Executive Summary
David Layman is the owner of a Golf in Layman’s Terms. He is a PGA Professional.
Kindly give readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Golf in Layman’s Terms is an online Golf Instruction program comprised of 6 separate books and over 160 online videos. Individual instruction is also available through the Coach Now golf app. David Layman also owns Golf 4 Less in Sun City West, Arizona where he conducts his in-person lessons.
Give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
David Layman graduated from the Golf Academy of America in 2000. He spent 14 years as a club professional and in some of the top-rated private clubs in the country. In 2013, David decided to move to Arizona to open his own retail store and indoor teaching studio. During that time, teaching became a central aspect of his daily activities which lead him to start writing a golf instruction book. The book morphed into an online teaching program that can be updated regularly and reach students all over the world.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (make significant changes in an existing business)?
The inspiration came from teaching my students and my children the game of golf. As I improved as a teacher and invented new tactics, I would write down what would work and what wouldn’t. Eventually, I had a complete program which in my opinion is the clearest and most concise golf instruction program ever created.
How did the idea for your business come about?
It grew out of my love for the game of golfing and trying to master each of its parts. The idea just came to me in my daily teaching and practicing. It was not one moment but more of a gradual process.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My children Jack & Kyla.
What makes you different from other businesses in your industry?
Detail and organization. Our lessons & videos are very well organized, short and to the point. I don’t want students to be confused. I want them to be able to focus on the details of the game.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Hard work and a passion for the game of golf.
What do you think is the best way to achieve long-term success in business?
Keep working hard and staying positive. Treat others how you want to be treated and be honest.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
I see a full stable of members and students taking online lessons. Long term I would like to teach professionals my system so they can be better teachers as well.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Callaway Golf. Vanguard Investments.
Who is your target demographic?
All golfers know the basics of using a computer or a smartphone.
Please list 3-5 talking points about your business that you feel are most relevant to your target audience.
The clearest and most concise golf instruction program ever created. The common sensed-based approach in the most organized series of lessons ever created. Use of multiple learning styles to fast-track the student’s improvement.
What are your overall thoughts on your industry? Any advice you could give people about your industry?
I would like to see a bit more structure and consensus in golf instruction. It’s a bit all over the place.
Is your business involved with any charitable organizations, social causes, or non-profit work?
We sponsor numerous local charities in Sun City West and the surrounding areas. Our biggest would be the First Tee of Phoenix.
How do you give back and support your community?
By trying to support organizations that support charitable causes. We have contributed to hundreds of events and organizations since starting our business. Our biggest beneficiary is junior golf through our work with the First Tee.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Everything. You’re only successful if you have good people working for you.
What motivates you?
My family, including my wife and kids. Trying to be the best person I can be for them. Trying to help my kids get the best start they can in life. The challenges associated with the game of golf – both playing and teaching.
How do you generate new ideas?
I don’t really have a set way to do that. I think when I go for a walk and I have my thoughts to myself I get ideas. I have an active mind so I feel like ideas are always showing up.
How do you define success?
I don’t think I will ever be successful in my eyes. I want to improve each and every day of my life and in every aspect of life. The process is what drives me, not some end goal or what others think of me. I try to focus on the process and not the results.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Treat people the right way and be honest. If you care and want to help them get better at golf, you will succeed. If you only see dollar signs, you won’t.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
I’m my own boss.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Not really one moment but serval. When you’re so focused on the process you can forget to smell the roses. The nice thing is, when you do look at numbers or customers that have nice reviews, it hits you that you’re doing good things. I’m proud of all our family and employees have done in our businesses.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Family. We have a small group of employees and we take care of each other. We look at our employees as family and not employees. Me, I’ve always tried to lead by example and never be afraid to do any task that you might ask an employee to do.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I don’t focus on the past. I try very hard to stay present and take it one day at a time.
What is your greatest fear in business, and how do you manage fear?
Failing of course. Stick to the process and take things one day at a time.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
Online has the greatest reach worldwide and that is the market we’re trying to tap into. Golfers across the world.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ben Hogan. He is the greatest golfer and ball striker of all time. I would like to talk with him about all aspects of the game of golf.
What book has inspired you the most (or what is your favorite book)?
Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
I don’t think I’ve had to sacrifice anything. I have a great family and I’ve prioritized them. We have a great group of friends. Everything is the way it is meant to be.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Organization. Problem Solving. People Person.
What three pieces of advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to get started in your industry?
Save your money before diving in. Seek advice from others that have done it. Be patient with your expectations as things almost never work out as you think.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Hard Work. Patience. Organization. One day at a time.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Some are happy working for others and accepting the limitations that come with that. Entrepreneurs are always coming up with ideas or trying to better themselves. They’re ok with some risk if offers more freedom. No right or wrong way, more of an internal difference. It’s who you are inside.
Business Name
Golf in Layman’s Terms
Contact Name
David Layman
Business Phone
616-780-6302
Website
https://golfinlaymansterms.com
Email Address
info@golfinlaymansterms.com