Extend Golf : startup log

Documenting a Business Through Collaboration

June 27th, 2007 by Rob Brown

On the bottom of every page, you will find text that reads:

The Extend Golf startup log is a place to landmark, explore, and develop the start of a very exciting new business. This is a place for people who are interested in the startup of Extend Golf to review what is going on, how it’s happening, and hopefully participate in a discussion of new ideas.

Within the pages to come, I will document the growth, trials, tribulations, landmarks and success of a new project, Extend Golf. Documenting a process as complicated and as involving as starting a business will require a dedicated and significant amount of time; it is not something that I am taking lightly.

–> I hope that the simplicity of composing a series of short articles will result in very significant and tangible things. First, I sincerely hope that this place is used to form a sense of community between board members, friends of the project, developers, staff, and myself. Second, through my experience developing and starting businesses, I have have taken special note of an effect I call simply a “growth plateau”. I hope that by composing a linear log of real events that I can reflect on the path that I have taken and be able to break through and hopefully even avoid the common plateaus that occur. Last, I would like this to act as a source of motivation and a center of discussion. Many times simply telling other people about an idea spurs motivation in the people who are creating it. Additionally, when people comment and participate in those ideas, the motivation to see those ideas become integral parts of a larger goal increases exponentially.

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Casual Friday: The Golf Cruiser, An Innovative Personal Golf Cart

September 29th, 2007 by Rob Brown

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Golf Carts. From carefully analyzing the differences between manufacturers to considering the different ways carts are used throughout the game, golf carts were one of the first technological advancements that extended the game.

I conservatively think that the “Golf Cruiser” will remain a niche product but it is innovative none the less.

Ushering a single player around the course, the innovative, attractive Golf Cruiser likely attracts a lot of double takes on the European courses where it is found. With features such as: Shock absorbed front and rear suspension, tubeless tires, 6×20aH rechargeable batteries, and a 36v motor lasting 8-10 hours, the unit seems about on par with traditional 2 person golf carts. Based on the pictures on the website of the manufacturers, the Golf Cruiser looks extremely well made.

Digging a bit deeper into this product, I think that it is being incorrectly marketed. By attracting individual public golfers to the product, the company is solving a problem that doesn’t exist. The only obvious problem that this product solves is that it can maneuver through difficult terrain where traditional carts cannot.

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Casual Friday: Golf Balls That You Want In The Trees

September 22nd, 2007 by Rob Brown

One of the most frustrating things for new (and sometimes seasoned) golfers is loosing balls. Not only is it frustrating when you make a bad shot, but the feeling of loosing a “lucky” or worse, expensive ball is one of the reasons golf is a four letter word.

Located in San Ramon, California, RadarGolf solves the problem of lost balls. They have created a relatively simple system that consists of a handheld unit and unique golf balls that contain a small radio transmitter.

The idea is easy: After yelling “Four”, you venture into the depths of the course armed with the handheld unit. As you get closer to your ball, the signal strength bars on the unit begin to light up. Eventually, after a little searching and waving, you find your ball. I know that this system would drastically reduce the amount of time I personally look for balls on the 10th hole of my local course.

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Casual Friday: The Golf Ball Launcher Makes Golf Accessible To Everyone

September 15th, 2007 by Rob Brown

The Golf Ball Launcher Motto:

Golf just got fun for everyone! Whether you lack practice time or have a mobility issue, the Golf Ball Launcher will get you out into the fresh air, enjoying like never before!

Late one Saturday night, Billy-Bob and Bob-Billy sit on their front porch. Shotgun on one side, golf clubs on the other. The Golf Ball Launcher is born. What comes next is truly the American Dream.

Not only did Martin Gerardo make this dangerous backcountry golf ball shooting cannon, but he has a patent pending and is marketing it in some interesting ways. “Ideal for people with mobility difficulties”, “It’s a safe way to play”, and my personal favorite “Hunting enthusiasts love it!”.

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The "Un-Expert" : a look at one person that should never be hired

September 2nd, 2007 by Rob Brown

I’ve come across people that can only be described as “un-experts” a couple of times in my life. This article reminded me of this group and helped me consider why I should carefully identify and strongly avoid these people.

I have noticed that that leaders with the power to hire will sometimes dismiss their own inadequacies when reviewing candidates. Sometimes a candidate will appear to have the right attitude, the right knowledge and the right experience. Based on these things, the leader will consider this person to be an expert in a particular area. Without the attitude, knowledge or experience of an expert, this person is the anti-thesis of an expert, they are an “un-expert”.

The problem of the “un-expert” rears its ugly head when a leader with the power to hire makes a significant mistake in the hiring process. This mistake can occur in two different ways.

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