Meet Sam Goulden | Founder of MNML GOLF Co

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Goulden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I view any intentional and committed action as risk averse. I mean, if I’m making an intentional decision with the the information available to me and I’m committed to it, I accept the potential for failure or, in other words, for my intention to not be met. Risk seems more like not making intentional and committed decisions. In that sense I’d say I avoid it at all costs. I hate being in a position where I am not sure what to do, where to go, etc. I want to be certain – even if I know that certainty is possibly flawed. At the end of the day, in my mind this is my story to write. That I am in charge of my destiny. And that as long as I’m intentional and committed, I’m pursuing life with purpose. That’s probably the most important thing to me at this time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a coach for the last 22 years, I’ve challenged myself to find the best ways to help others learn. In doing so I’ve met and learned from some incredible people. At the very top of the ‘coaching greats list’ you will find two common systems in place; help nurture belief, allow the learner to find their way. I was fortunate to learn from Michael Hebron very early in my coaching career that if I truly wanted my students to learn, I needed to stop teaching. By that I mean I had to stop directing and instructing and focus my efforts on illuminating the concepts and physics (or facts). Once one understands WHAT the goal is, the HOW is up to them (and I’m constantly surprised, amused, and thrilled by my students’ unique ways of solving for how). When it comes to my brand, I take the same approach. I’m constantly searching for the WHAT in golf bag design and innovation and then trusting my instinct on HOW to make that happen. The solutions I’ve come up with are my very own unique take on solving the problems I see in golf and golf bag design. And, now that we’ve sold just over 4500 bags, I’ve engaged our family of supporters to offer their insights and solutions. With a design team of 4500 golfers (and growing) I’m certain we will develop the best golf bag ever made.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For anyone visiting my area, I’d invite them to spend a day in the life of our team here in Manhattan and Redondo Beach, CA. We’d start at my home in El Porto (a legendary surf spot known for “always having something”). We’d get them suited up with gear and a board at my buddies store El Porto Surf Shop about 5 blocks from my house. Then we’d walk down the hill to the beach and get some waves for a couple hours. Next we’d have lattes and lunch at North End Cafe owned by my neighbor and friend John Atkinson. I guarantee the best post surf latte and meal you can find anywhere.
Fully satiated we’d hop in my 2003 BMW wagon and roll 5 miles down the beach to MNML GOLF CLUB where we could play pool, darts, golf on the simulators, and skate the mini-ramp.
I’d invite some friends by for the evening and watch a surf or skate film on one of the simulator screens while we ate burgers from The Standing Room next door (best burger I’ve ever had).
That ought to do it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have to give a shoutout to Craig Snyder who immediately put his faith in me and gave me the support to launch day one. Secondly I have to give so much credit to our team who is constantly learning how to build and run an impactful and successful company. Our staff average age is 22 and that guarantees we constantly see things with fresh eyes. There are about 100 books I could give credit for helping me become the person I am today but the top two are The Gratitude Effect and The Power of Now. Finally I have to say my mom was always nonchalantly saying things like, “Oh Sam, you can do whatever you want.” and “You’re so smart.” I am 100% certain that her faith in me as early as I can remember has been a constant reminder that I’d be successful at whatever I wanted as long as I gave it my best effort.

Website: https://minimalgolf.com

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Twitter: @mnmlgolf

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