Getting to know Grunk Dolfer Founder Nick Bender

The 1803 marketplace spotlight series highlights the founders of partner brands and their passion for golf. Each post will showcase a different founder and their unique journey in the golf industry. We will explore their love for the sport and how it has driven them to create innovative and market-shifting brands. The series will delve into the challenges and triumphs faced by these entrepreneurs and how they are disrupting the golf market with their bold vision and creative approach. This series will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the people shaping the future of golf. Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates passion-driven success, this series is a must-read. 

For the second installment, we sat down with Nick Bender, Founder of Grunk Dolfer.

Why do you love golf? 

Golf is the only thing where you can get 4-5 hours of uninterrupted time with your friends.

What's in your golf bag? What other golf apparel and equipment do you love?

I just got the new Mizuno Hot Metal Clubs last year. Other than that, I eat, sleep, and breathe Grunk Dolfer... Lululemon makes good pants and shorts, though, if i had to pick another! 

Can you tell us about your background and how you became involved in the golf industry? 

By Trade, I am a commercial insurance broker and had no relationship with golf other than being a weekend warrior type. When I came up with the idea of Grunk Dolfer, it just set me on a path into this space, and I never looked back. I love it.

What inspired you to start your own golf company? 

The name came to me first, then I created the logo, and I thought, what do I turn this into? At the time, all I really knew was Bad Birdie, and I thought that I might be able to make a splash in that market with my own creative twist on a "fun" golf brand. At that point, I found someone to make me some samples, and Grunk Dolfer was born.

Can you walk us through the challenges and opportunities you have faced while growing the company? 

I'd need a novel for this part; challenges come up every day. We tackle them one day at a time. As opportunities present themselves, we try to keep a healthy optimism about anything we come across, and we try almost anything at least once.

What are your company's future plans and goals? 

The goal for the future is just massive growth. Be in golf shops nationwide, have massive online presents, and put on 3-4 kick ass tournaments a year. We don't just want to stay an irreverent boutique brand. We plan to be a lifestyle brand with a national presence.

Can you share any upcoming products or new initiatives that the company is working on? 

We are always dropping new designs and trying to innovate on certain products in the golf space. As an example, our magnetic koozie and Driver's headcover that holds a shot glass. We will release a special edition of one of our best-selling polos here in the next few weeks, and a Masters themed Polo in March.

Who is your favorite golfer and why? 

Gotta be Tiger just for all of the basic bitch obvious reasons. LOL

What is your favorite golf course and why? 

So many here in California; it's a tough choice, but probably Torrey Pines.

How do you see the golf industry evolving in the next 5-10 years? How is your company preparing for these changes? 

It's going to be super interesting with this whole LIV/PGA situation. Either way, I see it continuing its massive growth. Our strategy is to keep our heads down, grind every day, look up in ten years, and be at the top.

 

 

To learn more about 1803 Golf or our emerging partners, please contact the 1803 Golf co-founders at founders@1803golf.com or follow us @1803golf on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.