In this Episode
Troy Parish, founder and CEO of FLAGD Golf, returns to the podcast today joining Nick for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, business growth, and staying true to one’s vision. Sharing his journey from year one to almost year eight, Troy details the evolution of FLAGD Golf from proving its worth to becoming a trusted solution for golf courses nationwide. The episode explores the importance of customer feedback, the power of saying “no” to stay in one’s genius zone, and the art of building a strong team and brand.
In the world of business, transitioning from a successful corporate career to launching a niche product in an entirely different industry is no small feat. Troy Parish, founder and CEO of Flag Golf, did just that. As a former sales executive at companies like Shoretel, Sprint, and Ecto, Troy made a dramatic career pivot to solve a common golfer’s frustration: accurately measuring distances on the driving range.
Recently, on Together at the Top with host Nick Warner, Troy shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of Flag Golf, and what’s next for the company.
Taking the Leap: From Corporate Comfort to Startup Uncertainty
Eight years ago, Troy left the security of corporate America after experiencing firsthand the challenges of estimating distances at the driving range. What started as a personal frustration turned into a business idea—one that would revolutionize practice facilities at golf courses across the country.
Despite a successful track record in corporate sales, Troy faced the uncertainty that comes with launching a startup. “It was an exciting, rewarding, and humbling experience,” he recalls. “Starting something without knowing if people would like it or if I could make a living out of it was nerve-wracking.”
Growing Flag Golf: From Proving the Concept to Scaling the Business
Over the past eight years, Flag Golf has grown from a startup proving its credibility to an established company servicing over 500 golf courses nationwide. “In the early years, it was all about proving ourselves, building brand credibility, and convincing people to give us a chance. Now, it’s about expansion and acceleration,” Troy explains.
A key factor in Flag Golf’s growth has been customer feedback. Many of the company’s product expansions—such as solutions for par-three holes—have come directly from user suggestions. “We started solving one problem and quickly learned that our customers had more needs we could address,” he says. “Our ability to be flexible and adapt to these requests has been a major factor in our success.”
Navigating Challenges and Staying Focused
As an entrepreneur, Troy has had to make tough decisions about which opportunities to pursue and which to decline. Staying true to the brand and core mission has been a guiding principle. “We get requests all the time to venture into different areas—like golf apparel—but we’ve been intentional about staying in our lane,” he notes. “We focus on simple, effective technology that enhances the golf experience without overwhelming users.”
This discipline aligns with the philosophy outlined in Good to Great by Jim Collins, a book Troy references in the podcast. Great companies stay within their “hedgehog concept”—the intersection of what they love, what they excel at, and what drives their economic success. By staying focused, Flag Golf has continued to refine and expand its offerings without losing sight of its core identity.
Building a Team and Overcoming Entrepreneurial Hurdles
Recruiting top talent is another challenge for any growing company, especially one in a niche industry like golf technology. Many of Flag Golf’s key hires have come from stable corporate backgrounds, making the transition to a startup an uncertain move. “The key is painting the vision clearly,” Troy says. “People won’t leave a stable job unless they believe in the mission and see the long-term potential.”
Troy acknowledges the personal sacrifices that come with building a business, particularly the impact on family life. “I have an amazing wife who has been incredibly supportive. When you’re building something from the ground up, it requires long hours, financial risk, and a lot of uncertainty. Having a strong partnership at home has been crucial.”
The Future of Flag Golf
Looking ahead, Flag Golf is set to expand its product offerings, not just for golf courses but for individual golfers as well. “We’re working on some exciting new technology that will extend beyond our current business-to-business model and into direct-to-consumer markets,” Troy hints. “It’s still in the prototype phase, but we’re excited about the possibilities.”
As Flag Golf continues to innovate, one thing remains constant: its commitment to solving real-world problems for golfers and enhancing their experience. “We’re in a great place now, but we’re always looking at what’s next,” Troy says. “The flexibility of being a small, entrepreneurial company allows us to pivot quickly and respond to customer needs in a way that larger companies can’t.”
Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to embrace uncertainty, work tirelessly, and stay committed to their vision, the rewards can be immense. Troy Parish’s journey with Flag Golf is a testament to the power of innovation, customer-driven growth, and the importance of staying true to your brand.
If you’re considering launching your own business, Troy’s story serves as a valuable blueprint: identify a real problem, develop a solution that customers truly need, listen to feedback, and stay the course—even when challenges arise.
For more insights from industry leaders, tune in to Together at the Top with Nick Warner, and be sure to follow Flag Golf’s journey as they continue to reshape the golf technology landscape.
