The small businesses RPL has profiled so far have several characteristics in common. As you’ll plainly see in this profile, one important characteristic each holds in common is the belief that the product or service at the core of the business adds value to clients and customers.
James Wicketts, founder and head professional of the Ontario, Canada-based golf instruction company, Wicketts Golf, was kind enough to allow RPL to conduct a brief interview recently. The interview provided some great insight into his background, business, marketing and advice for others.
RPL: What is your personal and professional background?
James Wicketts: I was born in Toronto, Canada. Second youngest of four children from English parents. I excelled at many different sports as a kid. Hockey, snooker and golf were my favorites. In my mid-twenties, I was about to turn pro in snooker before an automobile accident put a halt to that. I turned pro in golf a few years later. I have been a Canadian PGA Professional for almost twenty years now. Early in my career I realized that I had a passion for teaching golf and helping golfers enjoy their game.
RPL: When did you begin your business? What drove you to start it?
JW: I started Wicketts Golf in the spring of 2006 with the vision of giving quality golf instruction to golfers in my area and to help grow the game for golfers and golf clubs in my area. There were a few new golf courses opening but no one to teach the game. Wicketts Golf started with 3 locations in 2006 and now has 5 locations with plans to add at least one more location in 2009.
RPL: What are your goals for the business and where are you know in that pursuit?
JW: My goals for Wicketts Golf has always been to help golfers of all levels enjoy their game and to help grow the game for golfers and golf clubs. Future goals for Wicketts Golf include expanding to more locations across Ontario, Canada and to expand into other golf related services online.
RPL: You make use of the Internet and social media, like Twitter. How has such technology impacted your business? Do you see it as worthwhile?
JW: Modern technology enabled me to connect to other people, services and businesses that can help me expand my business both geographically and to provide new services. Technology also helps me to stay connected with my clients in such ways as online lessons, video analysis, scheduling of lessons, newsletters and my new blog which offers tips, lessons and golf related discussion and humor.
RPL: If you had to name one key to a successful business start-up what would it be?
JW: If I had to name one key to a successful business start-up, it would be to believe in your product or service. I believe in what I teach. I believe that by helping people play better golf, they will play more and continue to play for the rest of their lives. This will continue to help the golf industry grow and thrive in the future.
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