Editor’s note: This article is part of The Changemakers series, focusing on the behind-the-scenes executives and people fueling the future growth of their sports.
There’s nothing like a good success story to get you pumped up, right? Imagine this: Two guys in their 30s, Tyler Johnson and Jared Doerfler, chilling in a garage, ready to launch a revolutionary product for preschoolers. The scene is set – beers in hand, laptops open, and a ton of high-quality golf bags for toddlers waiting to be sold.
Tyler’s nerves are on edge, but Doerfler is there for moral support. They expected a modest 50 bags to sell but the reality was far beyond their wildest dreams.
The clock strikes 10 a.m., and cha-ching, the notifications come rolling in. The blue bags are gone in a flash, followed by the gray ones. Within 28 minutes, all 150 bags were sold; a dream turned into reality.
This is the story of Tyler Johnson, a former golfer turned salesman, who saw a gap in the market for well-designed toddler golf bags. And thus, Charlie Golf Co. was born.
What started as a garage project with a waitlist of over a thousand eventually led to Tyler facing the decision to turn his side hustle into a full-time career. The golf industry was disrupted by a simple desire to bond with family, and now, it’s a burgeoning success.
The Johnson household is abuzz with excitement, not just for the growth of Charlie Golf Co., but also for little Charlie’s first day of preschool. 3 generations of golfers, each influencing the next, sharing a passion that runs deep.
Tyler’s dedication to his craft is palpable. He works tirelessly, balancing family life, a full-time job, and the demands of a growing business. There are tough decisions to make, but Tyler remains focused on his vision of creating a sustainable, family-focused brand.
The success of Charlie Golf Co. didn’t come easy. It was built on hard work, dedication, and a deep-rooted connection to the game of golf. Each sale, each bag shipped is a testament to the passion and drive of the Johnson family.
If you’re ever in Mason City, swing by Jitters Coffee Bar on a Friday morning. You might just catch Tyler Johnson and Jared Doerfler, the masterminds behind this incredible journey, plotting their next move to take over the world.
Charlie Golf Co. is not just a business; it’s a labor of love, a testament to the power of family, and the unwavering dedication of a father to his son. So, the next time you see a little one on the golf course with a Charlie Golf bag, remember the story behind it. Remember the legacy being passed down, one swing at a time.
The Changemakers series is part of a partnership with Acura. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
(Top photo: Brody Miller / The Athletic)
