Apex, NC – The GBN Merchandising Summit, held on August 25-26, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, concluded with great success, uniting Golf Professionals and Merchandisers for two days of education and networking. Golf Business Network is grateful to have partnered with Evolve Golf, a valued Title Sponsor, whose steadfast commitment to bringing sustainable craftsmanship to the industry truly elevated this event.
The summit began with a tour of Evolve Golf’s headquarters, where attendees explored the company’s innovative manufacturing and branding processes.
“It was an honor for Evolve Golf to serve as the inaugural title sponsor of the GBN Merchandising Summit. The event showcased the creativity, collaboration, and craftsmanship driving golf merchandising and gifting forward. At Evolve, we are proud to lead in customization from tees to tee gifts. From custom tournament gifts to small-batch golf shop merchandise, we believe great products create exceptional golf experiences. It was especially rewarding to give GBN members an inside look at the makers who bring Customworks to life every day,” said Ben Maloy, Founder and CEO of Evolve Golf.
Attendees then checked into the ARRIVE Wilmington hotel in downtown Wilmington, followed by a cocktail hour at the courtyard gazebo bar and a dinner, fostering valuable industry connections.
The summit continued at Cape Fear Country Club for educational sessions led by GBN Advisory Board Member and Virginia Golf Hall of Famer, Phil Owenby. A panel discussion with Emily Gifford, Director of Retail at Boca West Country Club, and Shawn White, Director of Retail at Medinah Country Club, covered retail strategies, including directing shop traffic to maximize sales potential, managing temporary spaces during renovations, and creating unexpected displays to attract attention. Owenby and Maloy co-led a session on Custom and Event Merchandising, focusing on memorable merchandise experiences for golf events. GBN thanks Elliott Jones and the team at Cape Fear Country Club for hosting attendees at their beautiful venue.
The educational program ended with a vendor panel featuring Max Lerner of Evolve Golf, Jeff Piltch of Tee Commerce, Chuck Sakmann of Full Turn Custom Apparel, and Colby Chapin of Stitch Golf. The panel shared sales perspectives, industry trends, client education for successful in-shop sales, and customer-focused approaches. The summit concluded with an engaging Vendor Expo and lunch, where attendees connected with vendors and explored cutting-edge products. “The summit was a marked success, with outstanding ideas shared by our talented panelists and highly invested attendees. We are grateful to everyone who was a part of it,” said Julia Nittoli, GBN Event Manager. GBN thanks its vendor partners—Evolve Golf, Tee Commerce, Full Turn, and Stitch—for their generous support, which made the event a success.
This event also marked the launch of GBN Wholesale, a new service offering Golf Business Network members access to select products at better-than-wholesale pricing to support retail operations.
The GBN Merchandising Summit, supported by Evolve Golf’s valued partnership, provided practical strategies and encouraged collaboration, equipping attendees to enhance their retail operations. GBN looks forward to continuing to grow this event year after year.
About Golf Business Network:
Golf Business Network is the premier resource for golf professionals, offering executive search services, career development, and educational events designed to elevate the industry’s top talent. GBN is committed to fostering growth and innovation for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Join Golf Business Network:
Are you ready to elevate your career or club? Golf professionals and private clubs are invited to become part of GBN’s growing network. Gain access to industry-leading education, career services, and networking opportunities that set you apart. Learn more or join today by visiting www.golfbusinessnetwork.com.
About Evolve Golf:
Based in Wilmington, NC, Evolve Golf is dedicated to making high quality golf essentials and tournament gifts with a focus on performance, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Proudly offering GBN Members our best pricing since 2008.