From our founder:
"In 2020 MNML GOLF officially launched, entering the scene at the 2020 PGA SHOW.
While carrying our two samples in from the back entrance of the convention center, I ran into Stephen Malbon.
Stephen used to live a few blocks from our first MNML GOLF location in Manhattan Beach and we had met there a few weeks earlier.
At the time, I didn’t know much about Malbon or its goals. I just knew Stephen and so I said hey when I saw him.
Standing on the loading docks outside the show, I asked him if Malbon had a cool booth set up. He responded with: “I’m tired of being cool. I want to make money.”
When I heard that it shocked me a little. I hadn’t considered that there was anything more important to Malbon than being cool. From what I did know, Malbon was the coolest brand in golf and they were about to disrupt the entire scene. What I didn’t realize was that “cool” doesn’t necessarily pay the bills.
I’m aware of that now.
I’m aware that nothing, other than money, pays the bills.
It doesn’t matter how much good you do, how cool you are, how environmentally friendly.. You can’t pay bills with clout, street cred, or karma.
So, post 2020 PGA Show I started noticing Malbon going deeper with collaborations than ever.
Here is the list of brands, companies, and individuals (and I’m certain I missed some)
Adidas, Evian, New Era, Bettinardi, TaylorMade, Beats by Dre, Budweiser, New Balance, StockX, FootJoy, Coca-Cola, Girls Skateboards, UNDEFEATED, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lexus, Sperry, Jimmy Choo, Honma Golf, Bettinardi, adidas, 100 Thieves, Lexus, Gap, Bushmills, Gleneagles, Fabletics, Jesper Parnevik, Jason Day, Charley Hull, Anthony Kim, Michael Block.
It seemed clear to me that, from my conversation with Stephen at the PGA SHOW, that Malbon was utilizing collaborations to reach people without spending ad dollars.
I love this model. It can be honest, transparent, creative, and meaningful. And, it almost always results in a new and innovative design or product. I’m a big fan.
On the surface it’s a good strategy for fast growth.
On the surface it’s a good strategy for fast growth.
However, even though collaborations make sense for us, and making money is essential to pay the bills, there is still a limit to the number of brands MNML GOLF can collaborate with while still staying true to our mission.
We are currently already working on a small number of highly intentional collaborations that expand our influence without compromising our culture of innovation, sustainability, and care.
A short list of brands we are already working with:
- LAB GOLF
- SRIXON GOLF
- Rivvia Projects
Now, my question for you: do you know any brands that align with MNML GOLF? Brands that make sense for us to team up with? These could be brands within golf or outside - as long as our partnership has the potential to build something new, sustainable, and essential, it’s a good fit.
If you think you know a person or brand or company like that, just reply to this email.
I’d love to hear from you specifically - a fan of the mission."
Growing intentionally,
Sam Goulden
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