Life & Work with Jonathan Reed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Reed.

Hi Jonathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After college, I worked 14 years for NASA contractor; United Space Alliance as an engineer. I really loved that job, the people and the environment. Unfortunately, when the Space Shuttle Program ended so did our jobs. My next endeavor was with Halliburton in Information Technology (IT). The Oil & Gas industry took a major hit in 2019-2020 leading to major layoffs. My entire group was laid off after being furloughed. The job lasted for eight long years, but I’m always thankful for every journey. After being laid off, I was sitting in my cigar lounge (International House of Stogies) smoking a cigar drinking a cup of coffee. I’ve always wanted a cafe but I knew I wasn’t ready for a B&M so I researched online coffee company. After getting the “pat on the back” from my lovely wife; she and I started A Proper Grind. With A Proper Grind, we started selling fresh when you order whole or ground coffee beans. And of course, with any coffee company you have to have some swag! So we found a company where we could create custom mugs, caps and shirts. One of my buddies said hey create me a cap with the word GIMMIE. Another buddy said hey create me a cap with the 19th on it! Since I had just started A Proper Grind, I told my wife hey I’m going to start a golf apparel company called GOLFER BRO!

There are plenty of logo makers out there but none of them had logo’s with the same or even similar hue as me. So with the help of a Logo Maker, I created my own. We found the logo to be so adorable we had to create one for the ladies. One hair bun later, we had Golfer Gurl!

So what is Golfer Bro? Golfer Bro is a Golf Apparel brand that provides apparel for the weekend golfer. Whether you’re a season hacker or passionate newbie we provide clothing for all. A major difference between our company and other stores is we try to be environmentally friendly meaning our products are only made when you order it.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Has it been easy? Has it been smooth? No way. We have had our share of mishaps and bloopers. HaHaHa. We once sent out a polo to an individual and they said the logo came off!! What? How? Never mind! We shipped out a replacement immediately.

Finding the right suppliers was/is a challenge. Shipping cost was/is a challenge. Finding an embroider was a challenge. Rising cost was/is a challenge. Budgeting, Taxes, Social Media, etc. was/is all a challenge!

Nevertheless, it has been really surreal and regarding. I spent twenty years in corporate America and I never had this much “fun”. Would I rather have a steady check coming in every two weeks? Would I want great benefits and a campus gym? Absolutely! I still apply for IT support jobs (call me) here because I still have a wife that loves Amazon. 😊

But for now, I’m enjoying the growth of Golfer Bro!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have an Electrical Engineering Degree from Prairie View A&M University with 20+ years of experience as an engineer and support analyst for various systems and applications. I worked fourteen years with a NASA contractor as an engineer. I also worked eight years with Halliburton as a support analysts and SME.

I am a critical thinker, problem solver and strategic analyst. I love working on a team where you can establish solid relationships with team members, customers, and stakeholders. If you’ve developed software then I’m sure I’ve worked or supported your type of Software Developing Life Cycle (SDLC). From Waterfall to Spiral to Iterative to Agile! If you have a software or firmware problem, I can identify it. I could write about five bug reports against my iPhone right now. Ha!

My most memorable corporate time was working on the Hubble Space Telescope. I actually won an award called the Space Flight Awareness Honoree. This awarded my wife and I a free trip to Florida to witness a Space Shuttle Launch.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You know most people say just start! But what does that really mean? I would and I do tell people to do your research. Then create a business plan. Don’t know what a business plan is? Then let your favorite search engine be your friend. Get a lawyer. Get a CPA. Have a lot of patience!!

When I started, I really wished I would’ve had a smaller selection. I was of the mindset give me this and give me that; I want to sell it all! I would tell myself a year ago to only focus on two to three products. Be great at selling two or three products instead of trying to be good at too many.

Pricing:

• The Front 9 Collection $30-$100
• The Back 9 Collection $30-$100
• The Club House Collection $30 – $125
• The Ladies Tee Box Collection $30 -$100
• The Driving Range Collection $30-$100

Contact Info:

• Email: golferbro@golferbro.com
• Website: golferbro.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golferbro_apparel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GolferBro/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GolferbroA
• Other: https://www.the19thholepodcast.com

Image Credits
Robert August Rafik Sandford Lea Crenshaw Jonathan Reed