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.