-g sends me a head cover or a belt or accessory to review, what will I say? I’ve gone over that in my head for a while. It really comes down to what I’ve always done, which is call ’em like I see ’em. If the thing is awesome, I’ll write about it. If it sucks, then I’ll write that too.
2010 PGA Show
Yes I’ll be at this year’s PGA Show. But most of that time will be spent working the booth. I’ll throw my press credential on a run a round a bit, but this year I won’t be able to do the massive coverage I’ve done in previous years. I will be blogging about the show regardless so there will be plenty of info to chomp on. I’ll also have other insights on what it is like behind the scenes and what is up at the Wednesday demo day. I’ll be attending that for the first time.
So if you want to come by and say hello, ask for me me in booth #3629. That’s where I’ll be most of the show.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
So you’ll be sending some stuff for me to review, right? 🙂
Congrats on the job Tony. Look forward to seeing their new stuff at the show.
John, of course. As soon as I’m settled in I’ll be paying respects and showing some love to my online pals who have been cool.
MyGolfSpy, come say hello.