From starting with a simple embroidery machine in a basement to ramping to production with dozens of machines plus screen printing, HatLaunch has literally launched a nationwide operation of providing custom hats and shirts, serving commercial clients and organizations with a quick and easy system. Special thanks to Sales Rep Tim Fox for welcoming Gateway CEO. With a background of over 15 years working with young athletes in our area, you could see Tim ease right into conversation with our students as he inquired about each of their businesses that they are developing this second semester. It was definitely a warm welcome with the addition of our local Krutas donuts before checking out the facility.
Tim shared his story as a proud Triad graduate, who then spent time pursuing a degree in Computer Programming before realizing that was just not the right fit for him. After working with LifeTouch for a brief period, he followed his passion for baseball and worked within the local Extreme Baseball and Softball organization for over 15 years coaching baseball, and providing hitting and defensive instruction for baseball and softball players in the Metro East. He developed players both on and off the field, always instilling integrity and excellence in building life and relationships on and off the field. Eventually this opened the opportunity for his own business as the first golf simulation location this side of the river. Eventually, life and unexpected circumstances led him to a new path into sales with Hat Launch, which is actually an extension of building relationships and helping clients serve the need they have for branding and building their business/recognition in the market place.
Hat Launch offers many different types of hats, color options, intricate embroidery details and the very popular patches for hats. They have a production team that also ensures quality control prior to every shipment. They also run screen printing with a minimum of 24 shirts per order. They have found a niche of making ease of ordering, competitive pricing and quality products essential to their growth. Even as their local presence grows, their online marketing, and investment in software and process for ordering, orders come in from Alaska to Boston and everywhere in between.
Tim shared a few really meaningful insights with students as they continue with what's next after high school!
- When you have an idea that is unique in the marketplace, act on it as quickly as possible. Competition will come later, but you can be the first in the market to grow with your idea.
- In life, it's know what you know, but who you know! Sometimes the weirdest connections end up opening the best opportunities down the road.
- INVEST early. He encouraged students to begin investing as early as possible - even just $100 per month. As life goes through ups and downs, you never know when that money may be needed. Sometimes when life calls for a career change, it eases that stress as you relaunch.
- As you navigate life changes and when finding a new position may be needed, don't rush into a something. Allow time to find what you are passionate about and can stand behind.
- When launching a new business, like Squared Up Golf, developing your branding and marketing is key for launch. If you can get this order, there are so many tools to then promote on many platforms.
- When choosing a business partner, always trust your gut!
- Get a standing DESK! It saves your body and is healthier overall, allowing you to leverage your best self.
- Sales is a people business. It's all about building relationships. Sure, sales can be done behind a desk, but best in finding ways to connect with others. Fridays can be a great opportunity to share the golf course with great clients!
Thank you so much to Hat Launch for sharing your story, your facility and to Tim for investing in our students!! We appreciate the local connection and offer to help our next generation as they develop their business!
