Fifteen minutes.
Approximately the amount of time it takes to play a hole of golf.
This is all the time I needed to know this Idaka Golffounded by apparel industry veteran Steve Pirring, would be unlike the rest of the growing golf apparel landscape.
Various in a good way.
And, I would argue, different in FAIR way.
Because what Pirring is building, or rather what he’s already built (and is looking to scale), is something you can’t spin out of cotton and polyester.
For Pirring and Idaka, the journey to building a good golf polo is less about the polo itself (although they eventually got there) and more about how golfers feel when they interact with the Idaka brand.
Almost anyone can make a golf polo, but not everyone is willing to put the customer first AND make a great polo.
Pirring isn’t spending his life on the road (away from his wife and daughter) to churn out a mediocre golf polo. No, he’s not pouring his heart and soul into a brand named after his daughter to indulge in half-baked customer service and designer clothing.
The 20-year veteran of the clothing industry will have none of it.
Idaka Golf is doing things the right way. It all starts with listening to you: the consumer, the golfer who will actually end up in a Sebastian Hoodie or Capri polo or their new (soon) glove.
Because golf doesn’t need another polo. Heck, my closet doesn’t need another polo. But you know what I need? What merchandise have the players been?
A brand that listens. A community that gives you purpose. A David vs. Goliath story of finding roots.
This is Pirring’s superpower. Listening and empathy. It was clear to me after only 15 minutes of talking with Pirring that he really cared about me and my story.
He gives the same level of care to every golfer who puts their trust (and hard-earned money) into the Idaka Golf brand. Having a problem with your purchase? Pirring’s wife is there to answer the phone. Have product feedback, good or bad? Pirring takes every comment into account as he obsessively repeats every product that bears the venerable Idaka name and the brilliant Mooccasion logo.
Pirring and Idaka Golf aren’t just offering a better polo. They are providing a better experience and a better community. And, above all, a better brand to root for.
Because even little boys deserve love.
You can see where Pirring is cooking Idaka Golf on their website.
